And We're Off!

It's been a while since we've had time to update our blog. It has been a long, long haul but on the morning of Sept 1st with the help of many friends we untied the dock lines and set sail.

Here is some of the activity over the past month:

Sewing the dodger...this had to be the toughest of all the projects. There really should be a warning "don't try this at home". Now we know why dodgers are expensive. Thank you to George & Cindy on Copper Penny (on their way to New Zealand) who stayed one extra day in Erieau and helped us. 

And the finished product. Looks pretty good for 2 rookies!

Curtains in the aft cabin finally installed. Fabric purchased from St Thomas Canvas and hardware from Sailrite.

New countertops installed. What a difference - we'll post a picture of the finished project once the backsplash is installed.

Family and Friends come to say goodbye:

We would be remiss if we didn't thank all of our friends and family who have supported us through our 2 year rebuild. You listened to us talk about what we've done and what we still had to do. You were understanding when we rushed off to start the next project. Thank you for your kindness and all the well wishes. We are very blessed!

Dave, Dorisa, Linda & Paul - sorry the whether was not the best - you will have to come to the Bahamas and get that sail in! 

My Mom and Dad, Thank you for supporting our dream. Thanks Dad for listening to all the planning over coffee every morning. Thanks Mom for all the pies, cookies, and the extra pounds. Paul especially thanks you for the relish. I'm going to have to ration it!

 It really wasn't easy to say goodbye!

Paul's Mom. Thank you supporting our dream. (even though we know you think we are a little crazy)

Paul's sister Jo - thanks for making sure Mom got there to see us off and for taking all the pictures You captured some great candid shots. (and see Jo it doesn't rock to much while at dock). And Paul's niece Pam with baby Violet. I think she is going to be a sailor!

Daughter Jess with boyfriend Ben. It was a wonderful day for a sail! So glad you could make it! Like her Dad, Jess is a natural sailor . We can't wait till you come to the Bahamas!

Our dock mates Bill and Annalea became wonderful friends who provided shoulders and sounding boards. We will truly miss you! Thank you!.Bill you should now be able to see the rest of the sail basin!

 Geoff & Molly stopped in on their way back from the North Channel. Their boat Dawn Flight (2 circumnavigations - around the world & around South America) was the inspiration for us to look for a Corbin 39.

Jim & Deb - our good friends and cruising buddies. Yes Jim the ceiling is in and "It's Saturday"!!!

Thank you for your help & your support. Can't wait to celebrate with bubbly once we've crossed into the Bahamas!

We will miss you!

 Reg! Thanks for coming to our rescue with the wood delivery! And thanks for the great laughs with "Weekend at Bernies" movie night. Haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

Commodore Bogie & Christine. Guests are always treated royally when visiting KaMa!

Brian and Lorna visited twice and both times we forgot to take a picture..so they sent me one of their favourites from St Lucia.  We now have a handy dive bag and will certainly be leaning to play Domino's.

Thank you Erie Sail Club for the send off! The cake was delicious!

 The send off crew early morning Sept 1st.  We think they were going to untie the lines even if we weren't ready. We wonder who won the bet for which day we'd finally leave.

And we are off!

Winds blew 14 knots gusting to 22. Winds made for R Kalliste'.  We arrived in Ashtabula and were welcomed by AYC with open arm. We've made some great friends over the past several years. 

Thanks Kyle, for the book, we are already enjoying "Beyond the Breakwall"

Tammy and Larry treated us to dinner at Hilmak's (our favourite seafood place across the lake) What a real treat! thank you!

Ashtabula is a major shipping port on Lake Erie that receives coal by train and ships it to Canadian 

electric generating plants and cement producers. For a time it was one of the worlds busiest receiving ports. With Canadian demand for coal dwindling we have heard that after 2014 coal may not be shipped from here. This ship "the Ashtabula" delivering gravel and while off loading took up the whole channel. 

 After anchoring in Marina Bay, just inside Presque Isle Bay, Erie PA we pulled anchor at 2:30 am to head out for the long motor to Buffalo (no winds but a beautiful day anyway). Above is Erie PA at about 3:00 am. (Sept 4th)

 Our first lift bridge in the canal at Buffalo.

 Second bridge was the "Corps of Engineers" bridge. A unique swing bridge.

Our first lock. We were to only boat inside. 

Wardell's - "you can't go any further with that mast!"

 Mast dropped to the deck with the help of Denny Wardell - It took only the 3 of us! Storm coming - thunder in the distance. Lifted over the solar panels, under the arch, missed the wind gen ...phew!!!