We called customs to check back into USA and then left Bondar to make the short (1 mile) hop across the river to George Kemp Marina. We had stayed at this great facility on the way up, so knew what to expect. Both of us took on enough fuel to last us through this season and headed for our slips. We pulled in next to a DeFever 49 sporting a Great Loop Cruiser's Association flag indicating they had completed the Great Loop. Introductions were quickly completed and before we knew it, Barb and Dave had invited us aboard for evening cocktails.
But before cocktails, this was a chore day. Garry spent his day cleaning the dinghy and giving Waterford a good wash down. While he worked on the exterior, I cleaned the interior in between 6 loads of laundry. No need for exercise today after all the trips between boat and laundry! We showered while the last load dried and were really, really ready for that cocktail!
We enjoyed a lovely evening with Barb and Dave touring Hallelujah and hearing all about the Great Loop. Each of the "Loopers" we have met along the way have given great tips about harbors, etc. and all of them have assured us "you have to do the Loop". So next summer................
The party broke up as thunder rumbled. Though there was lots of noise, the storms scooted south of us. Later we sat out on the back deck watching the "dance of the freighters".
You can see "Ironmaster" heading down stream just coming out of the lock while "Presque Isle" is moving into the lock going up stream.
"Ironmaster" is actually a tug pushing a huge barge.
While "Presque Isle" is one of those mammoth 1000 footers moving on to Duluth.
The storm clouds had cleared and we were left with this glorious moon to end our evening.
Thursday August 22
Chores done, we slept in and then took a nice long walk into town. Jan and I left the guys in the hardware store (see a pattern here?) while we walked on to the local Rite Aid to pick up prescriptions and some nicely priced wine. Garry was needing some ice cream, so we moved on to the "strip". After a quick stop for grandkid prizes, we made our way back to the dock. Just before the marina, we spied a sign offering pasties at the local American Legion Hall. This would be yet another entry in Doug's quest to find THE best pastie, so we decided to take the purchases back to the dock before returning later for a cocktail and taste test.
We made the short walk back to the Legion Hall at cocktail time. What a location --- it is right on the waterfront between the Coast Guard station and the locks. Though the building is old, you sit at the bar looking out on all the activity on the waterfront --- awesome! Unfortunately, the pasties were all frozen, so we just bought a couple to take back to the boat. I'm sure they'll be delicious.
We have really enjoyed our stay in the American Soo!
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