Dory The Reluctant Boat Kitty

We started thinking about taking our cat, Dory, aboard Mystic after seeing how stressed she got being left behind. She is very attached to us. We had been leaving her with our son while we were away. That didn't go well since he also had a kitty. Dory is pretty good with other pets but Eleanor was very territorial. She would sit in Dory's litter box and glare at her with an attitude that suggested, "What are you gonna do about it?"

Dory watched us pack our truck for the long drive to Marinette Wisconsin. She knows what it means when we start throwing things in bags. This time, we had her pet carrier ready to stuff her in. She was not thrilled with this change in routine and let us know about it, but she settled in nicely for the long ride.

When we got her aboard Mystic and opened the carrier to let her out, she stayed put. Every little creak and every sway of the hull created a physical reaction of fear from her. She was not impressed one bit with her new digs. She eventually took over the v-birth section of the boat and protested loudly and with the exclamation point of her claws if we tried to pick her up or move her. She did not want to be anywhere else in the boat. We finally coaxed her out with treats but she quickly retreated back to her safe spot as soon as they were gone.

Dory, the reluctant boat kitty

We quickly realized that our girl was not going to adapt to 350 square ft when she was accustomed to 2200. She was scared and depressed and confused by all the new sounds and smells. Several folks on our dock have dogs that like to come visit Mystic without notice. Dory stared at them from the floor with no malice but definitely ready to fight for her space should she need to.

We disrupted our plans and made a special trip home to get her back to her land life. As soon as we opened her crate, Dory scurried out and began exploring all her favorite places. Her stature changed and her confidence returned. 

Dory is named after the colorful little fish in Finding Nemo. My uncle saved her from a feral life outside. We adopted her at one week old, unsure if she'd even survive, but she just kept swimming, swimming, swimming from kitten milk bottles to queen of our home. Her life has been spent inside, sheltered from harm. She doesn't know much about the rest of the world so it's not a surprise that her visit aboard Mystic didn't go well. We learned that Dory is not a boat kitty. She is the Mistress of our land home, Dory the land lubber kitty!

A big stretch on the French Door

Waiting for dinner

Splash 2023

As luck would have it, we found another bird nest on Mystic this spring. Dave noticed a bunch of debris and bird poop in our cockpit. The only logical place for a nest was inside our boom which is where we found a nearly completed, rather large nest, tucked deep inside, almost out of our reach. The starling couple that was feverishly trying to finish their new home, were not happy with us for removing their attempts at setting up housekeeping. They hadn't laid eggs yet, so we dodged last year's bullet of having to raise a baby!

We thought our bird troubles were over until two days later when we realized the tenacious couple were now trying to enter our boom at the mast. The tiny opening didn't seem big enough for a starling to fit through but they definitely were in full construction mode. We stuffed a plastic bag in the hole and wrapped a bright red life jacket over the top of the boom to discourage them. They sat on our neighbors boat, (which happens to have an open ended boom on it as well), and screeched at us in anger. This became annoying but we chuckled at the irony of our Marina being named "Nestegg".

Starling screeching at us from next door

Starling hovering over the
end of our boom

We spent Saturday washing then waxing Mystic's hull. The months of dirt and grime slowly disappeared with Dawn dish soap, 409 and a whole lot of elbow grease. The wax brought out Memorial Day reflections on our blank white topsides. Mystic looks much better.

Memorial Day Reflection

We walked over the interstate bridge to Menomonie, Michigan for an emotional Memorial Day service. A small group of Veterans, scouts and half a dozen motorcycle riders marched from the band shell next to Menominee Marina to Veterans Memorial Park just a few blocks away. We watched a beautiful ceremony of remembrance, finding comfort in honoring those who were lost, fighting for America. A soldier carried a wreath out into the bay to honor those who died serving our country on the water. This along with taps and a gun salute brought me to tears.

Mystic is one of a dozen boats left on the hard at Nestegg Marine. Sitting behind us is a Bayliner named Bob Tale. We know this boat from our Great Loop adventure. We met Paul and Jean at Hoppy's along the Mississippi in 2016. So far, we haven't run into them but we hope to reconnect before they leave the marina.

There is only one boat in front of us set to splash on May 30th. We've been assigned to Slip 6 on Stephenson Island. Our plan was to leave Marinette right after launching to cruise Canada, but things are on hold while we figure out life issues. Leah, the marina manager, has been wonderful and accommodating. She knows it is possible that we will be here again this summer.

Mark guiding Mystic to the well

That moment when your boat is
suspended in the air...

Splash!

Season 2023 begins

Good Old Boat magazine posted a meme about the feeling you get when you see your boat suspended in the air in the sling. It is absolutely heart stopping! Our launch went well though. Mystic was settled in her slip by 1:00. When we left the launch well and approached the end of slip #6, the current caught our stern and pushed us down river. The rubber bumper on the corner of the dock was missing. The metal bracket holding the dock together gauged our starboard hull as we slid past, putting a long deep scratch along Mystic's starboard side. Our new neighbors Dan and Nina were waiting to grab our lines. They told us they had the same experience when they docked their boat Shoo Fly in the slip next to us. We are disappointed by this. Luckily, Dave can repair the gash. Dan spoke to Leah and requested Nestegg purchase new corners to replace those that are missing throughout the docks. We will assist with installing them in order to protect against damage in the future.

With Mystic settled in her slip, we gathered the last of our things and hit the road. We will return in a few days and bring her sails. Just maybe, we'll get out on the bay for a sail soon.

Spring Awakening 2023

It's late April but we're still dealing with a mix of rain and snow. Mystic is on the hard, waiting for us to unveil her. We're on our way to the marina in Marinette Wisconsin for the weekend. This extended wintery weather is delaying boating season. We are happy for this opportunity to have a look at her but we are itching to get in the water.

We arrived late afternoon after a five and a half hour drive and began the laborious work of reloading our boat gear. We brought our cabin cushions, our bank of four batteries and electric heaters so we could sleep on board. The shore power closest to us was full so Dave had to extend our cord with a second one to reach the next pedestal. To warm up the cabin, we turned on the electric heaters. Mystic looks great and is bone dry with no obvious mildew smells like we saw in the southern states. We are well versed in the tradeoffs of cruising the ocean versus the Great Lakes.

The floating docks are in place on Stephenson Island and a few boats are tied up in their slip. We'll be on the hard for a few more weeks. Living on the hard is not easy. We have to climb up a 12 foot ladder to board Mystic. Everything we put on the boat goes up that ladder with us, one slow and careful trip at a time. 

We were hungry after a day of driving and working on Mystic. Brothers Three offers a delicious Friday fish fry with white fish, fries, cole slaw, baked beans and fresh rye bread for only $8.99. Before COVID it was $5.99. The increase is just another sign of the times we live in today. Everything is up by at least 30%! 

Our friend Dennis stopped by to visit. He brought his black lab, Apollo, who doesn't go anywhere without a stick. He left it right outside the Captain's lounge door. As we parted ways, Apollo grabbed his stick and nudged me. Apollo would play fetch 24/7 if someone would just play along and he knows I'm a sucker for his antics.

Apollo with his walking stick

Apollo

I didn't sleep much but Dave settled right in. I listened as he purred into a deep sleep. He woke me at 7:00 sharp with an offer of coffee and donuts which got me up and going for the day. We drove around Marinette and Menomonee to check out our favorite places. We spent the day taking the winter cover off. It's challenging maneuvering around the wooden frame while 15 feet off the ground. Dave dismantled the many pieces that make up our frame. We removed them from the boat and loaded them in the truck to transport them home.

Our friend John was at the marina working on his boat, Avocet. He and his wife Jen asked us to meet them at Three Bridges Brewery. Afterwards we popped across the street for dinner at Ellie's. Dennis joined us for a lively Saturday night on the town in Menominee. 

After dinner, we were early to bed. Dave was up the next morning at dawn, reporting that we had ice on the deck. We can't do much in icy conditions. Eager to get on the road, we packed up, carefully dropped the slippery extension ladder then headed west.

Spending the weekend aboard Mystic gave us a glimpse of the summer to come. It also reminded us of the boat projects that must be completed before our departure. Repairs and improvements are a necessary part of boating but they take time. Messing around at the marina is better than spending the day at work though. It's a simple life and we are thrilled to be one step closer to returning to it!

The Signs of Spring

Spring has been slow to awaken in 2023. Winter keeps dropping snow and cold on us, making this winter the third snowiest year on record with over 90 inches. We're feeling impatient for it to end.

One clear sign that fair weather is in the forecast is the traffic at our bird feeder. We live along a ravine that is filled with deer, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, possum and lots of birds. Last year several flocks of migrating species visited us. The first to arrive were the Yellow-Rumped Myrtle Warblers who came in large flocks of around 100 at a time. They took turns swooping in from the branches of our oak tree and emptied our bird feeders in short order.

Yellow-rumped Myrtle Warbler

Once the Warblers passed through, the Rose Breasted Grosbeak made an appearance, camping out at our feeders, munching away for a few days, then they also moved on.

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

The House, Gold and Purple Finches hung in the background during our large flock visits. Once the numbers of transient birds decreased, the finches moved back to their own feeding routine. We watched as their colors began to burst into brighter shades of summer.

Golden Finch

House Finch

Red Bellied Woodpeckers love life by the ravine. They stick around all winter and often land on our feeders to grab a treat or two. They are so big and loud. They take up space along the entire feeder so the songbirds stay out of the way when they visit.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpeckers fit better on the feeders but they tend to peck at them to reach their reward. They cause damage, like the squirrels, but we tolerate their visits; only chasing them away when they peck more than they eat.

Harry Woodpecker 

We were delighted to have a visit from a pair of Indigo Bunting. Their feathers are deep blue and incredibly beautiful. They brought us enthusiasm for the warmth and color of summer. They were daily visitors at our feeders for a week or so. We were sad to see them move on.

Indigo Bunting

Indigo Bunting

Springtime means hunting for morel mushrooms. This delicacy is found in the woods under rotting elm trees. Folks who gather morels know the best places to hunt and generally do not share this coveted information. We spent a lot of time hiking in our secret morel sites but found only a few. We'll be back at it once the snow is gone and the conditions are perfect.

Morel mushrooms

We arrived at our boat for spring launch last May and found a dove's nest with two perfect eggs. Doves are known for laying eggs very early in the spring and often build their flimsy nests in inappropriate places. Although this little family delayed our plans, we enjoyed finding the nest and watching the process of hatching and fledging. We are already hearing the coo of doves in our neighborhood. It is one of the many sounds of spring.

Dove Nest and Eggs

Newly Hatched

Our hikes are filled with discovery. We delight in every sign of warmer days. This colorful, fat Leafy Spurge Hawk larvae, is beautiful but morphs into a subdued looking brown and dusty rose moth. Nature is full of surprises.

Our gardens are chock full of milkweed which brings monarch butterflies that lay their eggs on the leaves. We have spent summers harvesting eggs and raising them through the release of butterflies into our gardens to start the cycle all over again. It's an amazing process.

Monarch on Milkweed

The ravine and gardens are wonderful places for all kinds of frogs to set up housekeeping. We find tree frogs and toads every year. They keep me company when I'm pulling weeds.

Garden Toad

Tree Frog

Over winter we enjoyed visiting the soaring eagles along the Mississippi and St Croix Rivers. It's amazing to watch their acrobatics and community lifestyle. We were accompanied by these magnificent raptors during our Great Loop adventure. We have a deep connection and appreciation of them. Winter sightings brought us memories of our cruising days and remind us that spring will eventually get here.

We have no idea when spring will arrive but we're ready! We've got big plans for the "warm" season of the Midwest, including soaking up every moment we are given. Spring, and adventure are in the air!

When They Were Young

We're hunkered down awaiting a big February snowstorm that promises to gift us over a foot of snow. We've already got piles of the white stuff stacked as high as my chest along our boulevard; we don't need more. What we need is a big thaw.

The layer of ice at the end of our driveway is five inches deep. It was created by the snow plow repeatedly pushing piles of packed snow into our drive. When spring arrives, the snow along the boulevard will begin to melt and a river will form under the snow pack.  Gallons of run off will flow under the ice and snow toward downtown.

This refreeze meltdown happens every year. When the kids were young, they would play along the gutter, bundled up in rubber boots and rain jackets, they would somehow get completely drenched. Toy boats would float from our driveway to the next. One child at the start, the other at the finish. They were oblivious to the cold water and their giggles and splashes attracted the neighbor kids. They would stay out there all day if allowed to. Only fresh baked sugar cookies and hot cocoa could lure them away to warm up and dry off.

Kids have a way of finding joy in everything, including the things that cause strife for adults. To them, snow means sledding and winter fun. Spring rain brings trips to the beach, bugs and sprouting plants. They focus more on the changes than on the time each season takes to change. We could learn a lesson from them. 

Rubber Band Resolutions

The end of December brought relief from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season but it arrived on the coattail of the first day of a bitter winter. We were knee deep into the season of intense cold, short days, and snow that kept falling and accumulating. The days would begin to lengthen, but only one minute at a time as the temperature dropped. In spite of this, something deep inside of us begins to bubble up, encouraging us to ignore the discomfort of the season. Everything feels possible. We get outside to enjoy the beauty of winter and find ourselves humming with a sense of optimism and excitement for spring.

Christmas 2023

Snow on cherry trees Stillwater MN

Snow canopy Stillwater MN 

Winter wonderland in our backyard

Snow accumulation on our deck

'Snow' Men on Standing Cedars Trail

Hiking Standing Cedars Trail

Hiking Buttermilk Falls

January 1st is when we are supposed to make our New Year's resolutions. I've never been a huge fan of this tradition. In my younger years, my resolutions were directed at silly goals like attempting to lose a crazy amount of weight. In 2015 I changed how I look at resolutions by making the choice to be brave for the coming year. I was proud of myself, however I made note at the end of the year that there was room for me to be MORE brave in 2016. 

Blog Post: A Year of Being Brave

This year, my resolution was directed at something I've been struggling with since the start of the pandemic. The world's state of affairs, the cancel culture, and the negativity that permeates society in general has led me to resolve to turn my back on this nastiness and strive to live in the positive. I'll watch less TV, avoid social media, and walk away from those who expect me to live as they say, not as they do. I will attempt to be part of the solution rather than contribute to the problem. I'll wear a proverbial rubber band around my wrist to snap anytime I feel myself falling into the chasm of negativity, anxiety, anger or frustration. I will focus on what makes me a better person and what honors my values and ethics.

Nestegg Marine Visit January 2023

Our dock is gone for the winter

Mystic with the tan cover
and blue bottom paint

Boats at rest at Nestegg Marine

A man and his boat 

As the snow begins to fall yet again, (we’re expecting 10 inches today), I smile and remind myself that I am in charge of my own happiness. We all get to hit the reset button of life each January. This only happens once a year and it happens right when I need it most; while we're waiting on the start of sailing season, the most positive time of the year!