Days Events:

Wx - cloudy, rain later, 55/65, winds NE 5.

Departure Preparations:

We spent our last night on D.A. and today moved to the hotel, after we picked up the Enterprise SUV in Watertown [39miles] and dropped off our local rental. Loaded our stuff into the SUV this afternoon.

Have to drain the hot water tank and the fresh water tanks [only a few gallons remaining in each]. Also, need to take all the batteries out of all the flashlights and any other 'tool' so that the batteries don't leak over winter. Marg looks after all the appliance and galley to-do's. The fridge and freezer and ice-maker are defrosted with the doors held open with towels over the doors.

We are definitely looking forward to staying in the hotel for a few days, though obviously have some mixed emotions. We have come to realize we are not 'born to be boaters' and have found the near constant water chop and wind sometimes almost disorienting and wearying - a 6 month break will regenerate our earlier enthusiasm.

The I-81 highway has 'TEXT' stops about every 5 miles; signs state "It can wait -- next text stop 5 miles"; there is also a law, posted on signs, that 3 citations for texting and you lose your license!! NY means business.

We had a Subway Veggie Delight in Watertown - they only allow take-out; it's the first subway we've had in 6 months.

Hotel - the Riveredge Resort has been around for a few years [20+?] but is well maintained, has 128 rooms on 4 floors, a restaurant/bar, marina, indoor pool/spa/sauna, and great view of the Alexandria Bay and St.Lawrence River. Due to Covid, there is no room housekeeping service; if we need something [extra coffee for the admiral], we call and they will bring it to the door. Will get some photos tomorrow.

Reading - just finished "The Professor and the Madman" - "A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary", by Simon Winchester. If you like history, this non-fiction is a wonderful read about how the the OED [Oxford English Dictionary] was finally published, and the two most involved men [the editor, and an American in a British Insane Asylum for homicide] who became friends despite their opposite environments.

Now reading vol.1 of OBrian's "Master and Commander", recommended by Brian Wood - about a British naval 'warship' during the Napoleonic Wars and the relationship between the Captain and the ships doctor; glad I didn't have to live aboard those ships.

Admirals Desk:

Well, we are in a hotel, have real toilet paper, and in a room that is the largest space, other than outdoors, we've been in since leaving OBM!! Grocery stores don't count because of the aisles. This is open floor space.

The hotel is maintaining safe covid practices. The restaurant is supposed to be good and should be based on the prices!

I mentioned the wind yesterday. It blew a hole in and shredded some of the edge of the Canadian flag flying at our marina. There are both CDN and US flags on most poles along the St. Lawrence. It was a pretty strong wind.

I've decided I really need to get a haircut. Even though we'll be home in a few days I'm looking desperate and it will take time to get resituated enough for an appt. once home. Hopefully I'll have better luck than last time. I'll keep you posted.😁

This hotel still does room service. Sounds perfect to me. No dishes to do.

That's it for now.

Horizon Marina Winterizing Process:

According to the long-termers here, the marina now takes over everything - they pilot the boat from this slip to the service dock, perform the needed services, pilot the boat to the haul-out ramp at Keewaydin State Park, just across the river, drive her onto one of their hydraulic trailers, pull her to the warehouse, and set her onto braces/stands. They charge the batteries several times through the winter [don't leave the charger connected]. The electrical, mechanical, and fiberglass/deck work will be done in the warehouse before spring, with photo progress reports to us.

Tomorrow: will 'walk-through' the boat to hopefully not find something we missed doing.

We anticipate departing for home on Friday.

Stay safe.

Comments:

Billy - 9 Sep 2020: Lithium batteries dont leak, and would be a good replacement in your flashlights etc.

Ernie R - 9 Sep 2020: Sad and happy day! What a process! Any idea how many boats they store, must have big staff to do all that! Hope you get picture of trailer. Safe trip! Since you have been out of good ole Alabama for a while I hope we understand you upon your return!

Dd - 9 Sep 2020: What an adventure!! Right on you guys