We had some rain move in around 5:30 am... which always makes for great sleeping conditions... so we let the kids sleep in again this morning. I made eggs, sausage and toast for breakfast and then we started to clean up. Since its our last morning, we spent a little extra time to pack our clothes and dirty linens to save time later. Once finished, we prepped to go.
It was 10:40 am when Tyler and I headed out to untie the lines, just as it was starting to sprinkle again. Its a little cooler today at 62* with overcast skies and 4 mph winds from the North. We passed the pier around 10:55 am and found 1-2' waves so we were able to speed up to get on plane at 31 mph for our ride home.
Because of the drizzle and cooler temps, we kept the boat mostly closed up for the ride. Tyler and I turned on some reruns of the Office and giggled as we made our way.
Around 12:45 pm, we slowed as the pier off of Grand Haven came into view. What a welcoming sight! We took our time coming in as a large ship was just heading out.
As we came through the channel and made our way to our marina, Jen and the kids went to work packing up the kitchen and prepping the trash, etc.
Tyler tied us off in our slip at 1:15 pm while Sammy and I started to load the truck. We were all loaded up and heading home by 1:26 pm. Definitely our quickest unload EVER!
We made a couple stops for lunch at Jimmy Johns and a Starbucks and were pulling into our driveway by 2:40 pm.
It was a great trip on the boat! We really enjoyed visiting new marinas (Manistee, Pentwater). Scott and I also had fun visiting familiar marinas (Ludington, Frankfort, Leland) and found ourselves remembering our past trips.
Its so much easier taking a trip like this now compared to years ago when the kids were young. Tyler has learned so much about the boat and his knowledge comes in handy so often. Plus he's quick to help with lines and electronics whenever needed. Sammy has gotten very comfortable onboard and is quick to help me with the chores in the kitchen and with Coco.
As I reflect on our week, I'm not sure there is a favorite stop or memory... but so many snapshots of our time together. I'm certain our kids wont forget these memories. The feel of excitement and adventure as you pull into a new place from the water.
A huge thanks to Scott for being such a great captain! Its a lot of work being on the water but he does such an amazing job, it looks easy!
We are already making plans for future trips. I cannot wait to make even more memories from the boat!
