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My Friend

By on March 11, 2019 in Tourist
 
 

As we go through life we cross paths with many people. Some we like. Some we don’t. Some who make a little impression on us and some who make a big impression on us. We make many acquaintances but only a few who we can consider as true friends. Donnie Schmeisser was an individual who I considered a true friend.
 
For most of my life I didn’t even know Donnie existed. But that all changed in 2008 when we pulled Tourist into a slip on B-Dock at Legacy Harbour in Ft. Myers.
 
The days passed while we got settled in. My parents wintered some 20 miles south of the marina and were frequent visitors. But when they weren’t there we got to know some of our dock mates. All were friendly but one guy stood out amongst the crowd. One that looked like he had been baking in the sun for months. One who spent his winters at Legacy with his wife Marilyn and dog Chloe.
 
Each day Donnie would pass by several times while taking Chloe ashore to do her business. (And catch up on marina happenings!) Each time stopping to talk if Pam or I were outside. I’m pretty sure that it was at one of these impromptu meetings that we learned about “Docktails”. Seems Donnie and I both had a liking for Rum!
 
Time passed and we got to know each other better, often times offering our limited knowledge to the other about life and it’s complexities. (Better known as bullshitting). On trips to West Marine or China Town (Harbor Freight) Donnie would ask if I wanted to ride along. He and Marilyn even offered their car for us to use if we needed it. Pretty nice and much appreciated.
 
Over the years I learned a lot from Donnie about the surrounding area both on land and water. I’m not sure who was happier about the times we were able to get away from the dock and anchor out at Cayo Costa, Keywadyn Island, or travel to the mooring field at Ft. Myers Beach and bitch about “Capt. Poop” who somewhat managed the moorings and ran the pump-out boat.
 
Every day better than the last and every day ended with “A drink of Rum” as Donnie would say.
We had some good times for sure.
 
If you didn’t take the time to get to know Donnie he could be misconstrued as somewhat of a curmudgeon. And I’m sure to this day that a few still hold that impression. He suffered no fools.
But once you got to know him you realized that he was just a big teddy bear hiding behind that gruff façade. I think Pete, one of our dock mates said it best when describing Donnie.
 
“I’ve never met a man who tried so hard to hide a tender heart”.
 
I could go on and on about the good memories that Pam and I have about our time at Legacy. And when I think about those times most of them include my friend Donnie.
B-Dock and Legacy will never be quite the same for us without you.
 
 Waldorf & Astor (Muppet Show) solving the world’s problems.
 
 Marilyn, Donnie, Mary, & Harry @ Legacy X-Mass Party
Always posed well for a picture!
 
Gordy, Donnie, & Mike deciding the days agenda.
 
A rare family picture.
 
Gone but not forgotten.
 
Rest In Peace My Friend
 
 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marilyn, Chloe, and the family and friends who grieve your loss.

My Friend

By on March 11, 2019 in Tourist
 
 

As we go through life we cross paths with many people. Some we like. Some we don’t. Some who make a little impression on us and some who make a big impression on us. We make many acquaintances but only a few who we can consider as true friends. Donnie Schmeisser was an individual who I considered a true friend.
 
For most of my life I didn’t even know Donnie existed. But that all changed in 2008 when we pulled Tourist into a slip on B-Dock at Legacy Harbour in Ft. Myers.
 
The days passed while we got settled in. My parents wintered some 20 miles south of the marina and were frequent visitors. But when they weren’t there we got to know some of our dock mates. All were friendly but one guy stood out amongst the crowd. One that looked like he had been baking in the sun for months. One who spent his winters at Legacy with his wife Marilyn and dog Chloe.
 
Each day Donnie would pass by several times while taking Chloe ashore to do her business. (And catch up on marina happenings!) Each time stopping to talk if Pam or I were outside. I’m pretty sure that it was at one of these impromptu meetings that we learned about “Docktails”. Seems Donnie and I both had a liking for Rum!
 
Time passed and we got to know each other better, often times offering our limited knowledge to the other about life and it’s complexities. (Better known as bullshitting). On trips to West Marine or China Town (Harbor Freight) Donnie would ask if I wanted to ride along. He and Marilyn even offered their car for us to use if we needed it. Pretty nice and much appreciated.
 
Over the years I learned a lot from Donnie about the surrounding area both on land and water. I’m not sure who was happier about the times we were able to get away from the dock and anchor out at Cayo Costa, Keywadyn Island, or travel to the mooring field at Ft. Myers Beach and bitch about “Capt. Poop” who somewhat managed the moorings and ran the pump-out boat.
 
Every day better than the last and every day ended with “A drink of Rum” as Donnie would say.
We had some good times for sure.
 
If you didn’t take the time to get to know Donnie he could be misconstrued as somewhat of a curmudgeon. And I’m sure to this day that a few still hold that impression. He suffered no fools.
But once you got to know him you realized that he was just a big teddy bear hiding behind that gruff façade. I think Pete, one of our dock mates said it best when describing Donnie.
 
“I’ve never met a man who tried so hard to hide a tender heart”.
 
I could go on and on about the good memories that Pam and I have about our time at Legacy. And when I think about those times most of them include my friend Donnie.
B-Dock and Legacy will never be quite the same for us without you.
 
 Waldorf & Astor (Muppet Show) solving the world’s problems.
 
 Marilyn, Donnie, Mary, & Harry @ Legacy X-Mass Party
Always posed well for a picture!
 
Gordy, Donnie, & Mike deciding the days agenda.
 
A rare family picture.
 
Gone but not forgotten.
 
Rest In Peace My Friend
 
 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marilyn, Chloe, and the family and friends who grieve your loss.

Day Dreaming in Winter about Summer

By on February 18, 2019 in Tourist

As I sit here at the kitchen counter looking out at the falling snow I’m wondering just how long it will be before we can chop a hole in the ice and get Tourist back in operation. Not anytime soon from the looks of it.

So as I often do when faced with reality, I space off into my happy place…..On the water!

Here are a few random pictures of some past happenings.

A colorful meal being prepared by Mike.

Checking on the neighbors.

Nancy & Pam solving the worlds problems.

Eirean heading out. (Mike & Nancy)

Bill, Pam, & Barb relaxing on the bow.

Mike lookin patriotic on July 3rd.

Raft ups waiting for July 3rd fireworks.

Setting a stern anchor to keep the armada in place.

Captain “Fiddle F…” trying to figure out his camera.

The start of the air show.

The highlight of the show. An F-18.

Trouble comes in fours.

What’s for dinner? KFC of course! It’s tradition.
 
Princess Chair raft up.
 
Southbound tow.
 
It’s been a few weeks since I started this posting. In that time we have accumulated 39 inches of snow and recorded a low temperature of -29 at our home. The river is frozen all the way across and Tourist is resting comfortably (although cold) inside a building at Island City Harbor in Sabula, Iowa. With more snow predicted it could be awhile before we’re floating again. It’s enough to make a guy take a drink!


Day Dreaming in Winter about Summer

By on February 18, 2019 in Tourist

As I sit here at the kitchen counter looking out at the falling snow I’m wondering just how long it will be before we can chop a hole in the ice and get Tourist back in operation. Not anytime soon from the looks of it.

So as I often do when faced with reality, I space off into my happy place…..On the water!

Here are a few random pictures of some past happenings.

A colorful meal being prepared by Mike.

Checking on the neighbors.

Nancy & Pam solving the worlds problems.

Eirean heading out. (Mike & Nancy)

Bill, Pam, & Barb relaxing on the bow.

Mike lookin patriotic on July 3rd.

Raft ups waiting for July 3rd fireworks.

Setting a stern anchor to keep the armada in place.

Captain “Fiddle F…” trying to figure out his camera.

The start of the air show.

The highlight of the show. An F-18.

Trouble comes in fours.

What’s for dinner? KFC of course! It’s tradition.
 
Princess Chair raft up.
 
Southbound tow.
 
It’s been a few weeks since I started this posting. In that time we have accumulated 39 inches of snow and recorded a low temperature of -29 at our home. The river is frozen all the way across and Tourist is resting comfortably (although cold) inside a building at Island City Harbor in Sabula, Iowa. With more snow predicted it could be awhile before we’re floating again. It’s enough to make a guy take a drink!


Wake Up Blog!!!!

By on December 12, 2018 in Tourist

One of the things that I always question when a blog I’ve been following goes quiet is “I wonder what happened. Did they quit cruising or maybe worse have health issues or get a divorce?” Any number of thoughts pass through my mind as I ponder what could have happened.

Well I’m happy to report that in our case the answer to all of the above is NO. Although our cruising has been curtailed quite a bit since we made that left turn onto the Tennessee River.

As well as Tourist making a left turn so did our lives as we’d known them for the previous few years.
The passing of my Dad was the beginning of our directional change. That was followed by Pam’s Dad being diagnosed with cancer and her Mom’s on going battle with arthritis. That combination prompted the selling of their multi-level house and moving into an independent living facility. A hard move to make but a good one for them and peace of mind for the rest of the family.

A few months later we moved my mother into the same facility when she was diagnosed with dementia. She had been living at home alone and in general not taking care of herself. Getting her to move took a little convincing but once the move was made she hasn’t looked back.

We now have my Mom and Pam’s parents not only in the same facility but across the hall from one another. No one can make a move without us hearing about it!

Needless to say our focus has changed.

As far as the blog is concerned I’ll try to do a few recaps over the next few months of what’s been happening in our lives. There could even be some boating involved.

I covered 2016 in previous posts so I’ll start randomly in 2017.

Since we’ve been home most of our time has been spent locally. We were able to sneak away in June of  ’17 for a few days to Las Vegas where we met Rick & Sarah (M/V Private Affair) and Mark & Kate (M/V Mar-Kate). Of course what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas so sorry, no incriminating pictures. Let’s just say we had a good time!

Pam and I did take a one day side trip to the Grand Canyon where we were able to take pictures. So here are a few.

Our first stop out of Vegas was at the Hoover Dam.

Looking out at the low water of Lake Mead.

One of the Lake Mead marinas. Notice where the water level used to be on the mound in the lower part of the picture.

Looking down river from the Pat Tillman Bridge. The old road is visible on the right side of the river.

Pat Tillman Bridge that took traffic off of the dam .

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from the bridge.

From  Hoover Dam  we continued on and picked up I-40 at Kingman, Az.

Who could resist stopping at the Road Kill Café in Seligman, Az.

Grand Canyon
 
Bright Angel Lodge lobby
 
 
Of Course we found the bar at Bright Angel
 
 
The big ditch
 
 

 
Back in Vegas the temps outside were HOT! I know. It’s a dry heat so it’s not that bad right? Bullsh-t! 100 degrees walking across concrete and asphalt. You can feel the soles of your shoes melting away if you stop moving.
We did however have a few fleeting moments of insanity to get a couple pictures of the Strip.
 
 
 
 
 
We stayed at Mandalay Bay which is on the lower end of the strip. Our room had a nice view of the airport and of what looked to be an outdoor concert venue directly across the street. Little did we realize that a few months later it would be that venue that made headlines when a shooter opened fire on the Jason Aldean concert goers who packed the grounds.
 
Looking south at Mandalay Bay Hotel (gold building)
 
One thing that struck us while we were in Vegas was the huge number of families who chose to drag their kids with them to this largely adult oriented playground. So many so that it was almost annoying. You had to keep a sharp lookout when you walked around the hotel and the town. At any moment you could get run down by a non-supervised RugRat!
 
All in all it was a good time. We saw some sights. Took in a show. And oddly enough, won a little money. And the best part was being able to re-connect with some boating friends.
 
 
Until the next time Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wake Up Blog!!!!

By on December 12, 2018 in Tourist

One of the things that I always question when a blog I’ve been following goes quiet is “I wonder what happened. Did they quit cruising or maybe worse have health issues or get a divorce?” Any number of thoughts pass through my mind as I ponder what could have happened.

Well I’m happy to report that in our case the answer to all of the above is NO. Although our cruising has been curtailed quite a bit since we made that left turn onto the Tennessee River.

As well as Tourist making a left turn so did our lives as we’d known them for the previous few years.
The passing of my Dad was the beginning of our directional change. That was followed by Pam’s Dad being diagnosed with cancer and her Mom’s on going battle with arthritis. That combination prompted the selling of their multi-level house and moving into an independent living facility. A hard move to make but a good one for them and peace of mind for the rest of the family.

A few months later we moved my mother into the same facility when she was diagnosed with dementia. She had been living at home alone and in general not taking care of herself. Getting her to move took a little convincing but once the move was made she hasn’t looked back.

We now have my Mom and Pam’s parents not only in the same facility but across the hall from one another. No one can make a move without us hearing about it!

Needless to say our focus has changed.

As far as the blog is concerned I’ll try to do a few recaps over the next few months of what’s been happening in our lives. There could even be some boating involved.

I covered 2016 in previous posts so I’ll start randomly in 2017.

Since we’ve been home most of our time has been spent locally. We were able to sneak away in June of  ’17 for a few days to Las Vegas where we met Rick & Sarah (M/V Private Affair) and Mark & Kate (M/V Mar-Kate). Of course what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas so sorry, no incriminating pictures. Let’s just say we had a good time!

Pam and I did take a one day side trip to the Grand Canyon where we were able to take pictures. So here are a few.

Our first stop out of Vegas was at the Hoover Dam.

Looking out at the low water of Lake Mead.

One of the Lake Mead marinas. Notice where the water level used to be on the mound in the lower part of the picture.

Looking down river from the Pat Tillman Bridge. The old road is visible on the right side of the river.

Pat Tillman Bridge that took traffic off of the dam .

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from the bridge.

From  Hoover Dam  we continued on and picked up I-40 at Kingman, Az.

Who could resist stopping at the Road Kill Café in Seligman, Az.

Grand Canyon
 
Bright Angel Lodge lobby
 
 
Of Course we found the bar at Bright Angel
 
 
The big ditch
 
 

 
Back in Vegas the temps outside were HOT! I know. It’s a dry heat so it’s not that bad right? Bullsh-t! 100 degrees walking across concrete and asphalt. You can feel the soles of your shoes melting away if you stop moving.
We did however have a few fleeting moments of insanity to get a couple pictures of the Strip.
 
 
 
 
 
We stayed at Mandalay Bay which is on the lower end of the strip. Our room had a nice view of the airport and of what looked to be an outdoor concert venue directly across the street. Little did we realize that a few months later it would be that venue that made headlines when a shooter opened fire on the Jason Aldean concert goers who packed the grounds.
 
Looking south at Mandalay Bay Hotel (gold building)
 
One thing that struck us while we were in Vegas was the huge number of families who chose to drag their kids with them to this largely adult oriented playground. So many so that it was almost annoying. You had to keep a sharp lookout when you walked around the hotel and the town. At any moment you could get run down by a non-supervised RugRat!
 
All in all it was a good time. We saw some sights. Took in a show. And oddly enough, won a little money. And the best part was being able to re-connect with some boating friends.
 
 
Until the next time Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

When Turning Left is Right

By on March 16, 2017 in Tourist

You may remember last spring when Tourist pulled out of Fort Myers and headed north. Our intention was to work our way back over familiar waters to the Tennessee River and make a right turn with a final destination of Tellico Lake in mind for the summe…

When Turning Left is Right

By on March 16, 2017 in Tourist

You may remember last spring when Tourist pulled out of Fort Myers and headed north. Our intention was to work our way back over familiar waters to the Tennessee River and make a right turn with a final destination of Tellico Lake in mind for the summe…

Merry Christmas!

By on December 23, 2016 in Tourist
Navigation has come to a close on our part of the Mississippi. The lock at Dubuque officially shut down on December 13th. Maybe they knew something when that date was scheduled because by late the following week there was ice on the river, snow in the air, and temperatures heading to below zero. It’s comforting to know that Tourist while still cold, is escaping the harshness of the winter winds and snow tucked safely inside the building at Island City Harbor. 
 

Merry Christmas!!

Last tow of the season. M/V Wisconsin southbound in the snow.

Merry Christmas!

By on December 23, 2016 in Tourist
Navigation has come to a close on our part of the Mississippi. The lock at Dubuque officially shut down on December 13th. Maybe they knew something when that date was scheduled because by late the following week there was ice on the river, snow in the air, and temperatures heading to below zero. It’s comforting to know that Tourist while still cold, is escaping the harshness of the winter winds and snow tucked safely inside the building at Island City Harbor. 
 

Merry Christmas!!

Last tow of the season. M/V Wisconsin southbound in the snow.