The past two weeks have been both wonderful and exhausting! We had granddaughters onboard for a total of 11 days, and I believe it will take me an equal number of days to recuperate!
Our plan was to meet the girls on Chickamauga Lake, so one more lock was required. This was the first time we shared a lock with small recreational boats, but apparently these boats are the primary customers for this lock. Many people visit this lake from Chattanooga.
We docked the boat at Island Cove Marina, the day before their arrival, and took an Uber to the store to stock up on all of the food we would need for their 11 day stay. Lucy and Maggie arrived on Thursday, June 25, and we left the next day for a fabulous anchorage. Island Cove made a perfect ‘home base’ for us, as they allowed us to get packages delivered during our two week stay on the lake, and they only charged .56 per foot when we wanted to stay (that price included electricity)...amazing! They also allowed us to come and go any time, to pick up and drop off visitors. I highly recommend Island Cove to any boats transiting the area.
The continuing saga...we were able to get a head gasket delivered to the marina, once again Keith disassembled the Whaler. Clearly the salt buildup around the cylinder would indicate a problem, but could the head gasket be the cause??? Apparently not! After a thorough cleaning and reassembly with a new head gasket the engine is still overheating...UGH!!! The last possible thing to replace is a part called a megaphone. It mixes the water with exhaust gases before they leave the engine. Keith has discovered the original piece was made of plastic, and if the engine overheats it could melt and block water flow. That part (now metal) has been ordered and picked up from an Evinrude dealer here on Chickamauga Lake. I am really starting to feel sorry for my personal mechanic!
We were so happy that Alexis was able to join us for 3 days. Lucy and Maggie were very happy to have a new playmate. Wish we could have had Anna with us too!
There was a LOT of jumping!
Alexis and Lucy were both brave enough to jump from the top deck, but grandmom successfully convinced Maggie that she should probably wait until next year.
We named our band Moon Pirates, but only held jam sessions when no other boats were anchored in our cove...you’re welcome!
We love singing and acting out the Unicorn song!
But, I think their favorite activity was when Pop played the pirate, and they were stealing his gold (the yellow tube).
This turtle visited the boat every night at dinner time. He did not prefer spinach, but was a huge fan of popcorn and sweet potato fries.
By the end of the week we were experts at balance. During these 11 days of constant water sports, I learned that I should probably be getting more exercise. At the beginning of this visit I struggled to keep up with the demanding swim schedule, and sore/tired muscles greeted me each night. However, by the end of the visit I could swim for hours, with children climbing up my back, and clinging to my neck. Instead of PX 90, I completed grandchildren 11...just as rigorous!
The anchorage was empty all week, but there was plenty of activity on July 4 weekend.
We were hoping that someone would light some fireworks since Lucy and Maggie said they had never seen fireworks before.
The lake did not disappoint! These two girls were mesmerized by their first fireworks display, and it’s always better on the water.
We hope everyone enjoyed a safe and happy holiday!
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