What a whirlwind

I can't believe it's Wednesday morning already. Wow! We left Charlevoix on Sunday morning as planned. I wasn't looking forward to the long drive but was surprised by how quickly time passed. The first thing I watched for as we headed south was the absence of snow. That only took about three hours and then I watch the progression of green which wasn't as quick as I had anticipated. We were all the way to Southern Alabama before we saw mature green leaves on the trees.

Both days of travel were sunny and clear, making for great travel. I enjoyed driving through the big cities. Beginning with Grand Rapids Michigan then Indianapolis Indiana, Louisville Kentucky, Nashville Tennessee, Birmingham and Montgomery Alabama. Each so unique in architecture, agriculture and people. 5 states in two days. We have an amazing and beautiful country and we can't wait to see more by way of water and at a much slower pace.

Well, I got to meet Saunter in person on Monday afternoon about 2:30ish. We arrived in Orange Beach at Saunder's Yachtworks where she was still on the hard (out of the water on blocks) and very impressive in size and surrounded by much larger boats. She had just gotten her first coat of new bottom paint. Glen pulled a tall rolling staircase to the swim platform and he gave me a tour. We will be very comfortable on this lady as we Saunter the Loop.

We are so thankful that we came down early and didn't spend more time on the road. Monday, following my inspection we unloaded the truck and began to unpack. Oh my gosh, where would we ever find room for all of our stuff. The previous owners did a very nice job cleaning and left behind items that will be very useful. I obviously focused on the galley and salon, while Glen tackle the less important stuff like the pilot house and engine room. Just kidding, Glen is amazing. He's been working his real job while fitting in all the most important tasks and necessities of this trip. We worked on the boat until about 6:00, then travelled an hour back to Pensacola to have a nightcap with Glen's mom and take a shower. It was 8:00 by the time we left her place. We hadn't eaten yet and decided to stop at a Publix on the way to the camper. We picked up some chicken wings which the deli attendant was just about to throw away, along with some collard green and mac and cheese. We took our meal and tired bodies to the camper in Pace where we settled in, fed the dogs, ate our jerky wings and by now cold greens. We were both to tired to really even care.

Tuesday morning we got an early start and drove an hour back to the boat. She had been moved to a new area where she was getting her final bottom paint touch ups. We worked hard all day and we were told that Saunter will go in the water on Thursday morning. Sooo exciting!!! But, the crunch is on! After a long day we drove an hour back to Pensacola, had a drink with Glen's mom, Amy and went back to the camper. We were to tired to stop for dinner and opted for cereal and bed. Knowing we had to get up really early and get some much needed shopping done for food, boat needs and this and that. The list is long.

After a restless night's sleep with rolling thunderstorms through the early morning hours we are up and ready to hit the road again.

I just want to Saunter. But not today!