8:32 ET 5/13/09

We put the finishing touches on everything yesterday and Tessa is much more secure than last September. My new 82 year old boyfriend Don from the Castleton Boat Club took me into town to provision and get a NY fishing license at the Town Hall. Last night we went across the river to the mooring balls ($5.00 vs. $75.00 for a dock) and had a big steak dinner celebration. Our plan is to get through the first 11 locks by tomorrow afternoon, where Tom and Sheri will connect to vacation with us for the rest of the trip through the Canal. George will drive their car back to Port Clinton, so everything has coordinated very well. We're considering pulling into PIB on the way to Port Clinton so everyone can see Tessa all disassembled and strapped together. I told Gary she will be embarrassed, but he insists that she has enough self confidence to handle it. She should be proud of herself after this journey! At this point it looks like we will be able to attend our first SHORT ATTENTION THEATER at Mr. Ed's in Port Clinton on May 30!!!!!