We're Getting Good at This

It was a struggle to get all the things done this week in order to leave Friday morning. It did not help that we had the hottest week of the year so far and everything we did was slow and sweaty. In addition to the heat, our lives get busy with kids that is for sure. Pierce had his last soccer game in the heat as well on Wednesday. The league cut the skills portion out and just played the game. His coach ended the game with a water balloon fight.

Susan ended up leaving work earlier on Thursday so she could get the grocery shopping done and get a head start on the packing. It was still so hot and we ended up trying to wait until the sun would be lower to get the bikes on the boat. When I finally grabbed Susan's bike that was hanging in the garage  I noticed her front tire was flat. Yup it had a hole! It was already after 8 and all of our bike shops where closed. Quick trip to the local Walmart and we were back in business, however, this delay was enough to give the mosquitoes a jump on us. As soon as the sun went down it was on and we were still putting the bikes on the boat. We quickly finished up covered the boat and called it quits.

Friday morning we ended up getting out about 10:30am. I wanted to clean up the boat's hull and polish some of the repairs I had done. Once that was done we where on our way. We ended up taking a back route to Green Bay to avoid road construction. Around 11am tummies began to rumble. We ended up stopping at a truck stop and getting some food in Forest Junction. The thought was to eat now verses waiting until we get there as we had much to do once getting to Sturgeon Bay.

Once we arrived in Sturgeon Bay we called Center Point Marina to get our slip assignment. After getting into the slip Susan and I had a plan on how we where going to get the boat back together and entertain the boys.  Remember the heat index was well into the triple digits on this day!!!! Once we got into our slip we started re-installing the canvas and electronics. The original plan was to have Susan take the boys to the pool once the canvas was removed from the cabin and in place. Not completely installed just pined in place. I needed to get the electronics on the arch before we can zip the canvas into place. It went so smooth that the boys helped out and everything fell into place quickly and we all went to the pool afterward. 

On a very positive note: my Sister and Brother-in-Law offered to watch our dogs because of the conflict that my parents had. This was a wonderful surprise and we appreciate it very much. It was amazing to not have the dogs amongst the chaos that ensues when we have to put the boat back together.

Day 8, 9 & 10 - Sturgeon Bay

Another vacation is in the bag and we have decided to keep our boat in Sturgeon Bay for the Month of Aug.  With the weather we have seen this summer it is probably best. Lake Winnebago has been unbelievably green with algae.  The lack of rain and hot temps has spoiled the lake.

On Saturday we started out struggling with the boys and are contemplating a slight change for next years vacation.  Our plan is to have a long weekend with the kids and then have our crossing trip just Susan and I next year.  We have decided it is just not fun to have the stress for that long.  Maybe it is the cramped quarters I don't know what it is, but we agree it may be best to shorten it until they are a bit older.

The rest of the day went well.  We spent it by the pool and had fun with the boys.  It helped that Pierce found a 12 year old girl that was an awesome playmate.  She and her younger brother who was 3 and they all had a lot of fun.  Peyton had some other kids on and off that he played with, and Susan and I would get in the mix when we would get too hot sitting poolside.

On Sunday we got up late cleaned the boat and decide to go home after having a meal at Mel's. Mel's Place was a greatnew find for breakfast. It is located right across the street from Centerpointe marina. I had the best salmon eggs benedict.  It was severed perfectly and had quite a kick to it as the hollandaise sauce was fused with many spices as well as jalapenos. The kids enjoyed french toast that Mel should win an award for.  Peyton had the normal serving and Pierce did the kids version.  Each dish had it's own twist.  Neither boy could finish.  Peyton was convinced he should get the normal serving as he has bad luck with the last few places.  He seemed to come away hungry all week; not at Mel's Place though. Everything here was fantastic! Their service was a bit slow, however, we gave them some leeway, because they were getting slammed.  We also over heard a cook called in sick.  The food made up for the time we had to wait and we sat outside on a gorgeous day.  I am excited to go back and try more of the menu.

We will be back to Centerpointe for the next few weekends and look forward to enjoying door county some more and possibly even staying on the hook some night. Until next time~bye~

Day 7: KIDS DAY!!! Sturgeon Bay - CenterPoint Marina

After a bit of a wavy night in Egg Harbor we made breakfast on the boat and then headed to Sturgeon Bay to finish our vacation. After some challenging times with kids this week, we decided to make it a day geared towards everything kids and have as much fun as possible!   Once in Sturgeon Bay we pulled into our final marina for the vacation, CenterPoint.   This marina is absolutely beautiful with a great pool, georgeous landscaping and very nice outdoor cooking stations.   We lucked out with a perfect slip, off the way a bit from the main house, but right near the front so it is easy access to the potty zone for the dogs!!  I don't think we could have asked for a more perfect location as it will also come with beautiful sunsets as our stern is positioned towards West.

We settled into the slip and then headed off for a short walk to get the truck.   We were required to walk over the bridge and was presented with a great learning opportunity for the kids, as the bridge was opening.   Peyton had a great suggestion to actually walk to the top as it was opening, but obviously we all know that would be impossible.  It made for a quick lesson in physics!   Once in the truck we were off to PC Junction which is the ultimate kid zone.   We were there back in 2009 or '10 and had a great time on a rainy day, so we were excited to see what we could do on a sunny day.  Unfortunately, the wait was an hour to sit at the main train track table so, with tummy's growling, we decided that a table that allowed us to view the train would be good enough.  Deep fried goodness was had by all and with stomach's full, we were off to enjoy the atmosphere of go carts, slides, swings, basketball hoops and the quest to search out our wood plank we painted on our first visit there 2 or 3 years earlier.   If you have never been to PC Junction, they allow you to paint a wood plank with whatever you fancy and then they nail it to the walls on the property.   It makes for grand entertainment looking at everyone's masterpieces, unfortunately we never did find ours.  We searched and searched with no luck.  Oh well, guess that means we will need to return to look again someday. After PC Junction, we went to another sports park for some motorized go carts, ice cream and arcade games.  The boys had a blast and it was nice to have some good quality fun with them.

In the evening we grilled out and had a relaxing night on the back of the boat while listening to it rain... one of my favorite vacation activities!

Oh... and I should probably mention this huge boat that was docked here for the night.  Paul obsessed over how large it was and with some quick Google searching had the full details for me on when it was built, where, how much gas it uses,etc.   If you know me, I don't really get worked up on the size of other's boats. From my perspective, if it floats, then it is a good boat :)  Let's just say there was a whole lot of things packed onto this boat, if I recall correctly it was over 100' in length, and it was still floating, so that is as much of my attention span it would get.

Note from Paul The boat was a 2008 Westport 130, Hull number 1525, Ships Name was Antares.  130' OAL, 26' beam. This was a monster and held 9,901 Gal of Diesel for the two engines that put out over 2700hp! Cruised at 24 knots or MPH could not find the measurement where it was listed either way that is fast for that boat!