Time spent at Goose Pond

Mike and his little buddy

Little Pumpkin People showed up everywhere!

One of our little pumpkin buddies



Early morning fog



Beautiful sunrise early one morning

Dinner with fellow Loopers!

On Saturday (October 29) we left the marina in the early morning only to go about 8 miles. We were boating right along when Mike realized the port engine was running a little hot. He adjusted the belt only you to find that the raw water pump was leaking. SO back to Goose Pond Marina we went – on one engine. Always something! We were only there a few minutes when Sweet Pea showed up. Back together again! LOL There wasn't much that Mike could do - so we just relaxed and enjoyed the day.

That evening we went to dinner at a nearby restaurant called The Docks. What fun! Dinner was good – finally got my shrimp and grits! A dynamic duo was playing in the bar, so we had to go in and check it out. They were hilarious! A couple of good ol' boys playing, singing and telling stories. Of course, Mike and Jim both got in the act. Can't take them anywhere! LOL! It was great fun!

Sunday, Mike took the pump apart – after troubleshooting, diagnosing, rejecting and determining – we need a new pump…… He decided to not do anything else until he talked to the mechanic in the morning. Meanwhile more Loopers came in. We visited with everyone. We also watched the Nascar race. Woohoo! Oh and by the way – it was cold!!!! Sunny but cold!!!!

Happy Halloween! On Monday, Mike talked to "Diesel Dan". He is from the marina but he was in Aqua Yacht Marina for a few days. He wouldn't be back this way until Wednesday. Mike decided to order the pump on EBay and put it in himself. It only took a day to get it. Meanwhile, we went to town with Jim and Dale for lunch. We checked out the Unclaimed Baggage Store – a store that sells items that have been unclaimed at airports, train stations, etc. Quite interesting! Lots of stuff! Of course, we also made a trip to Wal-Mart.

The next day we decided that we just wouldn't make it to Chattanooga. Once we got the new pump installed we would head back down the Tennessee to Pickwick Lake and then on down to Mobile. It's getting cold and we're ready to fly south for the winter! Like Frank of Once Around says – "all those geese can't be wrong!" We hung out and waited for the pump to arrive. Now when I say we hung out – that doesn't mean we didn't do anything. I did laundry and cleaned the boat inside and Mike worked on the boat getting it ready for the new pump which included another trip to town.

Sweet Pea headed back to Pickwick Lake. We'll catch up with them in a couple of days. We met Ray and Patsy of "PatsyRay" here at the marina. They are AGLCA Harbor Hosts for this area. Ray offered to review our charts with us and fill us in on the Mobile to Florida area – especially the Gulf crossing. I'm a little nervous about that – but he assured me they haven't lost a boat yet! Good to know!!

Ray and Patsy invited us to go to dinner with them. Jan and Ron of "Jolly Tolly" and Steve and Beth of "Gemini" were also going. Sounded like a good time! We went to Stevearino's – a great inexpensive Italian restaurant. We had great food and really enjoyed hearing all the stories. Jolly Tolly is now a GOLD LOOPER having crossed their wake at Green Turtle Marina. They have lots of tales to tell. It was nice meeting everyone. Loopers are so nice!

The pump arrived on time so before we went to dinner Mike installed it. He needs to complete the project in the morning. If all goes well we will be heading out in the morning.

Till next time!

Admiral "C"