Stella and her good old generator

We are lucky that Stella has a generator.  It is used all the time.  When we first got her it didn't really work well, the previous owner was always docked with electricity so it was just barely maintained.  It was a bit of work to get it going last summer and then a real fix was done before launch this Spring and boy was it worth it.  The generator fires up with one switch plus it is not as loud as last summer.  The generator comes in handy for many things.  When we take day trips, like last weekend, out to the sand dunes on Lake Michigan,  as a gorgeous day starts fading we can decide to stay.  We will decide to have dinner on the boat on a whim.  The generator cranks up and we have full access to air conditioning, microwave, TV, etc.  So nice!  We were tempted to anchor for the night, which again is much easier if you have a generator.  We would not recommend buying a larger boat without one!

Well, last Monday night when the "straight winds" came through Holland and took out the whole Northsides power for a couple days, Stella was waiting for us!   Yup, so nice to have her close by.  We figured no electricity we might as well go see how Stella was doing and she was doing very nicely.  The generator worked fine, but we didn't need it for long as the dock power was restored quickly.  The next morning our neighborhood was fine too, but how nice having an unplanned night on Stella.  Weekdays are always fun at marinas, less people and no boat traffic.  The evening led to good stories and memories of our trip and where we might go next.  Great night on Stella!

Blue skies and calm water,

Tracy

Stella wishing on a star

The time as expected went too fast.  17 days, where did they go.  We have to count to see how many days since our return home.  Over three weeks?  How did that happen and yet we knew it would.  Wishing on a star that we could relive our trip on Stella.  Captain David and I were travelling yesterday and telling our little stories, sharing what pops into our minds first.  They aren't the same, but not that different in feeling.  It was the little things, the unexpected find, the bike rides and walks.  Funny, how we don't do those things at home, we could, but we don't.  All of us should look at our towns like we are tourists.  Go see what people visit and pay to see......the experience will give you something, maybe the feeling you were on a small vacation.  Or maybe you will give someone someone a residents insight that will make their visit special.  That happened to us and hopefully we will do the same for someone else this weekend.  So many things to do in Holland.  Saturday morning is the Chef series at the Farmers Market, hopefully the recipe is something we like!  If not, it doesn't matter, because we will be acting like tourists in a place we are fondly calling home.

http://www.hollandchamber.org/


Blue skies and calm water,

Tracy