June 29, Friday

After spending an hour cleaning and scrubbing the boat, we woke up to millions of may flies. Kip had done some touchup painting on a seam last night, and now all you can see are may fly parts stuck to it. ISH. I wouldn't even go outside to unplug the power... Kip had to do it. We were thinking that they would fly off if we went fast enough, but that didn't work either. They stick like glue. So, I earned my "First Mate" status by taking a broom and sweeping them all off as the boat was going 23 miles per hour!

At the first lock (lock 9), we got in right away (along with another million may flies). After the 9' lift, we had to scrub the may flies off of the boat again. Nice. Lock 8 was quick too (11') and we were quickly in LaCrosse at Pettibone marina. We are familiar with this marina because we take a boat trip each year with Hendriksens to this marina.

We decided to clean the boat (again) because Gwen (Kip's mom) and Bob H. (Gwen's brother-in-law) were coming soon. Bob drove Gwen to LaCrosse so she could go with us on the rest of our trip. Thanks Bob!! While we were chatting, Steve and Lori (the guy who bought our 31' Roamer) stopped by and updated us on the progress of his restoration. We are glad to hear someone is taking good care of her!

Gwen, Bob, Kip and I went to eat at the Pettibone restaurant, and then walked around looking at boats in the marina. There are three Roamers in this marina, so Kip had to take pictures for the Roamer Club. Kip took Gwen on a dinghy ride (yes, the dinghy again). He fixed the leak and the motor actually ran this time. It was a very cool and bright day, and the evening is very breezy and calm. It will be good sleeping tonight. Please, Please.... NO MORE MAY FLIES!

We went 75 miles today. It is easy to tell we are almost home because of the changing landscape. We miss our family and friends, but not work! Also, someone fess up... who smashed the green can on the river?