Pat and Cindy's Great Loop Adventure

“Sunshine” Safely Tucked Away in her Winter Home!

Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada

“Sunshine” leaving her slip, making her way to be hauled out to the marina storage.

Monday, September 26, was a special day. It was our granddaughter Rylie’s tenth birthday, and it was the day we “hauled out” our boat “Sunshine” from her marina slip to be stored for the winter in Harbour West Marina.

Family Kathleen (Katie) and Bill Raney were there for the event. They had travelled from New Hampshire to Penetanguishene earlier in the week, and helped us get Sunshine ready for her winter storage.

Bill, Kathleen and Louie, the marina mascot, watching the haul out.
Louie is not impressed. He’s seen this many times before.

For the most part the haul out went pretty smoothly. Marina owner Graeme had many workers in place to assist. It did take some time to adjust the boat on the haul out trailer. Once that was done, the fork lift driver pulled her right out.

Here she comes!

Captain Pat leading the way.

Bill watching Captain Pat piloting Sunshine in.
Graeme, the marina owner, was on hand to oversee the entire operation.
Captain Pat and Dean, Marina Mechanic, are also supervising.
Jeff is the expert on towing out the boats.
Making sure all is ok.

Finally Sunshine reaches on shore and is parked where you can easily board her. She will receive some maintenance work (new deck flooring, etc.) and then be moved to her interior location for the winter. Her first winter outside of Florida so she need to keep warm!

Sunshine is out of the water!

Uncle Bill on the bow of Sunshine!
Uncle Bill putting away the boat lines.
Captain Pat and Dean

Kathleen between the boats, looking up at Sunshine!
Captain Pat saying good by to Canada – until next June!

cmclaughlin80outlookcom

11 responses to ““Sunshine” Safely Tucked Away in her Winter Home!”

  2. Pat & Cindy
    Thank you soo much for keeping us up to date on your amazing adventure. Your pictures & story are wonderful. What a great travelogue for us. Answers to prayers.
    Blessings
    Florian & Karen

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  4. We had a full house to view the final day of this very special journey. We thought you would like to hear the feedback from those that enjoyed your final days in Canada.

    The entire group was especially pleased to note your very calm acceptance of landing at a storage facility over 150 miles from the targeted storage yard. Jay Lichenstein voiced the opinion of the entire audience when he said “”Thank God they’re safe”

    ;Although over 25 people attended the celebration, no one was more complimentary than the very charming gay couple from Pompano Beach, Mona Lott and Liz Beanne. Both had prayed for your safety and and happy to know their prayers were answered.

    Tom Sicculo was very interested in the items unloaded that night…….especially the animal pelts and the mushrooms in the plastic trays. There were also some carvings with museum plates wrapped in a large blue tarp that a black limo had picked up earlier.

    Based on the preceding, we all now realize that this trip wasn’t only a test of your navigation skills but also an opportunity to purchase some “rare souvenirs”.

    We will look forward to your Spring departure and wish you a safe and enjoyable winter in the Land of Sunshine!!

    Max and Marianne Strauss

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  5. Thank you for creating this blog. I live in Canada for 33 years and in Ontario for 12 years. Your commentaries included a boatload of facts that I didn’t know and places I had not seen. I have really enjoyed reading about your trip.

    That being said, with global warming, perhaps there will be the possibilty to head north in the Atlantic and make your way to Vancouver. There were a few sea captains like Franklin and Hudson who found the going rough, but it is a new, warmer world and you never know what can happen.

    Aim high and good luck.

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    • Cam, thank you so much! We really appreciate your taking the interest to follow our journey. I loved Canada! It would be fun to go to Vancouver. I visited there for a certification program for work, and really enjoyed the city’s cosmopolitan charm and diversity. Great city.

      I can’t believe we have been home just over a month. I still need to do a summary blog post on this first leg of our Great Loop journey. Hopefully soon!

      We miss you and always enjoy spending time with you and Steph. Looks like you have had some wonderful adventures this summer as well!

      We will be in Arizona to visit the grandchildren – and their parents -:) – December 1 – 15. Hope to see you then!

      Cindy and Patrick

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