Lots to write about re: our travel stops – but first, we want to share our encounters with three amazing couples in Sault Ste. Marie.
The first boater we meet on the docks is John. He notices we are from Boca Raton, Florida. He tells us he and his wife Marty winter in Venice, Florida. Later I tell him we are having battery issues, and he introduces us to his friend Sonny (next boat over) who is an expert on batteries and other mechanical issues on a boat.
Need to Grocery Shop – No Wheels
Saturday Pat and I are discussing how we will get to the grocery, as we are so low on provisions and the nearest one is a few miles away. Later that morning Pat comes back to the boat with a set of car keys. John and Marty graciously let us borrow their car to go grocery shopping. How very kind of them!
A Slip for Chicago
We meet a Looper couple at the marina – Polly and Bruce. We discuss the Chicago locks and the onslaught of Loopers at the end of September trying to get through the locks.
Turns out they have a condo and boat slip in downtown Chicago. Talking we discover they are not going south just yet as they are heading north to the Trent Severn.
“Why don’t you use our boat slip in Chicago, waiting for the locks to open?”
Are you kidding us?! Of course, we take them up on this most generous offer. Accommodations are going to be crazy at that time. And what a prime spot. We are so grateful to Polly and Bruce.
Trip to Hessel for Dinner and Antique Boat Show
The last night in Sault Ste. Marie, we have dinner at Arturo Ristorante. This is the restaurant I wanted to take Captain Pat to for his birthday, but we ended up stuck in Drummond Island for boat repairs. Arturo’s lived up to its stellar reputation – one of the best meals we’ve had.
Earlier that afternoon, a Hinckley boat arrives at our marina. Captain Pat is most interested in this boat. After dinner he decides to walk the marina docks and take a closer look at the Hinckley.
The boat owners, David and Charlotte, are on the back of their Hinckley enjoying the evening. They mention to Pat they saw us at Arturo’s! They were at the table behind us. They have been dining there for 30 years.
We end up chatting with them for quite a while. They winter in Ft. Myers, and summer in the Great Lakes. At their suggestion, we are going to Hessel, Michigan after we visit Mackinac Island. There is an antique boat show at the Hessel Marina on Saturday. David has offered us his boat slip!
We will stay at Hessel, Michigan Thursday through Monday. David and Charlotte are involved with a culinary school in Hessel, and they have invited us to dinner there on Thursday night. Can’t wait! We are overwhelmed by their generosity.
We are so grateful for all the kind people we have met on our Great Loop journey – how blessed we are. We hope to pay all this kindness forward to others.
Pat and Cindy's Great Loop Adventure 
17 responses to “Kindness Overload – Paying It Forward”
Amazing grace! A question, though…do you think the kindness you’ve been shown has anything to do with the Extreme Kindness you two beautiful people send out in the world? I sure do. And Happy Birthday, Pat!
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Thank you Marleen for your gracious words. You are the kind one! Really appreciate your following our journey, and wish you many blessings.
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What antique boat did you buy without Cindy Knowing ?
You can tell me I can hold a secret.
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Ha! He doesn’t see these comments — unless I tell him! I am the administrator of the blog account. But I don’t think he bought another boat. He does well enough to handle the one he has.
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You guys are so special.
I agree with Marleen.
In a very special way you get back what you give
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That’s a wonderful picture of the two of you.
Pat, get a haircut and trim your goatee.
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Thank you Tevie – yes that is quite the goatee. -:) We sure do miss you! PS Pat says he’s not cutting his hair, just letting it grow! Oh my.
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This is my first post I am reading on this boat Loop trip. I’ve been crazy busy at work and decided to get caught up this morning on your adventures. What a fantastic group of people you met on your last leg of this journey. But of course I am a firm believer in that good people find other good people. Happy boating!
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Thank you, Dorothy, so good to hear from you! I know you are busy. Thanks for following our adventure. I sure do miss you. Hope all is well with you and John and family.
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So glad you guys are exploring and having fun.
Sorry to hear about the battery issues
Randy
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Randy, so good to hear from you. We think the battery issues are fixed – for now! You know how that goes. Hope all is well with you and family.
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God has his hand on your journey. It’s the only way to go. Your spirts are identifying in love with other spirits and the Divine love shines in these situations.
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Hello Joni. Yes, we do believe God is guiding us for sure. Hope all is well with you and family.
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Wow, you have met some very generous people! How nice and refreshing. Most people really are good humans.
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Good to hear from you, Vicki. Thanks for following our journey! Miss you.
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All this goodness and gratitude!!! I am not surprised. Thankyou for sharing your good loving hearts. I love and miss you
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Kathy, so good to hear from you. We think of you often. Thank you for following our journey. Sending you lots of love and prayers, Cindy and Pat
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