Finally ... We get started

After a great breakfast prepared by chef Paul at the yacht club, a flotilla of over 12 boats left the club shortly after 9 a.m. This was actually a day later than originally planned but due to a sternwheel festival where we had hoped to spend the first night, we decided to wait another day to take off. We were presented another passenger by commodore Charlie and his lovely mate, Lisa. Apparently the "Pink Panther" has been their cruising companion for over 17 years and has decided to now do the loop with us. The other 2 passengers for the trip are brother Darren and school buddy and past BYC commodore Don Best, who had always wanted to do this trip. We will release them with proper ceremony when we cross our wake next year. Our friends at the boat club have been fantastic with a bon voage party last Friday and breakfast this morning then following us to the first lock at Belleville, WV, a run of about 20 miles. We are presently at Pomeroy, OH (N39 01.619 W082 01.939). Tomorrow we will head for Franklin Furnace, KY, a run of around 70 miles. We will have gone through 3 locks so far on the trip with about a total of 150 to go.