Thank you to everyone for coming out to the Algonac, MI book signing/meet and greet! It has been a whirlwind since I got off the ship last Wednesday morning in Sorel. Lorraine came to join me onboard the Spruceglen the Tuesday night before my departure a week ago today. The first week has gone so fast. We really enjoyed our trip to Algonac for the book signing/meet and greet on Saturday the 13th.

On our trip to Algonac we were on the 401 Hwy and pulled off for gas. It was the first time I saw a windshield washer fluid pump. We both thought what a great idea. During the trip, Lorraine pointed out that we passed 60,000 km (37,282 miles) in just over a year of driving.

Welcome to Algonac, MI. It is a beautiful area.

We met so many wonderful people. It was a spectacular beautiful day. As we drove to the event, I mentioned to Lorraine that we need to take a picture of our table where we are set up to sign the books. In the past, at other events, we have forgotten to take a picture to share with you. Although we always arrive early, we always get involved in conversations and forget to take a photo to share with you. We were set up at a table in front of a big window, with a life ring and beautiful view of the river. It was funny when we started taking pictures with people and they asked if we could move over and position ourselves in front of the wall to take the photo with the "Henry's" sign in the background. It was explained that the red "Henry's" sign hanging on the wall was a memory landmark from Algonac. It was a great event and it was nice to see Roger and his crew from "Know Your Ships". It was also fun to see amongst the new people, some familiar faces who came by just to say hi. Lorraine and I really enjoy meeting everyone. We had a really wonderful afternoon. For those of you who could not make it, the gift shop has both books available now so you can pick them up there.

Lorraine and I met so many wonderful people at the book signing/meet and greet. Behind us on the wall is part of the red Henry’s sign. Thank you for sharing this picture. We didn’t have any of our own photos.

We had wanted to take the Algonac Ferry back to Canada but decided to take the road that ran along the river back to the Blue water bridge. It was the perfect day for that. I searched the water for a ship and finally saw one at the Oil dock on the Canadian side. It was an orange Algoma tanker. I have been to that particular dock numerous times when I was on the Algoma Hansa, AlgoCanada and AlgoTerra. I remember when I first joined the Algoma Hansa and I was embarrassed to ask, are we loading or unloading? I had only been on self unloaders and straight backs prior to that and it was very obvious because you could see the cargo going in or being taken out. On the tankers there is a hose so you don't know. The first mate explained that we were doing both. We were unloading and then loading a different grade of fuel. Working on the tankers was a very different experience from the cargo ships I had been used to.

I searched to see a ship and finally saw this Algoma ship at the oil dock near Sarnia. I have been there many times.

This is the hose that we load or discharge the load with. You are not allowed to take photos out on deck so this photo was taken through a forward facing window on the AlgoTerra.

I was on the Algoma Hansa for just over a year working one month on, one month off. We often had crew change at the Sarnia oil dock.

I have been asked when I plan to join a ship again. I plan to sail this summer and will keep you posted. We have two more events planned in May and once they are confirmed, we will share them with you. We are also doing our annual girls trip to Maine. I can't wait. I love the ocean and especially love going to Maine where the beach is hard packed sand and easy to walk on. It is my most favorite place to vacation. I have not cooked much since I got home but as I approach my second week off the ship I will start to make a few meals. I will stop in periodically with you and share the highlights of my time at home and hope to share some of the videos that I have. I looked back at my photos and saw that I have a lot that I have not shared yet. Have a wonderful day.