Amazing at Almost 80

Originally posted at www.svsweetescape.com

Judy’s mother Dora is almost 80 years old.  At that age you would expect someone to be...well...old.  With diminished drive and enthusiasm and at least suspicious if not downright fearful of new things.  In Dora’s case you would be wrong.  This is a woman who spends her winters in Sun City Arizona and her summers in Door County Wisconsin, on her own without the need of assistance from anyone else.  Dora is fiercely independent and full of energy and drive.

We had the opportunity for a pleasant few days with Dora this past week.  We picked her up at Liz’s house (Judy’s sister) in Green Bay and drove to our now only partially furnished apartment in Pleasant Prairie.  We spent some time at the Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee and Dora met Sweet Escape.

We wanted Dora to see the boat to help her to understand where we will be living.  We assumed that we would drive to our slip at Pugh’s and maybe enjoy some time in the cockpit with a cold beverage and some nibbles.  Dora had other ideas.

Dora wanted to go sailing.  So, with temperatures in the 80’s, a southeast wind at 16 knots and a brilliant blue sky we slipped the lines and after a stop at the fuel dock, headed out onto Lake Michigan.  There we found two foot seas accompanied by an uncomfortable swell from the southeast.

We motored around the Racine reef for about an hour.  During that time the swell was causing the boat to roll uncomfortably, often causing people who are unaccustomed to this motion to feel queasy.  Dora was unfazed. In fact, she wanted an opportunity to pilot the boat and spent some time at the helm.

We had a fun visit with Dora and we are looking forward to having her visit us and spend some time aboard Sweet Escape along with all our family and friends.  

You have an open invitation - come and experience the the cruising life aboard a 44 foot sailboat!