September 2 - 6, 2018, Cincinnati, OH

 September 2 - 6, 2018

Leaving New Richmond, OH, we cruised an easy fourteen miles amidst increasing traffic, with boaters participating in Labor Day weekend waterway merriment. I quickly found it pointless trying to radio the Four Seasons Marina gas dock; our view through binoculars revealed boat after boat arriving and departing this area at the harbor entrance which surely kept gas dock personnel hopping. A quick spot-on stop at the dock had us just as quickly departing; this was not the location for the pump out service which we sought. Instead, I made a commanding decision that we dock in our slip and let the pump out need play out later.

Done deal. Now snugged into Four Seasons Marina slip C-8, Clay dock hopped while I traversed the grounds, checking out the small pool and various other offerings here. We knew this to be more than an overnight stay. As luck would have it, diesel mechanics would not arrive until Tuesday; they were enjoying a long holiday weekend with the rest of America.

Clay was intent on seeing Cincinnati’s Western and Southern/WEBN Fireworks show this Sunday night which had him seated at his computer exploring possibilities and formulating a game plan. “The traditional, end-of-summer event began more than 40 years ago when WEBN treated the tri-state to a fireworks show in honor of the radio station's 10th anniversary. The party, held annually at Sawyer Point on Sunday of Labor Day weekend, has grown into an all-day affair with music, food and family fun and entertainment all day. On both sides of the river, nearly a half-million people view the choreographed Rozzi's Fireworks show while listening to the soundtrack on WEBN (102.7 FM) starting just after 9pm and lasting for about 30 minutes.”

We Ubered to Brew River Gastropub early eve, then sauntered across the street to Historic East End Park and prepared for the 9 p.m. fireworks show. Though multi-miles away from downtown, we had a straight-on view of Sawyer Point and were not disappointed with our vantage point. The fireworks show started soon after 9 p.m. and continued for a good half-hour during which time we were able to snuggle up next to a radio broadcasting the soundtrack on WEBN. As fireworks go, it was a glorious display!

With relative ease, we secured an Uber ride back to the marina, then listened to the up-close-and-personal witnesses to the display entering the harbor and docking about 11 p.m. Either our air conditioner drowned out the boisterous voices or the boaters were extremely respectful; I’m in favor of the latter.

Clay and I spent much of Labor Day laboring. Deeming it to be a day worthy of housekeeping chores, we made busy with such. As I returned to the boat mid-afternoon with clean laundry in my wheelie cart, I encountered Clay’s new acquaintances who were wanting a SaSea Sally tour. As these tours often play out, the conversations divided along male/female lines, taking the fellas up to the fly bridge then down to the engine room while the gals stayed cool in the salon exchanging ideas as women do.

Now Thursday, we are in wait mode, waiting. Washington Marine’s diesel mechanic Ray spent two hours Tuesday afternoon diagnosing the starboard engine problem. Shortly after 3 p.m., he departed with the presumably defective heat exchanger to determine exactly how defective it is. For those of you needing a little education (as I did), the heat exchanger acts on a boat like a radiator in a car. Thus, Ray’s destination was a radiator repair shop to get time and monetary estimates for our ailing heat exchanger. As I said, we’re now in wait mode for that information; it’s now Thursday eve and still no word???

In the meantime, we have tried to keep ourselves busy. We had a delightful happy hour onboard with a Covington, KY-based Fidelity telephone rep on whom we have relied for many years. Such fun to meet face-to-face and get acquainted. It was like having John on board for a couple hours; we enjoyed Andy’s youth and energy. Wednesday, we took advantage of the early morning calm waters and finally maneuvered the boat to the pump out station for a much-needed pump out. Later in the day, I off-loaded my bike and biked the trail around Lunken Airport which was our usual and customary walking trail. I returned to the boat to defrost the freezer while Clay washed the boat’s exterior. We then dodged rain showers (not very successfully) to join Diane and Lloyd Peterson for dinner at the Boathouse. Diane and Lloyd, parents to John’s very good KA friend Beau, have been exceedingly nice in making our stay here in Cincinnati more entertaining. What a nice chance in getting to know them as friends and not merely as Beau’s parents.

That pretty much brings you up to date on the life and adventures of SaSea Sally. She’s still ailing, but help is on the way; it’s just a matter of when. On that note I will sign, seal and send.