I know it's been a while since my last post. I hope you have been enjoying Nancy's blog showing pictures of where we've been spending our time.

We've been off the boat since early November while we went back to TN so I could train on Nova's new system. We also needed to have the boat's transmission replaced (cheaper to replace than repair) and work out a payment plan with the guy who crashed into the Tumbleweed and ruined our dinghy outboard. Looks like the boat will be ready about the first of December and we'll be off again. The guy who ruined our motor has agreed to pay for a replacement so that seems to be working out well too.

I really have mixed emotions about returning to the boat. After spending the past month in the TN and NC mountains. I realize how much I really miss the mountains, the forests and traveling around the country. I do love the Rockies, out west, but these mountains are just as pretty and hikable as those, only about 1//3 to 1/2 as tall. I also feel I'm about ready to find a small, counbrty home to use as a base for my wandering.

But, we had committed to be on the boat until April so even with all of the problems we've had (which have been many) I guess we'll return and continue on. Then after April we'll decide what to do or where to go next.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll post as I feel I have something of interest. In the meantime, continue to visit Nancy's blog as she is doing a nice job of keeping you up to date.

 http://tumbleweedtoo.blogspot.com/

Well, it's been awhile. We've been off the boat while I returned to TN for a little training and and couple of nice visits with my son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Stephanie. While away, we decided to have our slipping transmission checked and learned it was beyond reasonable cost repair and would need to be replaced. Since the new transmission comes from Italy, it was nice there were a couple of extra on a boat over to the US. We were able to secure one of them. However, it won't be here until 11/25 or so and because the marina where we rented a slip does not allow live aboards, we are now homeless and wandering the mountains of NC and SC. Right now, we're spending a week in a cabin near Saluda, NC. Not sure yet about next week.

A day after we left, we got a call from the marina with disturbing news. Shortly after we left, another boat entering the marina slammed into our boat and another. This collision destroyed our 15 HP Suzuki outboard and may have damaged our dinghy.Unfortunately, the marina had not enforced their rule regarding proof of insurance and the colliding boat has none. So, in addition to the cost of the transmission, we're out the cost to replace the dingy motor.

Just another tale in the long saga of the trips and TRAVAILS of the Tumbleweed Too!!!! I now understand why the 2 happiest days in the life of a boater is when they buy the boat and most certainly when they sell it!

Nancy has been posting some pictures while we're traveling so visit her blog to see them.