Never Thought I'd Be On A Boat

Dave and I went to Ohio last weekend to visit Zoe and Hal. On Friday night we went out to dinner in Columbus and got the local tour, mainly of Buckeye themed places and things. These fans are crazy - not only do people own school buses painted with the team's colors, and giant inflated football players rise high over gas stations, but the stadium actually has football players in stained glass windows. Dave was so inspired by the support that he bought a Wisconsin Badgers mug at the airport as a souvenir.

That evening our hosts took us to Graeters ice cream shop. During the day you can watch the staff make ice cream, though we were there too late for that. We were not too late to take pictures in the ice cream playroom though!

Banana split see saw - perhaps my most favorite photo ever?

I can't even remember what flavor I got because the pretzel cone was so delicious.

The next day we drove two hours to Sandusky where their boat is docked in the marina. Dave got a nice American dose of barns and cornfields on the way. There were tons of churches on the drive, some with quirky messages. The hands-down favorite was "Come to my house before the big game on Sunday" - God.

Hanging out on the boat

It was windy and freezing and the waves were crazy on Saturday (thanks Earl) so we stayed on the boat and drank and grilled. I introduced everyone to Uno and I got whooped in Scrabble.

The "kitchen"Our "bedroom"

Peekaboo

The next day, the water was still super choppy, so we got a ride on a neighbor's boat to Put in Bay. Before leaving the marina, we stopped at the gas station for boats, as well as the pump out station. You can probably figure out what that's for. The smell was wretched.

Leaving the marina, holding our breathCedar Point was across the way from us. We didn't go because it was so cold out, but frankly, I was crapping my pants just looking at those roller coasters.The boat was going 35 mph but it felt a lot faster. I'm quite surprised one of us didn't fly off the back.I wasn't kidding when I said we were going fast, my hair was uncontrollable.Calmer waters

The guy who gave us a ride offered to make us Bloody Marys. I'd never had one so I asked him to please keep it down on the spice. Not only did my drink have Cajun spices around the rim, but I took a bite out of the pickle in it and I actually choked because it had soaked in all the spice from the drink. Zoe had declined one so he made her a ridiculous drink:

Melted Kahlua flavored chocolate around the rim of the martini glass
1 shot Godiva liquor
1 shot Godiva vanilla liquor
1 shot vanilla vodka
Espresso liquor
Peanut butter
Shake it up with ice and pour
Grate Ghirardelli chocolate on top
When he realized his peanut butter cup had melted, he put a strawberry with whipped cream on the glass instead.

The taste I had of this drink was insanely good. Never have I ever regretted my Bloody Mary decision so much.

The amazing drink

We ate the "Best Lobster Bisque in Ohio" TM. The restaurant is only 676 miles from NY so I can easily get some bisque whenever I want.

In Put In Bay, most people drive golf carts.

As you can see, we rented one.

Then Zoe smacked her head on it so Hal bought her frozen peas to ease the pain. This doesn't compare to the most memorable head smack of all time - Erica C. at the Excalibur...

Us: It's okay to cry.

Erica: (thinks about it) Okay WAHHHHHHH!

You can also rent these weird bug-like cars. I took took this photo while riding on the back of our golf cart.Since our ride was docking overnight at Put in Bay we took the ferry back.

Check out the sunset. Finally one of my camera settings worked.Sitting on the dock of the bay (well, close to it.)After coming back to beautiful Sandusky (yes, that's sarcastic) we went to Goofy Golf. This is Dave "in" the crane machine.Mini golf

In a castle!

After golf we went to Sonic. I had no idea that they brought food out to your car on roller skates, it was so cool! Unfortunately I couldn't get a picture of it.

The other exciting thing that happened this weekend was that we saw an Amish family! I'm talking full blown Amish style beards and bonnets. But they were staying on a boat so I was kind of confused.

Also, Dave smelt his first skunk (the animal, not the Camden favorite.) I enjoy the occasional Pepe Le Pew spray myself, don't judge.

Kappelmen controlling the boat

Bye bye Ohio!