Since our last blog post, our hired professional sailor (shout out to Jerry for the great job) brought N’Joy the 200+ miles up the length of Lake Michigan from northern Chicago and across to Charlevoix in mid June. For a while the trip itinerary included me joining the crew for the 3 day trip, but several factors (kitty related and health issues) lead to us ultimately scuttle that strategy. Since Jerry referred to the trip’s weather “spirited”, we were a bit relieved it worked out I couldn’t go.

We now have N’Joy in her own slip on Lake Charlevoix (as they quite accurately promote the town, “Charlevoix the Beautiful“). Lake Charlevoix is a 13 mile long lake located on the northwestern shore of Michigan, with access to Lake Michigan. She will give us the winds we need to sail, but without the tall waves on Lake Michigan, a perfect location.

It’s been way too long since I’ve done most any sailing, but N’Joy and I are getting to know one another and things seem to be going pretty well. And brand new sailor Niki is doing an amazing job, both developing a smooth touch as helmsman and organizing all sorts of gear, supplies, and more in our rather cozy little cabins below. We’ve had several nice sails on her and, with the help of Niki’s mom (who visited for a week), officially christened N’Joy with a bottle of fine champagne.

On an additional set of happy notes, Agent Mulder has been working closely with his local veterinarian on his hyperthyroid meds and is doing much better. His kidney labs are improved, he’s more energetic (hey, he’s closing in on 18!), bright eyed, and even gaining a bit of weight. And as you might imagine, getting two older cats to share their territories isn’t always easy. But the always high energy Admiral Roswell and the mostly mellow Agent Mulder are working it all out, much to the relief of their human staff.

We all hope you’re having a wonderful Summer! We’re excited for the Spring showers to stop, which are running a little late this year, so we can sail more often!