I decided to call this trip the Great Lakes Tour and began to discuss it with The Navigator. He wanted to know what I was going to name the trip and I told him. He said that "Tour" was boring, that I've used it several trips already and that he thought the trip should be named The Great Lakes Expose. I asked him why and he said because we'll be exposing the Great Lakes for what they really are. I reluctantly asked what that was. He responded, "Large bodies of water. Ha ha ha ha."

Sometimes The Navigator is really strange.

For those of you still reading this dreck, we'll motor north to Sackets Harbor, NY at the eastern end of Lake Ontario to start the trip.

Important announcements

1 The "Started here" and "Ended here" features on the day pages are now links.

2 As constant readers (thank you!) of this so-called web site know, the Navigator frequently gives me a hard time. I, being the kind, considerate person that I am :), usually just turn the other cheek and let him have his childish fun. You know there are two things The Navigator is dead serious about: the infamous "GPS Unit" and his route maps. Wait, make that three things... I forgot about Greenies. Back to the point: The Navigator has a problem with one of his maps and he is beside himself that he can't figure a solution. He even begged me not to publish it. But, since that map is the overall route map, I have to publish it. So wander over to the Route Overview page and chuckle at his problem. I certainly have.

3 Traditionally each day page has contained a section on trip statistics. To be honest, I have been less than satisfied with this and have looked for a more comprehensive way to convey the trip stats. Beginning with this trip the stats will be done in an Excel spreadsheet and posted on Google Docs for all to see. There is a link on the day pages to the stats. The stats are broadly divided into three sections. First, a travel section where we travel to the beginning of the trip. This is not documented in the day pages. Second, the actual trip which, of course, is documented. Third, another undocumented travel section where we drive home at the end of the trip.

4 Sue in Louisville sent me some very interesting questions and answers about Australian tourism. The Q and As were posted on an Australian Tourism Website and the answers are the actual responses by the website officials, who obviously have a sense of humor. A couple of these will be posted on each day page. Enjoy!

And now, on with the show... just click on one of the day pages above to get started. .