Saturday, April 28, 2007

Our J-Land Visit

Okay, I’ve resized my photos to fit in the journal and uploaded them into my FTP space for web storage.  I’m ready to share.

 

Jeanette had planned her trip to the United States many months in advance and contacted me around Christmas time saying she would be in my area and perhaps we could meet for a cup of coffee or something while she was in Savannah.  The trip was original going to happen in March, but there was a snag on the part of her agency and the trip was rescheduled for the last part of April. 

 

I wrote back to Jeannette that, of course, I’d like to meet her and Andy while they were visiting and set about planning our day.  I made arrangements over a month ago to borrow a boat from a friend so that I could show them the area from the water.  I asked her if she would be interested in a boat ride and she said that would be great.

 

I want to say right now that Andy is a great guy and I really enjoyed meeting him and spending the time with him.  Andy does not do online journals and did not want to be in any of the pictures.  He let me take a couple of shots of him with the understanding that they were for my own collection and not to be shared online.  So, you won’t be seeing Andy in any of these pictures, but he was a big part of this day and I know you would all like him if you got a chance to meet him.

 

This first shot is taken through the driver’s side window of my pickup truck as I pulled up to the hotel to pick Jeannette and Andy up.  Andy saw the camera in my hand and ducked out of the shot with but a second to spare, LOL.

 

 

This next shot is of Jeannette and I at the marina with the docks in the background.  I should have taken off my hat for this picture.

 

 

This next one of Jeanette who is sitting in the seat next to me while I am drive the boat.  You can tell she is enjoying the ride.

 

 

Andy was kind enough to take my camera and get this shot of Jeannette and me together on the boat.

 

 

I shot this next shot of Jeannette as she was trying to get a picture of a container ship that passed near us as we approached the Savannah River.  The shot next to it is of the ship she was trying to shoot.

 

 

 

 

When we left the marina, we went out the Wilmington River to Wassau Sound and cruised the beaches on the south shore.  At that point we were in the Atlantic Ocean for just a few minutes as we turned north and before entering the sound again on the north side, checking out the beaches on that shore.

 

We turned into the Bull River and headed west, back in the direction we had come, but on another river that would take us close to the Savannah River.  We could see the huge container ships and tankers as they made their way in and out of the Savannah River, so I turned into the Savannah River for a little while to see the ships up close and personal.

 

 

That last picture was slightly blurred, but I think you get the idea.  This tanker was heading right for us.  We ducked over into the Wilmington River again and headed back to the marina where I got these two shots of Jeannette.

 

 

 

After we got the boat berthed and secured, we headed for my house to meet Paulette, Sandy and our cats.  I let Jeannette hop on the computer to check Email and do a short entry into her journal “Welcome To My Travels.”  We had been on the boat for three and a half hours.  I looked at my watch and the theme song from, “Gilligan’s Island,” went through my mind.  You know the refrain:  “The Three Hour Tour.”  I laughed because we had returned safely, unlike, “Gilligan, and The Skipper, Too!”  Here are couple of shots of Jeannette safely ensconced on my recliner posting her entry.

 

 

 

We capped off the day by grabbing Paulette and going out to eat at a local restaurant.  I must say that it was an enjoyable day from start to end.  I felt as though we all had known each other for some time and really enjoyed the time we spent together.  We met that morning as online acquaintances and parted that evening as friends.  I love it when there is a real life story with a happy ending!

 

 

 

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds awesome and I am still so very jealous!!!  Glad the day was enjoyed by all.  Now that Andy.......... grrrrrrrr... LMAO  
thanks for sharing
hugs
d

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Tammy

Anonymous said...

It looks and sounds like you are a great host! The day looks beautiful in the pictures...I tried clicking on Jeannettes link you have, but I wasnt granted access as it is a private blog. :( Darn it!  Thanks for coming back and posting pictures of y'alls visit.  I am glad to see you post!  Its been a while, and I was missing ya!

Anonymous said...

lovely photos looks like you had a really great time. It is nice to meet the people behind the blogs and I am lucky I live just rund the corner from Jan (serendipity)and see her most days.
Debbie
xxx

Anonymous said...

I read this entry and looked at the pictures with tears in my eyes ,its the stuff dreams are made off ...Magic ! ...love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Sam how lovely of you to plan such a lovely day for Jeannette and Andy ~ I can imaginge they both enjoyed it immensely ~ thankyou for sharing the photos of meeting and greeting ~ did you lend Jeannette one of your hats :o) ~ the picture of you both on the boat I can see by your smiles you are having a good day ~ they look huge those container ships and tankers ~ Jeannette looks very comfortable on your throne ~ and I felt quite envious :o) glad you met as aquaintances and left as friends ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

What fun! It's always nice to meet j-land folks in person. How great of you to plan a fun day on the boat and then dinner. I might have to make a trip down there for that  ; )

Tracie

Anonymous said...

Oh so nice to see that the on-line friendships can grow to be meet and greet!  Who knows maybe you'll cross the Atlantic yourself one day.

Anonymous said...

I can see this was a fun day Sam. Your pictures are great and you and she look so happy. Sorry that Andy didn't want his picture put into your journal. I have never met another journaler. Thanks for trying to edit your video. Helen

Anonymous said...

I love this! I would love to meet some of the people who I read their journals. And, what a wonderful way for you to show them around. This is just so cool on so many levels!!!!
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind/
http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a great time with Jeannette and Andy, Sam!

Anonymous said...

wow...what a trip to actually meet an online freind!
Marti

Anonymous said...

How nice of you to get a boat for them!  (Next time I'M in Savannah...you'll be sure I'll be looking ya up)!
Sounds and looks like a wonderful time was had by all...
I'm happy for ya.

Nancy

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic photographic account of your day.  The typed information made me feel as though I could have been there with you.  

I am one of those sad people who has never travelled (Due to a phobic reaction,) and to be able to visit your site and gather information from the other side of the world to where I live is something that I could never have dreamed about 10 or maybe 15 years ago.

Thank you for sharing your day with me.

John.

Anonymous said...

What a great time you all had and love the pics :) I love watching those container ships going down the Savannah river to go to port. They are so HUGE! lol

Thanks for sharing your day :)

Gretchen
http://journals.aol.com/ksgal3133/LivinginSavannah2

Anonymous said...

wow..that is wonderful..to meet a fellow journaler in person!
Great pics!
Gem :-)

Anonymous said...

wow..that is wonderful..to meet a fellow journaler in person!
Great pics!
Gem :-)

Anonymous said...

    Hey Sam !  I am so happy to see that you had a wonderful visit with Jeanette and Andy.  I watched the video from the previous entry, and it was great to see the both of you 'live' !  She seems as lovely as in her journal entries, and sounds as though Andy is a great chap, too.  I'm glad you got this opportunity to meet face to face.  I am hoping that, one of these days, I will have a chance to meet some of my J-land friends, too.  I'm sure it is a wonderful experience.
   I've been a bit 'out of the loop' so to speak, these days.  I'm hoping that after a bit of a time out, I will come back with a renewed zest for writing, and perhaps some pictures as well ( the hubby gave me a beautiful camera for Valentine's Day ).  By the way, I hope all is well with you and Paulette.  You take care,  Tina
   

Anonymous said...

Hi boatman: this is gg, thanks for your great suggestion, I love your journal, enjoyed reading everything, you sure have a way with words, the pictures are great, now I'm going to save this so you can see I did reply and do appreciate your comment on my journal, because I am embarressed but this is the second time I wrote something to you, the last one was kind of rambling and I have no idea what happened to it, it's out there in computerland somewhere LOL, 'cause if I don't I'd be crying all the time. gg

Anonymous said...

What a great day!

Anonymous said...

How fun!!!  It sounds like you enjoyed yourself.  Glad all is well.

Anonymous said...

I am sooo envious of Jeannette. . looks like shes having a great time with you!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful diversion during such a busy season.  Glad you got the chance to connect with a "real" person!

Anonymous said...

Preat pics.  Sounds like a wonderful visit!
Lori

Anonymous said...

It was a perfect day Sam! I loved meeting up with you and I know Andy did too. The day seemed to fly by! Savannah is a beautiful city and the waterways are so peaceful, thanks for being such a good navigator on the boat! I enjoyed the tour of the garden Sandy gave, your house is beautiful. I really enjoyed meeting Paulette too, she's so sweet and her choice of restaurant was great! Thanks again Sam for a lovely day, if anyone wants to come over and read my journal I'll gladly give them access. Jeannette xx  http://journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels/  

Anonymous said...

Hi! Sam, what a wonderful time you and Jeannette had. I am one of her readers and decided to read your journal. I can't wait till I meet a Jland friend in person. I've always thought it would be fun. And you seem like you are alot of fun. So, the next time I'm down Georgia way, maybe I'll run into you. I was just in Atlanta, a month ago, visiting an online friend. Had a blast.
Until next time.
Liz in Va.
http://journals.aol.com/bethjunebug/Bethjunebug

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed your entry about your visit with Jeannette and Andy.  I'm hoping she's able to come my way around the first of September.  Sounds you all had a wonderful time.  Linda in Washington state        

Anonymous said...

I finally got by to read some of your enty's! Wow Sam, I can't believe how many people read you! What an honor, huh? Are you flattered beyone yourself? LOL
No, I no why, cause your journal is terrific-good pictures also; and you and Jeannette got together-even better! Looks like the both of you got some 'color'
on your cheeks; I love, love, LOVE boats; if your ever in the Garden state, let me know-I'd like to hop on myself and meet you! Thanks for your kind words over on my last entry! Don't write often, but when I do, it means a lot to see folks care
enough to comment. ~Diane~ http://journals.aol.com/dizarra/StorysFromtheCityTalesFromtheSea/

Anonymous said...

I finally got by to read some of your entry's; Wow Sam, I can't believe how many people read you! What an honor, huh? Are you flattered beyone yourself? LOL
No, I no why, cause your journal is terrific-good pictures also; and you and Jeannette got together-even better! Looks like the both of you got some 'color'
on your cheeks; I love, love, LOVE boats; if your ever in the Garden state, let me know-I'd like to hop on myself and meet you! Thanks for your kind words over on my last entry! Don't write often, but when I do, it means a lot to see folks care
enough to comment. ~Diane~ http://journals.aol.com/dizarra/StorysFromtheCityTalesFromtheSea/

Anonymous said...

((((((SAM!!!))))  SOOOO glad you commented recently in mutualaide's journal.  GOOD to see you, Sir!  Another wonderful entry I see.  I think you guys are pulling me back in here...we'll see.  I hope all has been well with you.  ;)  Smooches,  C.

Anonymous said...

I can see the happiness in all the photos...what wonderful photos they are...and how loving and caring you are to do all you did to make her's and Andy's trip special.  You and your family are awesome...you made her trip to the US have a lifetime of memories.  For her, as well as you.  Have a great week ahead.  Thanks for your comments about my flowers..and pool.  Lot's of hard work...but it gives me peace...that's what counts.
Take care!!
Joyce

Anonymous said...

I love it when online friends meet f2f.  I especially love it when they share it with the rest of us!

Thanks for this. :-)

-Nancie
http://www.aimpages.com/nanciymeng/profile.html

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you did a lot to make Jeanette & Andy's visit an enjoyable one. I'm sure it was a special time they they will never forget...           Jon

Anonymous said...

Nice to meet you, Sam. Thank you for the nice comment on my poem, as well. Really enjoy your writing style and also the pictures that you've shared. My husband sounds a lot like Andy, in that he doesn't want his picture posted on-line. Think he might break the camera, lol. At least I can still write about him, every so often. Your life sounds quite interesting in Georgia. We also have container ships here in Vancouver. Quite the sight to see, both in and out of the water. Please take care!
Sincerely, Rose~*

Anonymous said...

Nice to meet you Sam - I came over from Jeannette's journal - just catching up with her trip to the states - so glad you met.  I myself met an online friend from AOL in March this year in New York - it was great and I miss her now. Brilliant how we can make friends across the pond - Jeannette only lives an hour away from me and we are yet to meet - I think we might this summer though - by the way my eldest boy is called Sam - its a great name!! Elaine xx http://journals.aol.co.uk/elainey2465/art-degree/

Anonymous said...

That was a terrific day. It's really some feeling to meet someone from this venue, isn't it? We make a hundred friends here, but it never feels as complete as when you actually get to shake hands and say hello in person, right?

Some day I'm making my way down your way, guitar in hand, my friend! I know how good this sort of thing feels, so I'm glad you got to experience it first-hand!

Jimmy

PS how funny was Andy being so camera shy!

Anonymous said...

You are a great host.  You made their trip a memorable one. How cool that you actually met her in person.  :)
http://journals.aol.com/mrsm711/LatteDah/      Tracy

Anonymous said...

Sam.. it appears it's been awhile since you left an entry, but from reading the one prior to this, it seems Spring is a busy season for you.  Sounds as if you and Jeannette had a lovely time together!  It's really nice when you get the opportunity to meet a fellow JLander.

Thank you for stopping by my journal and leaving a comment.. :)   I am putting you on alert.. so, I will be back! :)

Jackie

Anonymous said...

Just popped in to say thanks for visiting my journal - I put you on my sidebar - love Laine xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam it looked like you Jeannette and Andy had the most amazing time ......Jean

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam~I'm glad you shared that visit! I like the photo best of you and J sitting next to each other while you drove the boat. That J and andy sure get around to travel, don't they? I have my vicarious travels with J all the time! Blessings, Deb ;-)

Anonymous said...

Well, I never intended for so much time to pass before I read this.

Sounds like a great time.  Glad you got to meet Jeanette and Andy.  Sure the feeling was mutual :)

I guess I never realized how busy it is on the water.  Other than cruise ships, seafood catching boats, and pleasure crafts, most people probably don't think of how many people work in water... lol.

Those container ships look huge!  

Thanks for the visuals, as always...  

Cat~

Anonymous said...

I just love it when people you meet via Journals...Bond a friendship...and meet later on in person...I just think it's so wonderful!

My mother's name is Paulette! It's not a very common name...at least not that i've see...in my 25 years of life...i've only known of 2...My mother...and the woman she was named after...The famous Paulette Goddard.

Somehow My mother aquired the nick name of "pete" not many call her Paulette...they call her "Pete" for short. strange i know.