Captain’s Log
Breaking Free: Leaving Oriental (Eventually)
Once we finally installed our new air conditioner and spent a glorious week basking in the luxury of shore power, we knew our time in Oriental was ticking down. But the town had other plans and kept drawing us in…
Dragon Hunting in Oriental, NC
The story goes that a part-time resident of Oriental was pondering how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Oriental. Given the town’s name, he figured a dragon should be involved. The welcoming nature of the town to the “first” dragon led to more and more dragons popping up. You’ll see them all over town, and some of the dragon eggs have been officially marked as nesting grounds to help protect this legendary creature. So we went on a hunt to discover as many dragons as we could!
A Brush with History
The Zeeland Historical Society recently shared a fascinating piece of our hometown’s history, detailing the arduous journey of our founders from the Netherlands to Michigan. This story resonates deeply with me, especially after my family’s recent travels along a similar route.
The Croaker Festival in Oriental, NC
We arrived in Oriental, North Carolina, on July 2. While there wasn’t much going on for Independence Day in Oriental, we had the Croaker Festival, which had a big fireworks show planned for the weekend.
Article in Practical Sailor
As a family on a sailboat traveling on the Great Loop, our crew of four aboard Fika was a bit out of the ordinary. The first question we’re asked when folks learn about our vessel is, “Don’t you have to take the mast down?” America’s Great Loop is a waterway adventure that will lead you on a circumnavigation of the eastern portion of the United States, and there’s one thing in the way of sailboats: fixed-height bridges.
Southport, North Carolina
We’ve spent a little over a week outside Southport, NC, near Cape Fear. We explored the area's history in Southport and found a variety of places to cool off (and play chess)!
Charleston, South Carolina
Despite the oppressive heat, we enjoyed exploring Charleston on foot and engaging in local history and culture.
Savannah, Georgia
Our riverside visit to Savannah was filled with lots of culinary adventures and a fun exploration of many parks, squares, and cobblestone roads.
Discovering Annapolis' Bookish Secrets
Exploring Annapolis opened the door to unexpected bookish treasures that enriched our days in this maritime city. Our primary book destination, the library, nestled conveniently adjacent to West Marine, became a haven of knowledge during our extended stay while tending to boat matters.
Appreciating Historic Annapolis
During our stay in Annapolis, we embarked on countless walking adventures, uncovering the city's rich historical charm. Strolling through its picturesque streets, we enjoyed the architecture of the well-preserved buildings, each with a story to tell. The city's colonial past came alive as we immersed ourselves in the unique atmosphere of this historic gem.
Exploring Annapolis' Ice Cream Gems
Our family spent nearly a month in Annapolis as we dealt with work travel and windlass replacement. While there, we couldn't resist indulging in frozen treats during our adventures in this nautical town.
A Literary Haven in St. Michaels
During our boating adventure in St. Michaels, Maryland, we stumbled upon a gem known as the Talbot County Free Library. As cruisers exploring the area, we enjoyed the library's warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting us to step inside and explore its literary wonders.
Pump-Outs: Keeping Our Waters Clean
In our boating journey, we encountered a crucial aspect of responsible boating: pump-outs. As we sailed across the Chesapeake Bay from St. Michaels to Annapolis, we found ourselves navigating the waters of waste management, ensuring that our actions were in harmony with the environment we cherished.
Exploring the Oyster Heritage of the Chesapeake
During our visit to St. Michaels, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay. One highlight was the Chesapeake Maritime Museum, where we delved into the captivating world of oysters. As we wandered through the exhibits and learned about the industry's past and present, we discovered fascinating insights into the history and significance of oysters in the Chesapeake region.
Bug-Blasting, Dinghy Rendezvous, and Sailing Delights
While anchored in Pancake Point, we found ourselves dealing with a swarm of pesky bugs that tested our patience. Thankfully, Chris had just the tool to combat the flying nuisances—a Bug-a-salt Salt Gun he received as a birthday gift the previous year.
Our Start to the Great Loop Adventure
Our Great Loop Adventure officially kicked off after an action-packed week in Norfolk. We attended the 2023 AGLCA Spring Rendezvous, met awesome fellow Loopers, and gathered valuable intel about routes and boats. Fueled with newfound knowledge and excitement, we waved goodbye to Norfolk and set sail in our planned direction—counter-clockwise.
The Family “Car”
A dinghy, or as we like to call it, our family "car" on the water, comes to the rescue when we're anchored or tied to a mooring ball and can't reach the land directly. It's our trusty companion that helps us bridge the gap between our boat and the shore.
Internet Options for Remote Work and Entertainment
Embarking on a sailing adventure around America's Great Loop while staying connected to the internet is now a top priority for many, especially remote workers seeking to maintain productivity on the water.
Finding the Right Boat for Our Great Loop Adventure
Getting ready for the Great Loop Adventure as a family is exciting. But before we could set sail, we had the task of finding the perfect boat to be our trusty companion on this big journey. We wanted a vessel that would tick all the boxes for comfort, functionality, and unforgettable experiences. It was like searching for a needle in a haystack, but we were up for the challenge and determined to find the right boat for us.
USS Wisconsin
As we embarked on our Great Loop Adventure, we immersed ourselves in Norfolk, Virginia's rich history and vibrant culture. Among the attractions near our marina that captured our attention, one particularly stood out—the USS Wisconsin.
