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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Norfolk Libraries: Aboard the USS Wisconsin & Visiting the Slover Library
During our stay in Norfolk, Virginia, we were delighted to discover our first two libraries during our Great Loop journey: one aboard the USS Wisconsin and the Slover Library, just a short walk from Waterside Marina.
Connecting with the Great Loop Community
Joining America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association (AGLCA) has opened up a world of connections for our family as we embark on our Great Loop journey. The recent AGLCA Spring Rendezvous brought together Loopers from different stages of their adventure, providing valuable insights, camaraderie, and newfound friendships.
The Route: Georgia through the Carolinas
To complete our loop and "cross our wake," we'll continue traveling up the East Coast along Georgia and through the Carolinas. From Jacksonville to Norfolk, we'll have the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) and plenty of inlets and sounds.
The Route: Chesapeake Through New Jersey
Once we leave Norfolk, Virginia, we'll voyage about 510 miles on the Chesapeake Bay and through New Jersey. Like we've seen in Lake Michigan, storms can come up fast in the Bay. As sailors, we learn always to keep an eye on the weather.
