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. This way, we can chase the best weather as we cruise through different regions along the East Coast.

May 5th was a double whammy for us. It marked our 16th wedding anniversary, and we got a surprise gift from Mother Nature. As we glided through the Chesapeake, a pod of dolphins decided to join our celebration. Those lovely creatures swam alongside our boat for what felt like an eternity. Talk about an anniversary memory that will make us smile for years to come!

Leaving behind the captivating beauty of Mobjack Bay, we pointed our bow toward Fishing Bay, a charming anchorage on the south side of Deltaville. The serenity of the surroundings and the enchanting sounds of nature serenaded us as we settled in for the night.

Of course, life on the water also comes with practical tasks like laundry and restocking supplies. So, we made our way a little further north the next day, docking at Regatta Point Marina on the other side of Deltaville. This marina turned out to be our little haven where we checked off our to-do list and indulged in some well-deserved shore time.

After wrapping up boat projects and tying up loose ends, we were itching to continue our northward adventure. The wind was on our side, and we seized the opportunity to hoist our sails and savor a few blissful hours of sailing.

Following our course, we stumbled upon an anchorage straight from a postcard. Picture serene waters, not a boat in sight, and breathtaking views all around. It was a moment of pure contentment, a reminder of the freedom and thrill that the beginning of the Great Loop has blessed us with.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting vibrant hues across the sky, we couldn't help but reflect on the incredible start to our Great Loop Adventure. From the playful dolphins on our anniversary to the tranquil anchorages and the joy of sailing, each experience has woven a unique thread into the tapestry of our journey.