Captain’s Log
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.
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)!
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.
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.
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.
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.
13 On Your Side Interview
The crew from 13 On Your Side came to chat with us as we prepared for our “Bon Voyage” party before we left for Virginia, where our boat is stored.
Fox 17 News Interview
Earlier this week our family met with Fox 17 Unfiltered and shared with them about our upcoming adventure.
Our Boating History: From Small Sails to America's Great Loop
Our family's boating journey has been a series of happy moments and challenges, but it's all led us to where we are today: preparing for America's Great Loop.
What is the Great Loop?
America's Great Loop is a continuous waterway that encompasses the eastern portion of North America, including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America's heartland. The entire route is roughly 6,000 miles long. Depending on their pace and path, it can take boaters anywhere from 6 months to over a year to complete the Loop.
