Captain’s Log
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.
Discovering the World of Books: Our Home Library and the Joys of Reading
Libraries hold a special place in our hearts. They are more than just buildings filled with books; they are portals to new worlds, gateways to knowledge, and catalysts for growth.
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.
We’re on a Boat!
Two weeks ago, we were furiously packing our things, trying to decide what would come on the boat and what would stay behind. Our cats went to live with some friends, and we enjoyed time in between packing and cleaning by celebrating with family and friends.
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.
The Benefits of Kids Living on a Sailboat
Living on a sailboat and learning how to sail can be a transformative experience for children (and adults!). It offers a unique opportunity for developing independence, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a love of nature.
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.
Fika Launch Shirts
We’ve put together a one-time print for shirts to celebrate our launch date. We’ll officially start our Great Loop Adventure on May 5, 2023, from Norfolk.
Kids on the Loop
Sailing around America's Great Loop can be a fantastic adventure for children of all ages. For our kids, who are 8 and 10 years old, this journey offers a unique opportunity to learn about the world and U.S. history, connect with nature, and develop new skills.
Downsizing for Our Sailing Adventure: Moving from House to Sailboat
Moving can be daunting, but when you're moving onto a sailboat and embarking on a sailing adventure around America's Great Loop, it becomes a whole new level of excitement and adventure. We're currently in the process of packing up our home in Michigan and downsizing our belongings to make the transition onto our sailboat in Deltaville, Virginia.
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: Florida’s East Coast & The Keys
We're excited to spend some time in the Florida Keys, surrounding areas, and the Bahamas during the winter months.
The Route: Gulf Coast
We'll cover about 350 miles of Florida from Pensacola/Perdido Bay to Tarpon Springs on The Upper Gulf Coast. We can expect swampy marshland and beautiful wilderness terrain in The Big Bend/Nature Coast. In addition, the Florida Panhandle coastline offers protection through barrier islands with white sandy beaches.
The Route: Inland Rivers
Come autumn weather, and we'll need to get heading south. We'll route through Chicago, IL, down the river system to Mobile, AL. This segment involves 1300 miles via the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and will take us to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Route: Lake Huron & Lake Michigan
As we transition from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, we'll approach The Mackinac Bridge. This bridge connects the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Lower Peninsula. It divides the "Yoopers" (Michiganders from the U.P.) from the "Trolls" (Michiganders from the Mitten).
The Route: Canada
There are some beautiful sites along the Canadian shore. While vessels can traverse the Loop without entering Canada, it would be a shame to miss out on its beauty. We will remove our mast and likely travel along the Erie Canal into the Oswego Canal, leading us into Lake Ontario.
The Route: New York through Lake Ontario
As we travel along the Erie Canal, we will encounter some of our first locks. A lock is a basin located in the canal with gates at each end. Using these gates, the Lock Master can control the water level in the basin, allowing for boats to be raised or lowered. This is how we can travel along canals that move up and down with different elevations.
