After wintering at our “dirt house” we are just a few weeks away from returning to the boat for the fourth leg of our Loop. We have stored the boat three times during our planned circumnavigation of the east coast and rivers of this country. So far we have completed 3,500 miles of the 6,500 mile trip and while going back and forth has worked well for us, it is a lot of extra work compared to the traditional Loop plan of one continuous voyage.
We found the majority of loopers live east of the Mississippi, and it was not uncommon to hear about them going back home many times for a short stay to run life while making the one year voyage. Being able to loop at a slower pace works for us but there are extra tasks when you take breaks as we do. The lists we keep are critical with half of our supplies on either side of the country.
Ellen and I worry about different things as we get ready, being the fixer, I am concerned about launching the boat and bringing her out of hibernation. The admiral, who always has 50 browsers open in her mind at the same time, is planning for everything we will need to know about this leg from recommended stops to hazards on the water to be aware of and all logistics for the trip, all the details that would drive me crazy, she is in her element. The boat has been below freezing for a while which is so foreign to me. Did the winterizing we had the yard complete do it’s job ? Do I need additional spares for the next segment ? Will I need new Co2 cartridges for the inflatable life jackets? (Last nights thoughts at 12:38).
The boat has been stored inside all winter so I feel good about the outside appearance, it won’t be full of rainwater, but will all those vacuum bagged clothes and electronics still be usable? These are all first world problems of course and if the boats not ready we will just fix it before moving on, that’s just part of the adventure.
This winter we caught up on medical and dental visits, took care of our folks, did some home maintenance and improvements, had our cats love on us, and got a new granddaughter (Total is 3) so if the main engine impeller froze into 100 pieces, so be it.
Highlights on this next section will include the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous in Norfolk to see old friends and meet the new Looper Class of 2023 who are heading north in our direction. We plan to enter New York Harbor, a sentimental experience for the grandchildren of immigrants. It’s always amazing to see such a bustling port and feel the history of the area.
We will be taking a side trip to Cape Cod, where Ellen spent her summers and will visit anchorages in Long Island where Ellen grew up and learned to sail.
We will pull into the coastal town of Padanaram where we spent the summer of ’84, Ellen worked at a group home for teens and I ran the charter boat that I sailed back from the Caribbean. After Long Island Sound our plan is to motor back through Hells Gate in New York City and up the Hudson River. We will pass Bannerman Castle, West Point, and the Culinary Institute of America where there is a marina nearby so we can dine there.
Boating through the locks on the canals was the entire reason we bought the boat, shipped it across the country, and became loopers after reading a book 14 years ago about cruising the 300 mile Erie Canal.
Each section of the loop has been so different and incredible, we enjoy savoring them slowly in segments.
Hope to see many of you on Leg 4 of Perfect Choice Loop we cannot wait to continue this journey.