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.
It was great to meet the two of you at the AGLCA Rendezvous. We’ll keep an eye on Nebo and hope to cross paths as we head toward the east coast from Lake Superior. “Blessings Flow” – Lance and Brenda
Absolutely hope to meet up again
So very happy for you two adventurers and wishing you clear skies and smooth sailing on this next leg of your journey.
Have a wonderful adventure. Looking forward to reading all about it. Stay safe and enjoy!
Yay! I’m really looking forward to your adventures!
What an enjoyable read. Love this blog, and what FANTASTIC photos! Looking forward to seeing you guys on this leg. Woo-hoo!!
I’m sooo excited for you as you start this next chapter of your adventure. Hoping to catch up with you in Dennis or elsewhere in southern New England.😘
Thanks for including me. Anxious to follow you on your next leg. Remember to bring some spray electric terminal cleaner. Seems like when TIKA sat for awhile the tachometer or something else on the bridge wouldn’t work..pull the plug spray some cleaner and presto..fixed. I would always finish with some anti corrosion spray.
Thanks Kevin, as the Oracle of all things Camano, in the middle of nowhere, you bailed us out and had us underway in a couple days. It’s nice to know your just a call away. 👍
Great blog, hope all wintered well on the boat. TurnThePaige is in NorthPort on Lake Michigan. I too, am worried about how she wintered. She’s under contract, and I head up there in a few weeks for the sea trial. After crossing our wake in Annapolis, we continued north through Georgian Bay. Thanks for sharing the blog. Contact us if you are ever in Grafton.
Thanks Ken, Hope the sea trials go well, if not , maybe it’s a sign that you need to keep cruising. 👍
I enjoy your postings…and photos. We keep SIGMACHI at Nabbs Creek Marina just off of the mouth of the Patapsico River ,north of Annapolis and east of Baltimore City…Chesapeake Bay Country.
We are staying on the Bay this year. Our vessel has Nebo permanently mounted. My phone number is listed in the Members Only Sections of both the AGLCA & MTOA websites.
I f you are in the area of Baltimore or Annapolis and need assistance let us know! (Foster Schuckeris a Harbor Host in the C &D Canal area…a wonderful resource!)
Tight Lines!
Thanks Alan, our nebo widget should fire up as soon as we get going. Annapolis will be one of our first ports to visit.
Have fun. Be nice to the Harbormaster’s
I have no idea how this update broke through, but so great to hear from you both! What a fantastic adventure. So glad you are managing priorities and having fun
Thanks Scott, Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and adventure, we said this often during the first part of the trip. As we are learning our southern expressions like “bless her heart” our new comment to adversity is “proceed as the way opens”
Hope all is well
Brian
It’s going to be a great trip! I’ll be watching. With love,
Look forward to seeing you again in Norfolk, and then following the next leg of the journey.
Just read your blog very interesting. I felt like I was right with you going back to the boat and I’m excited for you. It’s a dream for many people but you have accomplished it. Love you guys.