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February 2025 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
"We are 6 months into 2025 and it's still January." ~Facebook meme
As Loopers, we cruise to Florida to get away from winter's wrath...but Mother Nature had other plans this year. Who would expect 7+ inches of snow in the Florida Panhandle? I think I speak for everyone when I say February couldn't come fast enough!
As we (thankfully) move into month two of 2025, Kim Russo shares with us the State of the Association. She shares Loop Completion Stats from 2024, the new location for the Fall Rendezvous, and explains why our advocacy contributions are so important.
For those of you who are planning to cruise the Okeechobee Waterway this spring, Debbie & Steve Russell share their experience on this part of the route. They cruise the Okeechobee regularly and have been through the waterway recently and share with us what you can expect.
Dock Tales returns this month! Eddy & Linda Johnsen talk about Must-See Destinations. What goes into determining a Must-See location? Of course, that answer is likely different for everyone, but one of Eddy & Linda's Must-See spots is Port St. Joe. Read on to find out more.
And as always, we have your fellow Loopers' Wake Crossing announcements.
In this issue:
Members only
Members only
Admiral Sponsors
Wake Crossings Reported in January:
Amelia Dawn II
Congratulations to Mark & Avery, who completed their Loop on January 10, 2025 aboard their Sea Ray 480, Amelia Dawn II.
"In 2022, I called my dad to ask him if, after saving up enough money, he would buy a boat with me to complete the Great Loop. The Great Loop was a journey my parents had always talked about when my sister and I were kids. They had planned to pull us out of school for a year to complete the trip, but we never got around to it.
"In February 2024, I left my corporate job behind and we began our 8,000-mile adventure, navigating the waterways of the eastern portion of the United States and part of Canada. In addition to the official Great Loop route, we added a number of side trips, including a few months stay in The Bahamas to dive and a trip around Cape Cod in search of whales.
"Completing the Great Loop has been an unforgettable journey, filled with invaluable lessons, unforgettable memories, and stories we’ll both be telling for the rest of our lives."
At Last
Congratulations to Luc & Denise, who completed their Loop on September 2, 2024 aboard their Meridian 341, At Last.
BettyMae
Congratulations to Allison & Steven, who completed their Loop on October 5, 2024 aboard their Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly, BettyMae.
Cabella
Congratulations to Bob & Terry, who completed their Loop on December 31, 2024 (along with Cabo & Stella!) aboard their Great Harbour GH47, Cabella.
Callie B
Congratulations to Karl, who completed his Loop on October 18, 2024 aboard his Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge, Callie B.
Escape Plan
Congratulations to Drew & Michael-Anne, who completed their Loop on December 22, 2024 aboard their Kadey Krogen 48 Whaleback, Escape Plan.
"You will never finish if you don't start. Stop planning and get boating."
Full Moon
Congratulations to Dennis & Cheryl (and Skye!), who completed the Loop on December 12, 2024 aboard their DeFever 50 RPH, Full Moon.
"The best of the Loop are the people you meet! So many experiences, too numerous to recount or compare! We are so thankful for the once in a lifetime opportunity!"
Hula Loop
Congratulations to Shari & Brian, who completed their Loop on October 29, 2024 aboard their Mainship Sedan 430, Hula Loop.
Island Rain
Congratulations to Jim & Shelly, who completed their Loop on July 17, 2024 aboard their 35' Jeanneau NC 1095, Island Rain.
LEGACY
Congratulations to Mary & Jim, who completed their SECOND Loop on January 16, 2025 aboard their 2003 Grand Banks 42 Classic, LEGACY.
"We started in March, 2023. Spent the Summer, Fall and Winter in the Chesapeake Bay. Then resumed May 18,2024. We completed 5,785 miles; 137 Travel days; 42 nights at Anchor. We used 3,185 gallons of Diesel but got 1.8 miles per hour."
Leland Tug
Congratulations to Rob & Amy, who completed their Loop on May 31, 2024 aboard their Nordic Tug 34, Leland Tug.
"Adventure of a lifetime. The people you meet along the way are the best part."
Live the Dash
Congratulations to the Bohonek Family, who completed their Loop on December 14, 2024 aboard their Silverton 453 Aft Cabin, Live the Dash.
"What an opportunity for our family to get off the 'crazy train' powered by a busy life of careers and events to focus on what is truly most important and honestly life’s most precious commodity – quality time.
"When we pulled our kids (age 12 and 9) from public schools to embark on this trip one of their teachers said, 'they are about to learn more on this adventure than they could EVER learn inside the 4 walls of this building.' Well, how right she was! The textbooks came alive for them with history lessons galore, social studies, geography, science – you name it! The ability for our kids to join the small number of other 'Loop kids' by completing this journey will be times they will remember the rest of their lives!
"For Emily and I, it was a time to find out better communication styles and ways to not only further discover each other’s strengths but come to rely on them! We agree this was not a vacation at all, but an adventure.
"On board with us was our 'silent passenger,' Dr. Eric Lilly. A man we never had the privilege of meeting but what we were blessed to be able to do is help him earn his gold. As he prepared to Loop as a lifelong dream, health challenges took his life, but he is proof that even in death the dream can live on! He will forever be a part of our story after being on board for countless planning sessions, family dinners, docktails, holidays, and adventures. We are so grateful to his sisters for trusting and allowing our family to carry him around The Great Loop!
"We can never thank our lifelong friends that we met along this journey for sticking with us and truly making this a life-changing trip. These examples of friendship don’t happen often in life and are such a reaffirmation of the goodness of humanity when you peel back the layers and find out that the world is full of good people.
"As a kid, my grandmother used to say, 'never say goodbye – instead, see you down the way!' A reminder that relationships and bonds made are lifelong and never-ending. So, as we close this adventure and begin our next journey, we tell all of you – 'See You Down the Way!'"
Mad Horse
Congratulations to Dave & Suki, who completed their Loop on October 15, 2024 aboard their Phoenix 29, Mad Horse.
"Mad Horse started in July behind most Loopers already on there way, so we had a lot of solo Looping experience through many of the locks along the way north till we caught up with other Loopers and met lots of interesting friendly & helpful Loopers.
"And boy, it was an amazing three months, fun-filled with adventure. And, yes, we did stop to smell the flowers. Some of our favorites were:
- Just cruising north on the ICW (who knew there is so much to see in everyone’s back yard)
- Cruising and dropping anchor right behind the Lady Liberty
- Cruising the beautiful Hudson River
- Experiencing the locks of the Erie Canal & Oswego
- The Antique Boat Classic weekend in Clayton, NY
- Experiencing the historic Trent severan waterways, and so glad we did. And a high it was! From the highest lift lock to the roller coaster feel of the Big Chute. Now that is something to experience!
"Locking along, Mad Horse just loved to sprint out of the locks and just wanted to gallop and never stop, hence now we know why they called her Mad Horse! We loved cruising Georgian Bay. Then onto the inland seas of Lake Michigan an ocean in its own. We loved Mackinac Island, the natural beauty and unique attractions and no cars! It’s a treat being a small boat, we got front row docking, can’t beat that. Then onto the Tennessee-Tombigbee inland river system, feeling like Tom Sawyer and the never ending barges! From sunrise to sunset there was always something going on.
"Each of Mad Horse's experiences were different in their own way. We definitely found our communication styles and ways to not only discover each other’s strengths but to come to rely on them. All worth it! It challenged us and helped us to grow in person & as better boaters.
"So Mad Horse ran full steam ahead:
- Traveling 6,000 miles
- 16 states
- 2 countries
- At least 103 locks
- 3,000 gallons of diesel
- Averaging 10 mph at 2 mpg
- 578 engine hours
- 6 gallons of Ames oil
- Went through 7 fan belts
- And a lot of beer!
"As we close this adventure & begin our next journey, Mad Horse will always be kicking it up somewhere!"
Maggie Ann
Congratulations to Tim & Sue, who completed their Loop on August 29, 2024 aboard their 34' Californian LRC, Maggie Ann.
"We started the Loop in a 34’ 1982 Californian Trawler from St Ignace, MI, on Sept. 12, 2021. We were still working at the time, doing 2-3 weeks on and 2-3 weeks off. To say that it was an adventure of a lifetime is an understatement. There’s something about seeing our country by water, traveling almost 6,000 miles at 9 mph. Some mornings waking up with our boat covered with ice, to some mornings waking up so hot out that you can’t hardly stand it. The weather was in our favor 90% of the time.
"We saw so many beautiful places and met so many wonderful people. Made many new friends, fellow Loopers, and boaters who saw our AGLCA burgee and just wanted to know about the Loop.
"We were blessed to see so many of our country's great sites, cities, and experience the different cuisines of the regions we were in."
Molly Brown
Congratulations to Betty & James, who completed their Loop (with Moki & Luna!) on January 5, 2025 aboard their C-Dory Tomcat 24, Molly Brown.
"What an amazing 10 months and 7124 miles!! The history and beauty of the waterways was incredible to experience. Cruising on a 24’ vessel was not luxurious but gave us opportunities to explore many places off the typical Looper trail. Our fellow Looper friends called us adventurous and risk takers as we spent most of our Loop on the hook tucked in a bay or up a shallow creek. But waking up to a sunrise and watching the waterways come alive was a favorite part of our day. We loved every minute of our journey but all-time favorite places were Quebec and the Mississippi River. Favorite side trips; Philadelphia and the Suwannee River."
Nautical Gypsy
Congratulations to Anne, who completed her Loop on Decembr 21, 2024 aboard her 36' Albin Double Cabin, Nautical Gypsy.
"I have met so many wonderful people over the course of completing my solo Loop journey. Even though I traveled alone it was a rare day when there wasn’t someone I got to talk to over the course of the day to share my newest experiences. I haven’t yet gone back to calculate how many miles I’ve cruised nor counted the number of locks transited, but it was all worth every minute. I will say that this Great Loop trip certainly challenged me and helped me to grow both as a person and as a boater.
"My trip took place over several years a part of the original plan which, due to the Covid pandemic, took a little longer than expected.
"I remain grateful to the people who helped when I faced challenges along the way."
Never Say Never
Congratulations to Jeff & Lori, who completed their Loop on June 22, 2024 aboard their Sea Ray Sundancer, Never Say Never.
Nimbus
Congratulations to Eric & David, who completed their Loop on November 1, 2024 aboard their Ta Shing / Taswell 49 (monohull sailboat), Nimbus.
No Name (Jet Ski)
Congratulations to David, who completed his Loop on July 6, 2024 aboard his SeaDoo GTX 230.
"I completed the journey in 23 days… a world record for personal watercraft (jet ski). I am in the process of getting Guinness World Record certification."
off-piste
Congratulations to Ann & Steve, who completed their Loop on January 26, 2025 aboard their Sabre 42SE, off-piste.
"To say that this has been an adventure would be an understatement. Over 6,000 miles in just under two years. But the off-piste adventure is not over. We are crossing over to the Bahamas on Tuesday with a plan to be back in our home slip in RI by May or June.
"While the scenery and experiences have been amazing, some of the best moments have been meeting up with old friends and family along the way. And making so many new friends as well.
"Safe travels to all who are continuing their own Loop journey. Hope to see you along the way!"
ONWARD
Congratulations to Guy & Vickie, who completed their Loop on October 14, 2024 aboard their Kadey-Krogen 42 Widebody, ONWARD.
Perspective....
Congratulations to Scott, who completed his Loop on November 23, 2024 aboard his Carver Voyager 57, Perspective.....
"Just over 7,000 miles with side trips that included: the Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas, the Abaco in The Bahamas, and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Started in Cincinnati and crossed official start port of Pickwick, Tennessee. 75% of my Loop was done solo; 25% with friends and family aboard."
Pipe Dream
Congratulations to John & Liz, who completed their Loop on December 8, 2024 aboard their DeFever 44, Pipe Dream.
"Our voyage covered over 6,200 miles and traversed 18 states and the Ontario Provence of Canada. We were underway 776 hours at an average speed of 6.9 knots or 7.9 mph. We transited 112 locks, spent 206 nights in marinas, 92 nights on anchor, 17 nights on a mooring ball, 36 nights on free docks/walls, and one night underway.
"We purchased approximately 3,300 gallons of fuel averaging just under 2 miles per gallon.
"It is hard to sum up a 6,000+ mile, year-long adventure in one post as each day was an adventure that taught us something new.
"We saw dolphins playing in our wake, a bald eagle snatching its lunch from the water, water so clear that we could see the bottom at 80 feet, we met wonderful people, and saw some amazing places.
"Reflecting upon our year-long adventure, just what did we learn?
"On a personal note:
- How grateful we are to have amazing and supportive family and friends; without their help we would not have been able to pursue this odyssey.
- That 'home' is wherever we are together, and happiness always comes from within.
- When faced with obstacles and new challenges, we can adapt, learn new skills, or accept things not to be.
- Getting outside our comfort zone has helped us grow personally and adds to our boating skills.
"Other observations:
- That 'Looping' is different for every boater. Some crave solitude, and others fellowship with people sharing the same interests.
- Rarely did anyone speak of their personal life, instead they focused on the challenge and adventure of Looping.
- Loopers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, religions, politics, and regions of the world, yet we all bonded in friendship over this shared journey.
"Our advice - Enjoy this time together, learn new skills, and do it your way and on your schedule."
Pura Vida II
Congratulations to Chris & Kim, who completed their Loop on January 13, 2025 aboard their Mainship 430, Pura Vida II.
"After four years, nine months, and 8,974 miles, we have finally completed America’s Great Loop. What an amazing experience! During that time we spent a summer exploring the Chesapeake Bay, traveling up and down the ICW, a winter in Marathon, a trip up the Saint Johns River, and spent additional seasons in the North Channel and the Great Lakes.
"We are continually in awe of the natural beauty of our surroundings, the history of our country and the adventure and adrenaline that this journey provides. The best part, like so many others have said, is the amazing people that you meet along the way. For that we are grateful!"
Red Ball Express
Congratulations to David Leamon, who completed his Loop on July 14, 2024 aboard his SeaDoo Switch Sport, Red Ball Express.
"I’m not the first to do the Loop on a jet ski or a pontoon, but I’m the first person to do the Loop on a jet drive pontoon (SeaDoo Sport pontoon)."
Soul Shine
Congratulations to Bill & Susan, who completed their Loop on November 25, 2024 aboard their 35' Sea Piper, Soul Shine.
Superior Sunrise
Congratulations to Randy & Peg, who completed their Loop on July 23, 2024 aboard their 56' Ocean Yacht CPMY, Superior Sunrise.
Tawny B
Congratulations to Nick & Alison, who completed their Loop on January 18, 2025 aboard their 44' Marine Trader Europa, Tawny B.
THIS is what
Congratulations to Michael & Gina, who completed their Loop on January 29, 2025 aboard their 1999 Mainship 430, THIS is what.
"Three years of travel, 9,000 miles, and too many friendly people along the way to count. Although, thanks to Mark and Debbie on Meant To Be for the Gold Looper welcome sign."
Three Sons
Congratulations to Tracy & Bob, who completed their Loop on January 21, 2025 aboard their 42' Grand Banks, Three Sons.
"We crossed our wake in Fort Myers, Florida. We took a different route, heading the 'wrong way' on September 17, 2023 towards Fort Myers, Florida.
Three Sons turned south in the Caloosahatchee River and started our travels counter clockwise on December 31, 2023.
"It has been an amazing adventure to say the least. Every stop was such a unique experience and eye opening to all the incredible things to see and do along the way that we never imagined. Sharing this adventure with fellow boaters added a dimension that we completely underestimated. Friendships created on the water run deep and will carry with us long after our boating travels.
"What started as an adventure is leading us to a lifestyle of cruising. We will continue cruising down to the Keys, a trip to the Bahamas for the winter and a slow ride up the east coast in the spring to be home for the summer.
"Of course, some stats are in order to document the journey:
- 7,353 nautical miles traveled
- 158 locks
- 3 countries, 2 provinces, 17 states
- 3,180 gallons of diesel fuel, and of course
- a lot of breweries visited
Traveller
Congratulations to Dan, who completed his Loop on September 15, 2024 aboard his Bayliner 3870, Traveller.
Turn The Paige
Congratulations to John & Paige, who completed their Loop on December 24, 2024 aboard their Silverton 43, Turn The Paige.
"Completing the Great Loop became a bucket list trip for us. It seemed impossible, exciting, slightly scary and a little crazy. But we did it anyway! We have immense gratitude for the journey, the experiences and the lifelong friends we made. If you are planning or dreaming of the Loop, go! Throw off the lines and go. It will be the best decision you ever make."
Valhalla
Congratulations to Brad & Malissa, who completed their Loop on December 2, 2024 aboard their 53' 1984 ED Hatteras, Valhalla.
"On October 2, 2009, we left Sabula, IA aboard our first boat, Gypsy Queen aka GQ. We soon met up with Loopers who shared their experience as they were finishing their Loop. We were hooked. The Loop became our dream, our fascination, and our future purpose for so many road trips. We lived aboard our boats since that day, forgoing all dirt. We loved to explore by roads our journey down the rivers and then we began to explore places by roads where we would journey on our Loop! To prepare for the Loop we traded up on our boat, buying Valhalla in 2017 and then refitting her. The final big fix was a new generator installed in February of 2020. This detail became particularly important when we ended up in the eye of Hurricane Sally. She ran all over the gulf coast and ended up over us as we anchored out in Ingram’s Bayou (a great anchorage, outside of a hurricane, of course). We were so grateful to have been able to safely navigate Sally, staying dry and having warm food and beverages to sustain us until power was restored to Perdido Key, several days later.
"The plans began in earnest for our first Loop. The targeted departure of November 10, 2023, would put us in the running with the Loopers entering Florida in late November. We attended Looper-palooza in January 2023 and learned so much! We did our Loop exactly as you are cautioned not to do, with a schedule and stops of one month at a time. We love anchoring out, so we run the generator generously.
"We divided the Loop into ten sections, approximately six hundred miles per travel section which consisted of ten travel days each. Those ten sections coincided with Captain Brad’s three weeks off. He gets off on a Tuesday, we would depart on Friday and then arrive at our next monthly slip with a full week to relax, adjust the lines and get ready to leave for three weeks back to work. Me, I had the ability to hang out in ten different communities for a month, I could learn their culinary history, experience new cultures, and always learning about the history of our nation.
"Now for the statistics on our #firstgreatamericanloop:
- 13 Months
- 20 States
- 1 Canadian Province
- 92 Travel Days
- 73 Locks
- 4 Great Lakes
- 5,313 Miles
- 5,125 Gallons of Diesel
- Which also fueled 1,117.7 hours on our generator
- Highest price was St. Augustine’s at $5.299 per gallon
- Cheapest price was Erie PA at $3.359
- 40 Gallons of 40w Oil
"As we moved across this country of ours, one of our favorite things to do was to search out local cuisine and enjoy what the season and the community brought to us. Our waterways were entrée to our oldest neighborhoods and their cultures blossom through their cuisine we shared along the way. Captain Brad loves potato chips and we found many local options as we Looped. FYI his favorite was Saratoga Chips from Albany NY.
"We enjoyed Carolina Gold Rice and Stone Ground Grits. We ate local seafood and loved it when in the #GreatLakes and enjoyed panfried lake perch and delicate walleye! The Kringle’s from O & H Bakery in Racine, Wisconsin were amazing and P.S. they ship! The Phillies melted in our mouths while in Delaware City. We went from Gullah Geechee cuisine and ended up back in our Cajun/Creole comfort food with stops for midwestern beef and pork. We tackled 5,313 miles one bite at a time!"
WAND'RIN STAR
Congratulations to Jon & Pam, who completed their Loop on August 30, 2024 aboard their 2022 Ranger Tug 27 OB, WAND'RIN STAR.
"An adventure of a lifetime. The people you meet become your friends and towns you travel in become your village. To travel God‘s beautiful world from a water side of the land."
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