As we walk the docks for exercise or enjoyment, we continue to be amused and intrigued by boat names. It is common for boat names to have a nautical theme: Some boat names seem to refer to a spouse, girlfriend, daughter (or even a former spouse!): Other boat names reflect big dreams, lofty aspirations, even … Continue reading Boat Names (Reprise) →

Though I am hesitant to “toot my own horn”, after months of online classes, an examination in August, and a detailed application and documentation process with the Coast Guard, I am happy to have received my Merchant Mariner Credential a/k/a Coast Guard Captain license. Could not have done it without the support and encouragement of … Continue reading It’s Official →

On Saturday we left Hamilton Harbor in Naples, refueled (first time since March in the Florida Keys), and headed out Naples Bay and the Gordon River into the Gulf. First Mate Rhonda working lines Gordon River Greeters Our destination was Marco Island Marina, only about 15 miles away by water, past the Rookery Bay nature … Continue reading Marco Island! →

We are happy to report that Eta (tropical storm, then hurricane, then tropical storm again) has passed us for the second time, high winds have died down, and the sun is shining again in SW Florida! After a few days at Legacy Harbour reacquainting ourselves with R&R, getting settled in, and catching up with boaters … Continue reading Leaving Legacy →

Watching Tropical Storm Eta approach Southwest Florida has been a learning, not to say harrowing, experience. Eta began in Central America and then headed east over the Gulf of Mexico toward Cuba. Meteorologists predicted that Eta might intensify over the warm waters of the Gulf and/or track onto the main Florida peninsula. Storm Tying. When … Continue reading Lessons From Tropical Storm Eta →

Earlier this week we drove to Fort Myers in a fully-loaded SUV with two e-bikes hanging off the back. Along the way checked out Russell Cave National Monument in Alabama and Rhonda added that stamp to her NPS Passport book. When we arrived at Legacy Harbor Marina, it was good to catch up with boat-neighbor … Continue reading On The BOAT Again! →

Don’t miss the Grand Traverse Bay, the Leelanau Peninsula, and Old Mission Peninsula on your voyage along America’s Great Loop! This area lies along the 45th parallel, halfway between the equator and the North Pole. The 45th parallel runs through many of the Northern Hemisphere’s premier wine regions, including Italy’s Piedmont region; the Rhone Valley … Continue reading Harvest at Chardonnay Shores Vineyard →

One year ago, Rhonda and I untied lines and left the dock at Yacht Basin Marina in Holland, Michigan to begin our Great Loop voyage. Then After navigating 2643 miles down the Western Rivers, along the panhandle and west coast of Florida, and across to the Florida Keys, COVID concerns led us to leave the … Continue reading Loopaversary! →

This may sound like a dangerous boating maneuver, but actually it's a reason to celebrate culmination of a unique lifetime experience! When America's Great Loop cruisers complete their 5,000 - 7,000 mile Loop (there are many optional side trips) at the same port they embarked, it is said that they "Cross their Wake." Today Rhonda … Continue reading Crossing The Wake! →

(in a happy way!) Last Wednesday was a proud moment for this First Mate! Rick passed the Coast Guard Captain's license exam....with flying colors! He's often been called “captain” along our Loop as dockhands routinely called out "Stern to port, captain" or "Six feet to go, captain" or "Spring line on, captain." In those settings … Continue reading Oh Captain, my Captain! →