November 2026 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
There’s something special about this time of year. Across the country, Loopers are making their way south, trading changing leaves for warmer breezes and familiar routines for new adventures on the water. Whether you’re already underway, counting down the days until departure, or still dreaming about your own Great Loop adventure, this season reminds us that every journey begins long before the docklines come off.
For those heading toward Florida, the excitement comes with a few important decisions. Which route will you take along the Gulf Coast? Will you explore the Florida Keys, navigate the Okeechobee Waterway, or spend the winter tucked into a favorite marina? Our Florida article offers plenty to consider, from Gulf crossings and anchoring options to permits, seasonal marina reservations, hurricane planning, and potential waterway closures. A little research now can help you avoid surprises later—and leave more time to enjoy the sunshine, scenery, and unique experiences waiting along the way. Florida may be a familiar destination for some, but every season brings its own considerations, so be sure to check current conditions and navigation notices as you plan.
Of course, getting to Florida is only part of the adventure. Before you can enjoy those warm breezes, there’s the business of preparing to leave your life on land behind. Our Planning Guide article tackles two of the biggest milestones in the journey: Preparing your "dirt life" to be left behind (Step 9) and dropping the docklines (Step 10).
From securing your home and organizing mail and healthcare to thinking through what you’re leaving behind with family, friends, and everyday routines, there’s plenty to consider before setting off.
And then comes the moment you’ve been working toward: dropping those docklines and going! The key is to prepare as best you can, take things one step at a time, and remember that you don’t have to know everything before you leave. Start with shorter trips if you need to build confidence, ask questions of experienced Loopers, and take advantage of the knowledge and support available through AGLCA. A practical checklist can help you cover the essentials, but flexibility and a willingness to learn will serve you just as well. The goal isn’t a perfect departure—it’s a safe, enjoyable start to an incredible adventure.
And once you’re underway, don’t forget to enjoy the little things. Our One Bite at a Time series has reminded us that the Great Loop is about more than covering miles or checking destinations off a list. It’s about discovering local favorites, sampling regional specialties, learning the stories behind the places we visit, and occasionally finding a meal worth telling everyone about. As this series comes to a close, I hope it has inspired you to venture beyond the marina, try something new, and make a few delicious memories of your own.
Because in the end, the Great Loop is about so much more than the route you choose or the miles you travel. It’s about the friendships formed along the way, the unexpected places that become favorites, the challenges that turn into great stories, and the confidence that grows with every new experience.
Wherever you are in your Loop journey, I hope this issue offers a little inspiration, some practical advice, and a reminder that you’re part of a community ready to share what it has learned. Plan carefully, stay curious, ask for help when you need it, and leave a little room in your schedule for the unexpected.
In this issue:
Admiral Sponsors
Wake Crossings Reported in October:
"Someday" Came
Congratulations to Greg, Kara, & Matt, who completed their Loop on October 9, 2026 aboard their Carver Voyager 570 Pilothouse, "Someday" Came.
"Yeah! We completed our Loop with a very heartwarming welcome home celebration from our Goose Pond Family. There were a lot of 'Somedays' making this 15-year dream of ours a reality. In 2019, we attended our first Looper event where we won an AGLCA white burgee. It hung on our living room wall until we departed on our Loop October 20, 2025.
"From the beginning, we thought how cool it would be to dip our toes in ALL FIVE Great Lakes. This was our goal and we did it! In cruising the Loop path less traveled, we got to experience the beauty (and discourse) of all the Great Lakes which took us up the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Thousand Islands, Niagara Falls, the impressive Welland Canal, into Georgian Bay and the North Channel, and the world-famous Soo Locks.
"Most often, we were asked, 'where has been your favorite?' That question encompasses a lot and somewhere along the way, we started describing the Loop as a 'sampler platter'. Every segment is different from the history, culture, economy, sites, food and even the bugs. So, we have many areas we’d like to explore again.
“What was the most surprising? That was definitely the Detroit River! It is such a pretty blue and so clean compared to other waterways we cruised. Totally unexpected.
"By far our most favorite experience on the Loop was the camaraderie! From the AGLCA Home Port Crew to the travel buddies and friends met along the way. You may Loop-frog with a boat sometimes for months before you actually meet in person. Travel buddies get separated for various reasons, stay in contact, and often meet up again.
"Even with our misadventures along the way, the Loop lived up to our dreams and expectations. And YES, we would do it again!"
About Time
Congratulations to Jerry & Wendy, who completed their Loop on October 28, 2026 aboard their Sea Ray 480 Sedan Bridge, About Time.
EPIC
Congratulations to Larry & Gretchen, who completed their Loop on October 24, 2026 aboard their Bayliner 4788, EPIC.
Fun AGventures
Congratulations to Michael & Kathy, who completed their Loop on September 24, 2026 aboard their Carver 405, Fun AGventures.
"WE MADE IT!!!!!! We finished The Great American Loop and crossed our wake at Green Turtle Bay Marina, where we started our journey, just two days shy of a year later, and earned our Gold Burgee. There are way too many moments to list in one single paragraph but in summary we achieved these milestones.
- 6394 miles travelled
- 725 hours active 144 active days
- 173 miles our longest day (our Gulf Crossing)
- 8.9 average mph
- 17 states plus DC
- 120 locks US and Canada
"We have enough memories to fill a book and will have a lot to remember for a long time. To say this was a chance of a lifetime would be an understatement and many times it was difficult to find the right words to share what we encountered. We will definitely look at this last year as one of our major accomplishments. We both feel the greatest part of our journey was the people we met along the way. Some just passing for a day or two but many that have become lifelong friends. All were the most wonderful people we have ever met."
GADABOAT
Congratulations to Paul & Madonna, who completed their Loop on September 19, 2026 aboard their Carver 444, GADABOAT.
"When we left Louisville aboard our Carver 444, we knew we were doing something special. We had a general route, a general plan, lots of enthusiasm and an idea that we would need to be flexible, but WOW what an understatement!!
"Along the way there were windy days when we stayed put, long days on the rivers, sporty times on the open water, locks that kept us humble, unexpected detours too close to sunset, mechanical quandaries and plenty of moments when we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into.
"But there were also quiet sunsets, beautiful anchorages, quaint towns, WONDERFUL people, memorable meals and countless little adventures that would never have happened any other way.
"And, of course our pup, Sophie…the faithful crew member who made every stop more interesting (and louder) and every shore excursion a little more….well, MUDDY.
"Crossing our wake was more than simply completing a route around the Eastern U.S. and Canada. It was the moment when the 6,018 miles, 100+ locks, rivers, lakes, weather (and etcetera) delays, fuel stops and memories came together.
"We started with a boat and a dream. We came home with a lifetime of stories!"
Gvit A Go!
Congratulations to Scott & Joan, who completed their Loop on October 19, 2026 aboard their 46' Jefferson Marlago, Gvit A Go!
"It was quite a ride; saw some absolutely beautiful landscapes, visited amazing places, and met some of the most fabulous people! Many ask us what we are going to do now that we have completed the Loop, and we respond with 'Keep Rollin'! On to our second Loop!"
Incommunicado
Congratulations to Stephen, Jill & Pete, who completed their Loop on October 26, 2026 aboard their Bayliner 4788, Incommunicado.
"What an incredible adventure!
"We kicked off our Great Loop journey on December 13, 2025, departing from Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores, Alabama. What followed was an experience of a lifetime!
"We explored so many amazing places, experienced things we never imagined, and met some truly wonderful people along the way. We enjoyed almost every minute of the journey (hey, it's boating!), and we were incredibly fortunate to have great weather for nearly the entire Loop.
"Along the way, we learned so much about our beautiful country, Canada, and the fascinating places and people that make each stop unique. But perhaps the greatest gift of this adventure was the friendships we made. We met people who started out as fellow boaters and became lifelong friends. Those relationships are something we'll treasure forever.
"And the wildlife! Dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, otters, alligators, turtles, sharks, some crazy-looking fish, and countless other creatures made the journey even more memorable.
"The Great Loop was everything we hoped it would be and so much more. We're incredibly grateful for the experiences, the memories, the friendships, and the opportunity to see so much of North America from the water.
"While this chapter may be coming to an end, we're certainly not finished boating! We're already excited about the adventures ahead. Where those adventures will take us is still TBD, but that's part of the fun!
"Here's to the Great Loop, the friends we've made, and whatever adventure comes next!" ⚓🚤
Isla B
Congratulations to Clifton & Connie, who completed their Loop on October 8, 2026 aboard their Mainship 430, Isla B.
"Completing America’s Great Loop - A journey of a lifetime!
"Three countries, over 100 locks, countless miles, and memories that will last forever. America’s Great Loop was more than an incredible adventure through beautiful waterways, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable destinations. It was a journey filled with challenges, laughter, unexpected moments, and amazing people who started out as fellow Loopers and became so much more. Along the way, we discovered that the true treasure of the Great Loop wasn’t just the places we visited or the miles we traveled. It was the friendships we built, the stories we shared, and the people who became family. Some of the most amazing people we met along the way turned out to be true friends for life. We set out to complete a journey around America’s Great Loop, but we came home with something far more valuable than a completed voyage - lifelong friendships, a lifetime of memories, and a bond that will last long after the lines are tied, and the engines are quiet. The Loop may be complete, but the friendships, stories, and adventures will live on forever.
"A special thank you to the AGLCA, Nauti Sol, Gianna, River song, and Bella Vita. Also a big thank you to the family and friends at home that supported us while we were gone and took care of things for us. Especially our two sons and daughter-in-law for all they did while we were gone."
Island Girl
Congratulations to Dave & Irene, who completed their Loop on September 14, 2026 aboard their 39' Mainship Trawler, Island Girl.
L'Attitude Adjustment
Congratulations to Walt & Sarah, who completed their Loop on September 24, 2026 aboard their Silverton 453, L'Attitude Adjustment.
"Sarah and I are proud to announce that we’ve officially crossed our wake at Hammond Marina in Hammond, Indiana, and are now flying the GOLD burgee. This trip has been so much more than we anticipated. The experiences we’ve had, the places we’ve visited, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the wonderful people we’ve met along the way have added so much to this adventure. It’s been a life-changing experience, and we’re so glad we did it.
"While we’ve crossed our wake, we’re not done. We still have another 1,000+ miles to go to get back to our home waters on the Tennessee River in Scottsboro, AL. There, we’ll enjoy some downtime while we plan our next adventure."
Lovett
Congratulations to Ed, who completed his Loop on September 28, 2026 aboard his Mainship 400, Lovett.
"Completing the Loop solo was an amazing and challenging journey. While new places and sights are certainly high on the list, the most enjoyable, enlightening, and surprising component was the people I met. They ALL were friendly and helpful. I never met an unfriendly person. My top lasting memory will be the people - from the buddy boats who adopted me and were there during the trying times (and good times), to the dock hands who sometimes stayed late, to the mechanics who rebuilt the boat system by system, and to the lock masters who were so patient.
"And a shout out to the Home Port Crew because I relied upon the tools and resources on the website and a couple of phone calls for info - you guys were there. Being solo, I needed and received a lot of help from the community and I deeply appreciate it.
"I loved cruising the Lowcountry of northern FL, GA & SC. Was totally blown away by the beauty of upstate NY and l,000 Islands, but doing the Erie solo was a big downer. I also loved the small marinas and settings of Georgian Bay and MI. The beauty of day's dawn and sunsets were always amazing."
Meant to Be
Congratulations to Mark & Debra, who completed their Loop on October 11, 2026 aboard their Aspen C-120, Meant to Be.
"What an amazing adventure! Our Loop spanned 2 years and over 8,000 miles. We especially loved cruising the Lake Champlain route which took us to Montreal, Ottawa, and down the Rideau Canal. The Georgian Bay and North Channel were spectacular! And we loved the side trip up the Tennessee River to Knoxville!!
"As most Gold Loopers report before us, the absolute best part of the adventure was sharing it with so many kind, helpful, interesting, fun, and like-minded people. 'The best ships are FRIENDSHIPS'! We hope our Loop friends will connect with us as they go by our home port in St. Petersburg, FL and look forward to hosting any Loopers that pass by our area."
MisKelculation
Congratulations to Peter & Kelly (with Duke the cat!), who completed their Loop on June 27, 2026 aboard their Grand Banks 42, MisKelculation.
"Our Great Loop Adventure — A Dream Come True!
"June 27, 2026, was an exciting day for us as we completed our first America’s Great Loop! It took us just one week less than a year to complete this incredible journey, circumnavigating the eastern United States.
"It all started as a bucket-list dream that Captain Pete had held for many years. Kelly was soon captivated by the idea after attending the AGLCA conference in Chattanooga, TN, in March 2025, where the excitement and enthusiasm for the Great Loop really began to build.
"Soon after, we must have looked at what seemed like a thousand boats just to get a better idea of what would best suit our needs. Then we found her—an old gal who needed our love and attention. Renaming her on the day we purchased her seemed only fitting: MisKelculation.
"We jumped aboard and took off! Our shakedown cruise took us from Boston to New York Harbor. Little did we know that Lady Liberty would eventually mark our wake crossing as we completed this bucket-list adventure for the Adamowich family.
"There were many firsts for us: purchasing a liveaboard boat, leaving a job Kelly loved, traveling with our cat, Duke, packing up our home, and committing ourselves to completing the Great Loop.
"It has been a fabulous journey—one we will never forget! The places we had the opportunity to visit, the wonderful people we met, the friends who have become like family, and our participation in the longest 'pub crawl' ever have all been amazing parts of this adventure.
"If you have a dream and are sitting on the fence about pursuing it, our advice is simple: Take the chance and JUST DO IT!! You will never regret the memories you make or the experiences that traveling by boat on America’s Great Loop will afford you.
"To all the wonderful friends we’ve met along the way, Pete and I hope our paths will cross again in the future. Until then, fair winds and following seas!"
MoonShine
Congratulations to Butch & Cheryl, who completed their Loop on September 28, 2026 aboard their Bayliner 3788, MoonShine.
"A huge thank you to EVERYONE who made this such an epic adventure for us!"
Nauti Sol
Congratulations to Gary & Dina, who completed their Loop on October 5, 2026 aboard their Bayliner 3988, Nauti Sol.
"Bucket list complete! Leaving your entire world behind and disconnecting from all of life’s routines certainly changes you. We have enjoyed every 'season' of the Loop:
- The rivers to the tidal changes
- Driving overnight for 16 hours in the Gulf
- The ocean waters of the Bahamas
- The intracoastal waterways were busy
- The marsh lands and swamps peaceful
- New York City and Chicago iconic
- Trent Severn amazing and Canada was full of raw nature
"This year being America’s 250th anniversary made it even more special to learn about each town’s history.
"Anchoring was our favorite part. It was quiet, free of everyday noise. Only the animals and the small lap of the water against the hull. We will miss the captain’s meetings deciding our next move with buddy boats and studying the weather apps for wind direction, speed, and wave heights. We will miss dinghy rides to each other's boats to play cards or laugh about who came in too hot at the marina or had trouble anchoring. We will miss reliving the stories like driving through the thunderstorm in the Bahamas and lightening striking as we go around in circles trying to figure out where to go.
"It’s been amazing to be around people who were all working towards a common goal. People who understood your fears, your challenges, and were always there to help each other. That’s what Loopers do.
"We are thankful for our family and friends who supported our journey, who sacrificed their time to watch over our home or came to see us. Life is too short. We look for adventure because someday we won’t be able to do these things. We do it for those who never got the chance. Either way, we are drawn to the challenge of the adventure of the Great Loop. Life was not meant to be boring, and ships were not meant to stay in the harbor!
- 1,032 hours
- 170 days of being underway
- 6,821.57 miles
- 18 states
- 3 countries
- Countless animals and birds
- Many new friends who will always be friends
"And a few friends who have become like family!"
Nugget
Congratulations to Jeff & Marcy, who completed their Loop on October 26, 2026 aboard their Ranger Tug R27LE, Nugget.
"We were so excited to cross our wake at Kingfisher Bay in Demopolis! We have met so many amazing people along the way and forged what will surely be lifelong friendships. We also found many pool halls and ate at countless excellent restaurants.
"Our Stats include:
- SM's: 6571.4
- Locks: 84
- Free docks: 8
- Anchorages: 13
- Marina stays: 207
- Great Lakes: 5
- Total days: 228
- Fuel expense: $26,653.86
- Replacement outboard motor: 1
"It's been an incredible journey."
Purrrfect
Congratulations to Jeff & Page (along with Fergie, Cali & Barney!), who completed their Loop on October 10, 2026 aboard their Symbol Pilothouse 50, Purrrfect.
"We spent 2 years and 6 days traveling 10,708 miles. Doing every side trip we could, including Chattanooga, St. Johns River, Philly, Long Island and an entire summer in the Chesapeake. All this journey with our 3 furry crew members."
Sea La Vie
Congratulations to Thad & Rachel, who completed their Loop on September 3, 2026 aboard their Ranger Tug 31CB, Sea La Vie.
"The trip & waterways were a sight to see! We were fortunate enough to experience this voyage with a lot of new faces and unique places. Some of our favorites, just to name a few:
- Steinhatchee, FL
- St Augustine, FL
- Beaufort, SC
- Ocracoke, NC
- Deltaville, VA
- The Erie Canal
- Mackinaw Island, MI
- Leland, MI
- Chicago Navy Pier
"Such a great opportunity to see these communities from their ports."
SeaHorse
Congratulations to Rodney & Leslie (along with Lucy!), who completed their Loop on October 20, 2026 aboard their Ranger Tug 29, SeaHorse.
"When we started this adventure from Louisiana on November 1st, 2025, we knew the Great Loop would test our navigation skills, but we didn't fully realize how much it would warm our hearts. The true highlight of this journey has been the incredible community we found along the way.
"We want to send a very special thank you to our amazing travel mates who we had the absolute honor of cruising with, fishing with, and sharing endless docktails with during our journey. A huge shoutout to the crews of Dream Weaver, Road to Nowhere, Cattyshack, Jill Kristy, 4th Dimension, Lyra, Krista Nights III, Seadeuce, and B Positive, plus too many others to count! You truly made this trip unforgettable.
"To the Harbor Hosts who welcomed us, the fellow cruisers who caught our lines (and gave Lucy some belly rubs and treats), and everyone on the forum who answered our questions—thank you. Our R-29 was the perfect ship for the job, and we are so proud to finally hoist our gold burgee. Onto the next adventure!
"Thank you all for being part of our story, and fair winds to everyone still out on the path!"
Seaquel
Congratulations to Bill & Anne, who completed their Loop on August 12, 2026 aboard their 50' Viking Princess, Seaquel.
"Our adventure was made truly special by our Golden Retriever, Brady, who joined us for the entire trip. We discovered so many beautiful locations and met wonderful people along the way who enriched the experience far beyond our expectations. It was a true testament to the idea that the joy of the Great Loop is found in the journey itself, not just the destination."
Serenity Now
Congratulations to Wylder & Cindy, who completed their Loop on October 12, 2026 aboard their Monk 36, Serenity Now.
"The day we've talked about and planned for finally arrived! We set out on this journey from Nashville on October 15th of last year, and now we are officially Gold Loopers, signifying that we've completed this incredible adventure!
"We traveled 5,689 miles through the U.S. and Canada and still have more than 300 miles to go before reaching our home marina in Scottsboro, Alabama. We're savoring every moment as we make our way home. What an incredible year it's been!"
Slowpoke
Congratulations to Matt & Lee, who completed their Loop on October 12, 2026 aboard their Mainship 350, Slowpoke.
"The trip was incredible! We were most surprised by the friendships we made and by the kindness of strangers and the boating community."
Solitude
Congratulations to Mark & Teresa, who completed their Loop on September 30, 2026 aboard their 56' Carver Voyager, Solitude.
"It’s official! The crew of Solitude has crossed their wake! We left Fort Lauderdale in April of 2025 with our dear friends, Jim and Jean, for the adventure of a lifetime. ( And yes, we’re still friends!) After almost 6,000 miles, over 100 locks, several different bodies of water and lots of docktails, my husband Mark’s lifelong dream became a reality. We bought Solitude with this trip in mind, and she did not disappoint! She carried us through all kinds of water and weather like a champ. We saw so many beautiful places, from the Florida coast, to the Carolinas, to the Chesapeake Bay to the Georgian Bay, Lake Michigan and down the rivers! We can’t decide our favorite stop because there were so many. Fellow Loopers are awesome people. Everyone was so helpful to us along the way. Thank you all for that! This was most definitely a trip of a lifetime. Proud to now fly the Gold AGLCA flag!!"
Solstice
Congratulations to Robert & Josie (and furry crew member Allie!), who completed their Loop on October 13, 2026 aboard their Mainship 390, Solstice.
"We took a step away from the working world to embark on this incredible adventure, and what a journey it has been! We’ve enjoyed making new friends, taking in the sights from the water, and pushing ourselves through the more challenging days along the way.
"Allie, our pup, loved meeting boaters at the docks, receiving treats from marina staff and Loopers, and getting pets from the lock tenders in Canada.
"We learned how generous, welcoming, and kind the boating community is. We’re grateful for the memories, friendships, and experiences this adventure has brought us, and we’re already looking forward to more time on the water in the years ahead."
SonChaser
Congratulations to David & Lisa, who completed their Loop on October 16, 2026 aboard their Jefferson Rivanna 48, SonChaser.
"After four years, three countries, 17 states, and over 9,000 miles, Lisa and I crossed our wake at Green Turtle Bay and officially became Gold Loopers! We even found time for side trips to Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville, two winter trips from GA to Key West, and the Bahamas. Taking the shortest route was clearly never our specialty!
"What will stay with us most isn't the mileage or the scenery, but the people we met all along the way. To our buddy boats First Light, Sapphire, River Life, Seven Saturdays, Why Knot Now, and the countless friends who shared docktails, locktails, rocktails, advice, a helping hand, and stories at the end of the day: thank you. You turned an extraordinary voyage into a lifetime of friendships.
"We heard it again and again: 'This is not a vacation; this is an adventure!' And they were right. The Loop means late nights with charts and weather forecasts, early-morning changes of plans, repairs of all sorts, chores, challenging seas, and those anxious go-or-no-go decisions.
"Even after a lifetime of boating, I don't think anything could have fully prepared us for it. You simply have to work on it and through it and keep going. This is where a vacation becomes an accomplishment.
"Above all, I want to thank my wife of 41 years, Lisa — not the First Mate, but affectionately and deservedly named The Admiral! The Loop demands teamwork, trust, patience, and a willingness to handle separate jobs and come together to celebrate at day's end. Without her non-stop energy, enthusiasm, line and ground tackle management, and planning skills, this journey absolutely does not happen.
"To the AGLCA and this generous community of Loopers, thank you for every shared passage, dock line catch, lesson, laugh, and true friendship. We began dreaming of the places we'd go. We finished grateful for the people we’d met — fair winds and safe travels. We'll see you somewhere down the waterway!"
the Jobsite
Congratulations to David & Jacque, who completed their Loop on September 23, 2026 aboard their Sea Ray Sundance 44, the Jobsite.
"What a great adventure! I retired in November of 2024 and found the need to do something to challenge myself. We knew some people who had just finished the Loop, and it sounded like just the challenge I was looking for, and Jacque said yes before she had a chance to think about it. We started March of 2025 in Guntersville, Alabama, with a plan to get to the Great Lakes and then continue our trip around the Great Lakes in 2026.
"The highlights of our trip were the many stops where we would pedal our fold-up bikes to the local museums along the route and learn about the rich history of this Country. Our 2024 side trips include the North Carolina Outer Banks to the Wright Brothers Museum, into the Long Island Sound, up to Lake Champlain and the Chambly to Montreal, over to Ottawa where we climbed the 8-step lock into the Rideau which brought us to the beautiful waters of the 1000 Islands.
"We worked our way West to the Trent-Severn and up the Peterborough Lift Lock and over the Big Chute into Georgian Bay where the first day I destroyed my props. On to Killarney and our favorite anchorages on the entire trip: Devil’s door, Covered Portage Cove, The Pool, and the Benjamin’s. We worked our way to Northport, Michigan where we wintered the boat.
"In May 2026 we started our Great Lakes trip with stops in Door County, Wisconsin, a beautiful stop in Fayette, Michigan and onto Sault Ste. Marie and Lake Superior. All winter I thought about the shipwreck stories in Lake Superior and debated if we should attempt it. In the end, I decided we had to try one day and if we felt good, we would go on. The crazy thing is the first stop is Whitefish Point and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, maybe not the best way to start the trip; however, what I learned was the wrecks were mostly collisions. They ran into everything from other boats, to rocks and to the shore because fog is the issue and there is lot of fog, but I have radar and GPS location on my charts. The big wave wrecks were mostly boats that stayed on the Lake too long and experienced, 'the gales of November'. We pressed on to Pictured Rocks which should be a must visit for any Looper and on to Isle Royal National Park. We are so glad we did the Lake Superior visit and highly recommend it to others.
"We finished our trip by visiting the North Channel again and down the west coast of Michigan, which is such a great boating experience that I would live there if they had more than 3 months of boating weather. Too many Loopers I talked to end up rushing through this area. While traveling down the river system, I recommend staying at Navy Pier in Chicago; it puts you right in the thick of the Chicago Riverfront. Stop in Paducah to see the quilt museum. It is amazing; yes, I am a guy recommending a quilt museum and did not mention the CAT museum in Peoria. Also, recommend stopping at Birdsong to see the Pearl Museum; the marina is functional, but the pearl story is worth it.
"We ended our trip crossing our wake in Iuka and one last museum visit to Shiloh National Military Park where 110,000 Americans fought for 2 days and sustained 24,000 casualties; we live in an amazing country because of what others did for us. Seeing the beauty of God’s creation and learning about our country's history was the cake, the icing was the many people we meet. If you listen to the media, all you hear about is conflict between people. However, even with the many different personalities among the Loopers ~ from the Solo Looper in his sailboat to the boat with two couples, from the lady we met who completed the Loop on a Sea-Doo to the new 55 boat I coveted (you can walk around the bed), and the slow-moving trawler to Brian on Paton Rose cruising at 30 mph and only burning 1 gallon a mile (I really like that boat) ~ what you will experience among the Loopers is there will always be someone there to grab your lines, lend you a hand when you break down or someone just to swap stories (most Looper are good storytellers).
"Not sure how we top this experience. For some, it is doing the Loop again, but for me doing something twice is not the same. I am thinking camper van and visiting every National Park, could be similar, got to work a little more on Jacque."
Wine'd Down
Congratulations to Deke & Kay (and first dog Sandy!), who completed their Loop on October 18, 2026 aboard their Grand Banks 42 Classic, Wine'd Down.
"The Great Loop was an amazing experience where we overcame challenges, made many new friends, and learned a great deal about parts of America and Canada we had never seen. For 11 months we were rarely more than 42 feet apart and, through teamwork, successfully navigated over 6,000 miles and 100+ locks. On to the next adventure!"
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