The Art of the Side Trip

Tad and Libbie took a unique approach to completing America’s Great Loop—proving that the journey doesn’t have to be done all at once to be unforgettable. Aboard their Kadey-Krogen 39 Selkie, they tackled the Loop in three thoughtfully planned segments, balancing their love of cruising with time back on land. In this episode of Great Loop Radio, they offer an honest look at Looping—the highs, the challenges, and the realities of stepping away and coming back. They share how breaking the Loop into segments shaped their experience, the logistics of leaving and returning to the boat, and the surprising benefits of not rushing the journey. From seasonal strategy to lifestyle balance, Tad and Libbie provide a refreshing, real-world perspective for Loopers who want to make the adventure fit their lives—not the other way around.

What would it take to cast off the lines and take on the Great Loop completely on your own? Jacquie did just that aboard her Rosborough 246, and her story is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, she shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments that tested her resolve along the way. In addition, she reflects on what the journey gave back to her. If you’ve ever wondered if you're capable of doing the Great Loop solo, Jacquie’s story might just inspire you to find out.

After a full year cruising the Great Loop, YouTube creators Karly and Evan Nietzel from Navigating Nietzels share what hindsight has taught them. If they could start their Loop all over again, what would they do differently—and what would they keep exactly the same? From lessons learned to decisions they’re glad they made, their reflections may surprise you. If you’re already cruising, you might find yourself comparing notes. And if you’re still planning your adventure, their experience could help you avoid a few pitfalls along the way. Tune in to hear what made their “do again” list—and what definitely didn’t.

This week on the Great Loop Radio podcast, we continue our popular Story of Our Loop series with Lee Warner. Lee began America’s Great Loop with his wife, Kathy, looking forward to the adventure they had planned together. While on a break from their journey, Kathy unexpectedly passed away. Faced with profound loss, Lee made the difficult decision to return to the Loop and complete the trip they had started. With the support and encouragement of family and friends, Lee found a way forward. He became a “master planner” of Loop logistics, coordinating loved ones to join him aboard and help him finish the journey. This is more than a cruising story. It’s a testament to determination, the strength of the Looper community, and the power of finishing what you start—even when the journey looks very different than you imagined.

What does it really take to turn a true fixer-upper into a Great Loop-worthy cruiser? When Mike Smith discovered the boat that would carry him around America’s Great Loop, it had spent a decade as a dock queen—and didn’t even run. But with determination, creativity, and a whole lot of help from friends, Mike brought her back to life and transformed her into a sound, safe, and comfortable home for his 6,000-mile adventure. On this week’s episode, Mike shares the highs, lows, surprises, and lessons learned from resurrecting his Looping boat. If you've ever wondered whether a project boat can make the journey, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Mike Tackett wasn’t running away—he was chasing something. After years of building businesses and raising a family, he felt the pull of something more: freedom, clarity, and the wide-open water. So he bought a boat named PATIENCE, convinced his wife to come along, and set out to tackle America’s Great Loop—a 6,000-mile voyage that would test, stretch, and ultimately transform him. In this episode, Mike joins us to share the story behind his memoir, Blue Mind, Bold Heart. He opens up about the storms and stillness, the near disasters and quiet revelations, and the unexpected moments that reshaped how he sees life. With honesty, humor, and a refreshing vulnerability, Mike takes us inside the journey that changed everything—from the rhythm of his days to his sense of purpose. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is this all there is?” you won’t want to miss this conversation.