The Great Loop

This web site is an attempt to provide a quick and easy way for our family and freinds to keep up with us on "The Loop"

The Great Loop is a 6000 mile jouney down the Tennessee River and the Tombigbee Waterway to Mobile, Alabama. From there around the coast of Florida via Key West with a side trip to the Bahamas. Back to the coast of Florida we head up the east coast to the Chesapeake Bay. From the Chesapeake we continue up the east coast through New York Harbour, up the Hudon River, and across the Erie Canal. Through a series of canals we go across Lake Ontario into Canada. We will spend a month in Canada. Back to the US, we will cross Lake Michigan to Chicago. Following the Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers back to Tennesse.


LOOP CLOSED: 8/12/09: 310 days, 6170 miles, 107 locks, 3 countries, 16 states, 85 different marinas, 10,050 gallons of diesel fuel, thousands of photos, countless new friends, and priceless memories...

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Preparing for the Loop



The adventure really began when we traded boats, July 30, 2008. We traded our 2005 model 36' Carver for a 2000 model 45' Carver.

We have been looking for a boat for the loop for several months. I left my job with Clayton Homes July 3, 2008. I have been working full time getting the boat ready. Work has included cleaning, painting, canvass, detailing, engine repairs, batteries, hoses, belts, filters, carpet, hardwood, electronics, and many items yet to be determined. I have bumps and bruises that I never imagined. I missed a step onto the boat yesterday, fell into the water, and bruised my ribs.

I addition to the boat; Lynn and I were married July 26th! We have refinished floors, moved the dining room wall, moved furniture, unpacked boxes, and hung pictures. While I have been working on the boat, Lynn has been working full time on the house and real estate.

Friday, August 15, 2008

The Wedding




Here are a couple of pictures of our wedding July 26, 2008. Lynn's parents, her son Jason and his family, and my daughter Magi and her family celebrated with us at Whitestone Inn.