WE DID IT!

Tadpole and crew arriving home port

November 12, 2010 Location: WE ARE HOME!

Hurrah! We have completed the Great Loop!!


We ventured out in our Mainship trawler last April from Tampa, traveled north into parts of Canada, back down the U.S. river and canal system, then back home, arriving November 12 – 7 months later. This wonderful adventure, mostly in good weather, took us through several thousand miles of waterways, over 200 locks, 103 nights in marinas, and 99 nights of securing up to a wall or anchoring.

We undertook a somewhat challenging journey for boating novices, but we were ready for this new experience. In the past, we boated closer to home. We spent most of a year making ourselves and Tadpole ready for this extensive voyage. She proved to be a terrific boat for our trip, reliable and economical and, due to our Captain’s diligence, Tadpole was well maintained mechanically and gave us very little difficulty.

Of major importance to us was safety. We made a huge attempt to implement as many safety measures as possible to avoid any accidents, both personal and ship wise. We were successful and have returned with a few “beauty marks” on Tadpole, but none drastic, and  none to us.

We found our new way of living challenging, tiring, rewarding, fun, exciting, at times alarming and stressful, a learning experience, a life experience. A truly amazing and thrilling adventure. 2 years ago this was just a thought.

We saw so much of the waterfront scenery in our country and Canada, enjoyed the beauty of every sunrise and sunset, were impressed with the comradeship among the boating community, met so many people we enjoyed being with and will never forget. We also made some very special friends along the way.

On arrival at our dock, Tony sprayed us with “Champagne” making us feel like successful Champions for completing the “Great Loop.”

To all our “followers”, we send a huge thank you for sharing our experience with us, you made it even more enjoyable for us. We thought of you every day when we sat to write down our day’s events.

A special thank you goes to my brother’s, and our entire families for all their encouragement and “push” to follow through with our dream.

Tadpole and crew are safely home – we are enjoying the “space”.

November 12, 2010 Location: Dunedin, FL

For the 3rd day in a row, we left just after dawn, splitting the distance from Carrabelle to the Tarpon Springs, Dunedin area. We had waited for the weather to be in our favor and, for most of the trip, it was. The hardest part was yesterday, when we had to keep a constant lookout and avoid catching the many crab traps that were everywhere.

dodging the crab pots

Our decision to stop in Dunedin rather than Tarpon Springs was that it put us into the ICW where we would be more protected from the stronger winds expected today as well as put us closer to home.

travelling south on the Gulf of Mexico from Steinhatchee to the Fl Barge Canal



one of our escorts
it is so hard to capture a photo of them




does he look bored or thoughtful?



taken at sunrise leaving from Steinhatchee, FL on November 10

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 Location: Steinhatchee, FL

After the weather forecast improved,  Tadpole and Blue Max left Carrabelle Monday afternoon  and motored for three hours,  anchoring at Alligator Harbor in preparation for our trip across the Gulf of Mexico. We left  left early this morning and crossed over to Steinhatchee were we are staying at the Sea Hag Marina. (Tiki’s flirting on the dock resulted in a fisherman sharing some of his catch and giving her a filet of fresh grouper for our dinner..”Delicious”.)

During our crossing today, we were escorted several times by schools of Dolphin..They were so beautiful



Sea Hag Marina

 swimming along side of us up close and jumping up out of the water as they played. We tried to catch it all on camera, but they jump so fast.

Tomorrow, we will travel down to the Florida Barge Canal were we will anchor prior to advancing to the Clearwater-Dunedin-Tampa area.

Sunday, October 7, 2010 Location: Carrabelle, FL

We are not home......yet. Had to make another plan change due to a front moving into the upper Gulf of Mexico, causing high winds along with high tides in the Gulf. The forecast at this time shows the weather should be favorable, beginning on Tuesday, the 9th, for us to begin our journey home. We have been in Carrabelle, FL since this past Tuesday, 02 Nov, at the Moorings Marina. We are in a non-floating dock and, with the significant tide swing it is very difficult for me to get on and off the boat. (Picture me – at 5 feet tall – with a low tide in excess of 4 feet!)

Since leaving Panama City, we stopped at Apalachicola and enjoyed a visit with Christine and Allan who stopped by to say Hi on their road trip. The four of us went to the beach on St. George's Island State Park where we walked the beach, picked up shells and had lunch.

We had another very nice treat when our niece, Gena, and greatnieces, Kai and Chloe came from Tallahassee on Thursday for a visit. Yesterday, the entire family, with Steven (hubby and dad), returned for an evening visit and cookout on the grill. We sure loved being able to spend the time with them and, Kai (6) and Chloe (5) sure loved the time spent on the boat. They are beautiful, loving children, much like their Mom. (I’m not prejudiced).

Our float plan right now is to leave Monday afternoon and anchor out in Alligator Bay about 15 miles from here..this will reduce our trip to Steinhatchee on Tuesday by 2 hours, ensuring that we will arrive In daylight hours.

Wednesday we will leave Steinhatchee and cruise south to the Florida Barge Canal where we will anchor for the night.



Christine, Allan, Tiki
at St. George's Island
State Park




Tadpole docked at Appalachacola




Chloe, Gena, and Kai
I love you girls

 Thursday on to Tarpon Springs and then down to anchor in Gulfport on Friday before heading for the Tampa Bay. This should have us home on Saturday. Of course, all of this is our plan, and is always subject to change.

Saturday, October 30 2010 Location: Panama City, Fl

We were hoping to spend a couple of days here in Panama City, Fl, where Richard was stationed for 2 years while in the Navy, serving as an interior communication electrician, but------our concern over hurricane "Tomas" has lead us to depart early and head directly for home.  This direction will take us a minimum of 7 days, giving us a chance to secure Tadpole in drydock and make preparations at home if necessary.

Richard and Luc checking the weather and route planning



October 28, 2010 Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL



free dock at Fort Walton Landing




Bear "smiling" as he gets a pedicure




bringing down some basil for the salad dressing

 We're taking it nice and slow, relaxing along the way.  Here we were able to take advantage of a dock at Fort Walton Landing located near the city's historic area. 
We were able to avoid another storm as it chased us down the ICW.  The sky was black, plus we could here the thunder roar as a cold front approached.
Today the temperature is much, much cooler and very pleasant.

October 26, 2010 Location: Florida Panhandle

landing on the Florida beach



someone has to do it



fotos of our last anchorage before entering Mobile



on our way to happy hour with our anchorage
neighbors, Prime Time




arriving at Prime Time - home to Heidi and Kelley




target practice anyone?
located next to our boats




our neighbor caught this wild boar the morning we were leaving




but!!!!!! our departure was delayed as Prime Time had a
HUGE log wrapped around his anchor which needed to
be removed.




the neighbor took time out from cleaning his boar
to help untangle the anchor chain




Kelley finally had to jump in
-there are alligators in this creek-



Friday afternoon, October 22 Location: Mobile, AL

Welcome to Mobile, AL










Jocelyne and Luc (Blue Max IV)
worn out waiting for us in Mobile

OUR "LAST" LOCK



approaching Coffeeville Lock




Tadpole "secure"



leaving our very last lock of the Great Loop
a total of about 200 locks



a veiw of the lock both on the chartplotter
and above




first mate is holding the line



completing his rounds



always checking the status of the
 current hurricane



October 21 on the way to Mobile

Oct 21…Good morning this is another great day for boating with clear skies and little wind.
However with a little sadness it is our last day on the river systems..since we left Chicago we have been traveling on the Illinois River, Mississippi River, Ohio River, Cumberland River,
Tennessee River and then 450 miles down TennTom/TomBigBee/BlackWarrior River. This
last stage, down the BlackWarrior -  the last 213 miles  - has been without any towns..and
mostly without cell phone and internet service on the Sprint Aircard…what connections
we have been able to establish has been all “roaming”. I am not anxious to see our next
bill.

What a trip this has been…the next 550 miles to Tampa will offer a lot along the beaches
of the panhandle, it also tells us this wonderful ride is about over. We have met so many
“Loopers” who are anxious to be home..Tiki and I do not feel that way at all..we know that
we are so lucky to have been able to experience this adventure of a lifetime..we have met
so many wonderful people and enjoyed our special boat ride so much.

We oftentimes add more than one post when we have the chance to get on the net so make sure you check the entries past the first one to stay up to date with us.

A CLOSE CALL

Oct 18, 2010


The Black Warrior River winds around with numerous hairpin and 90 degree turns. Numerous tugs pushing several barges also use this river with us.

Today, I experienced a very scary incident.. while standing at the helm looking straight out…as I began turning into a very tight 180 degree turn, I saw a barge full of rock appear directly in front of us…normally I would turn toward the inside bank giving the barges the outside of the turn..but, because the turn was so narrow and so sharp, the oncoming barge was all the way up against the inside bank. Next, I see the second barge across the front coming into view…I rammed the lever to full throttle and turned the wheel full left going across in front on the now three wide row of oncoming barges..the tug pushing the group of barges full of rock was still not in sight. We cleared the oncoming barges by just a few at full throttle. Had I not been standing at full attention and been able to respond immediately, this would have been a very serious incident.

We now announce on the VHF radio in advance of tight turns (shown on chart plotter) our direction,
southbound, and the mile marker of the turn on the chart…alerting any upcoming tows of our
Position..tows that are travelling in close proximity call us back..and we plan our approach.

Sunday, October 17 Location: anchored at Demopolis, AL

We had an absolutely beautiful day for boating: clear skies, no wind, temperature in the 80’s and very little boat traffic – had the river to ourselves the entire day. We continue to love seeing the foliage along this winding river.

We anticipate being in Mobile, AL in about 6 days, and home in about a month.

Saturday, October 16, 2010 Location: mm 266 anchorage just passed Heflin Lock

our anchorage near Pickensville Rec Area

Last night we anchored opposite the Pickensville Recreation Area and just before the Bevill Lock, which is at mm 306, and were ready to go as soon as the fog lifted this morning. Unfortunately and extremely scary, we were met with very heavy fog as we passed under the bridge before the lock. We could barely see the working barges that were dredging on both sides of the channel as we proceeded. Richard put the throttle to idle, I went to the bow as a lookout, he blew the horn every few seconds and, after several minutes, which seemed like eternity, we broke out of the fog, could see the lock ahead of us, and successfully continued to the lock without incident.

To complicate matters, occasionally the GPS does not accurately reflect our position on the chart and this was one of those times. Our chart plotter actually showed us as being on land due to the narrow waterway we were in.



Happy Birthday to you, brother Ron

more beautiful fall colors

We began our southbound trip at 0730 Tuesday morning after anchoring at yet another beautiful, wooded site.


We are now travelling the Tenn-Tom Waterway. It is 234 miles long, manmade and connects the Tennessee River with the Tombigbee; making it possible to travel between the Midwest and the Gulf Coast. The suggestion to build a connection between the two rivers was in 1792 by French explorer Marquis De Montcalm. For years after, the talks continued and in 1946, the project was authorized. Finally, in 1971, the Army Corp of Engineers was given the go ahead to begin the project. It was competed in June of 1985. Total cost was 2 billion dollars.

The end of the Tenn-Tom Waterway is in Demopolis, MS, where we will continue on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway and travel the balance of our 540 mile trek to Mobile, AL.

meeting new boater's at Blue Bluff Landing
yearly blue's festival is held here

Friday, October 15, 2010 Location: Columbus, MS

We’ll leave the Columbus Marina later this morning and immediately pass through the 8th lock on the Tenn-Tom Waterway. That will leave us with only “4” more for this entire journey. Now, of course, we are pro’s and, Tony, you would be sooo proud of us (your boating children).

The weather is still great. Had a little scare there with “Paula”, but she looks as though she is no longer a threat. Hopefully, the remainder of the season is quiet and will not interfere.

We're in this great big tub all alone

Friday, October 8 Location: leaving Chattanooga, TN

We are beginning our 250 mile return to Pickwick Lake. There, we will head south on the Tenn-Tom river and begin our trip down to Mobile, AL where Blue Max IV and Duchess are waiting for us. We will all make the crossing of the Gulf of Mexico together.

 

 From our departure point at Aqua Marina in Pickwick Lake to Chattanooga, we traveled 250 miles and locked “up” at 4 locks – Wilson Lock, Wheeler Lock, Guntersville Lock, and Nickajack Lock - before arriving in Chattanooga, traveling against the current. On our return, we will lock “down” through the same 4 locks, all the while making better time due to the current. We’ve also crossed the time zone twice, going from CT to ET and back again into Central time as well as crossing back and forth between Tennessee and Alabama. Once we begin the Tenn-Tom, we will travel through Mississippi, then cross back into Alabama.


tug boat "Jack Walker"
just to make the bend and
before we passed him




zero visibility ahead moving toward us
 we tied up at the closest dock



We left early this morning, right after Mary Jo and John (Recovery Room) moved their boat to a different slip where they will be leaving it for a week as they return home to Jacksonville. We hope we will be able to meet up with them again on this trip. For sure, we will get together with them again as they pass through the Tampa Bay area.



the source of the smoke
can you see the helicopter?



An hour after our departure, we passed a tow with barges and then turned a bend in the river only to be met with dense smoke immediately up ahead. It was so thick visibility went to zero. We immediately tied up to an old dock on the bank and alerted the tow captain of “Jack Walker” to make him of the situation. He was able to stop as he caught up and waited for us to advise him when it had cleared and okay to continue. Later, after several turns in the river we were able to see the fire up high in the woods – helicopters circling to observe it.

The remainder of day one of our return went without further incidents, which is good. It was a longer than normal day for us, travelling close to 90 miles, but we had gained an hour on the clock , had the current pushing us, and felt we could put in a little extra time allowing us to make the next three days approximately 50 miles each. We should be able to begin our southbound trip on Wednesday.

Oct 8 Location: Chattanooga

Upon arriving in Chattanooga, I was finally able to check my email messages – and just in time. Phyllis and Charlie Ray Adams, Richard’s high school classmate, want to come visit with us while we were in Chattanooga. They’ve been following us on the blog and our stopping here made it perfect for them to meet up with us. Chattanooga was their home for 30 years, and the Univ of Tenn was Phyllis’ previous employer and is one of their greatest fans. We gave them the Tadpole tour, then, they treated us to dinner at Boathouse. Thank you, Phyllis and Charlie Ray, for your visit and for our dinner. Your visit was the “icing on the cake” to our trip to Chattanooga; and, as you already know, your picture is posted here.



"Boathouse" restaurant 




dinner with friends Phyllis and Charlie Ray- Richard's former classmate
so glad you could  visit



In Chattanooga, Recovery Room and Tadpole docked directly in front of the Tennessee Aquarium and spent 2 nights in the heart of the city.

Richard’s brother, Ken, and 2 of his grandchildren, the handsome 11 year old Brandon, and the very beautiful 8 year old Sydney, spent the day and night onboard Tadpole with us. What great kids they are, and what fun we had with them. On Thursday, we got underway for a short ride and they both spent time at Tadpole’s helm while cruising a portion of the river and driving under the bridge. Later, Tiki, Brandon and Sydney spent several hours visiting the aquarium. Their time with us ended too soon. Thank you, Ken, for driving the distance to visit with us and thanks for bringing Brandon and Sydney. We really enjoyed our time with the 3 of you; only wish it could have been a longer visit.



Sydney, Brandon and Richard's brother, Ken




these are the stairs to the aquarium
our dock is just below




Ken, Brandon, Sydney and Richard
we miss you guys