Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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”.
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”.
Friday, November 12, 2010
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.
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.
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| 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.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
travelling south on the Gulf of Mexico from Steinhatchee to the Fl Barge Canal
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| one of our escorts it is so hard to capture a photo of them |
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| does he look bored or thoughtful? |
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
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
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.
During our crossing today, we were escorted several times by schools of Dolphin..They were so beautiful
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| Sea Hag Marina |
Tomorrow, we will travel down to the Florida Barge Canal were we will anchor prior to advancing to the Clearwater-Dunedin-Tampa area.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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| Christine, Allan, Tiki at St. George's Island State Park |
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| Tadpole docked at Appalachacola |
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| Chloe, Gena, and Kai I love you girls |
Saturday, October 30, 2010
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.
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| Richard and Luc checking the weather and route planning |
Friday, October 29, 2010
October 28, 2010 Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL
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.
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| free dock at Fort Walton Landing |
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| Bear "smiling" as he gets a pedicure |
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| bringing down some basil for the salad dressing |
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.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
fotos of our last anchorage before entering Mobile
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| on our way to happy hour with our anchorage neighbors, Prime Time |
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| arriving at Prime Time - home to Heidi and Kelley |
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| target practice anyone? located next to our boats |
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| our neighbor caught this wild boar the morning we were leaving |
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| but!!!!!! our departure was delayed as Prime Time had a HUGE log wrapped around his anchor which needed to be removed. |
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| the neighbor took time out from cleaning his boar to help untangle the anchor chain |
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| Kelley finally had to jump in -there are alligators in this creek- |
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday afternoon, October 22 Location: Mobile, AL
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| Welcome to Mobile, AL |
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| Jocelyne and Luc (Blue Max IV) worn out waiting for us in Mobile |
OUR "LAST" LOCK
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| approaching Coffeeville Lock |
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| Tadpole "secure" |
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| leaving our very last lock of the Great Loop a total of about 200 locks |
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| a veiw of the lock both on the chartplotter and above |
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| first mate is holding the line |
Saturday, October 23, 2010
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.
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.
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, 2010
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.
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
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| our anchorage near Pickensville Rec Area |
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
Friday, October 15, 2010
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