GREAT LOOP CRUISING AREAS

Jim Favors and Tom Conrad

A Simple Sailor Man

Tribute to a Friend, Tom Conrad: We lost a good friend. Tom Conrad passed away recently and the boating community lost one of its best. We met Tom and Patsy Conrad many years ago through AGLCA (America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association). If the Great Loop boating adventure did not exist, we probably would never have met – with the Conrads living in Florida's Panhandle and us living in northern Michigan. What a loss that would have been for us. Because we shared a passion for boating and this…

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Memorable Moments in New York State

We experienced a lot of memorable moments while cruising the Great Loop boat trip. One of the most thrilling was when we entered New York City's Harbor and saw the Statue of Liberty, we were humbled and extremely subdued as we took in the grandeur of its symbolism. Anchoring behind the Statue of Liberty and watching the unfolding of darkness against the glow of lady liberty's torch was a life enhancing event. Click this link: NEW YORK HARBOR and THE HUDSON…

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Slow Down in the Chesapeake Bay

(Tangier Island - above) On our first Great Loop boating adventure, we somewhat skirted through the Chesapeake Bay, in hindsight, we discovered what a big mistake that was. So, while on our second Loop trip, we decided to stop and smell the roses. (Tangier Island - above & below) We ended up spending the entire summer cruising the Bay, basing ourselves out of Solomons, Maryland, a fairly central location. Like most great cruising grounds, such as Canada's North Channel, the…

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Back to Kentucky Lakes and Tennessee River

After trailering our Kismet south 680 miles, we launched her at Green Turtle Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, a place we've had the pleasure of visiting twice before while on both of our Great Loop trips. We felt a little sheepish driving in to launch our boat at the marina after only a two=day drive when we knew all the Loopers docked at the marina had taken a great deal of time and effort coming down Lake Michigan, the Illinois…

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Third Time’s a Charm

We first cruised the Tennessee River in 2005 when we were on our inagural Great Loop boat trip. Back then everything about "Looping" was new to us and we were both wide-eyed newbies as we took in all the new experiences. The second time we cruised the Tennessee River we learned even more about this beautiful river by exploring it all the way up to Chattanooga, Tennessee. We were with a very friendly group of Loopers… some of whom we…

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Hoppies Needs Your Help!

Plan on doing the Great Loop boat trip someday? Please think about signing AGLCA's petition to help Save Hoppies. Hoppies, located on the Mississippi River at Kimmswick, MO, is an important part of American river history. For several decades they have played a major role in helping boaters transverse the mighty Mississippi, by providing the last available fuel stop on the Upper Mississippi River. Fern and Hoppie also provide a valuable educational resource for boaters unfamiliar with the particulars of…

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We Chose the Erie Canal

If it's June and if you're on the Great Loop you're probably in upstate New York heading for the Erie or Lake Champlain. Lake Champlain is still on our bucket list, however Lisa and or I have been through the Erie Canal three separate times and have enjoyed it immensely. Not only will you be surrounded by history at every turn of the waterway there are wonderful canal towns with friendly helpful people. From Waterford's Erie Canal Welcome Center – a…

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Time for the Big Apple & Mighty Hudson River

When people ask us about some of our favorite Great Loop experiences, we both agree that the night we anchored overnight behind the Statue of Liberty with the light of the statue shining above the trees and NYC as the backdrop was pretty spectacular. Whether you're running up the Jersey Coast to New York Harbor, visiting NYC or cruising up the majestic Hudson River there is plenty to see and lots to do in this part of the Loop. When…

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Steep Yourself in History Along the East Coast ICW

While cruising up the east coast you'll have plenty of chances to bask in history, from the James Olgethrope 1733 designed Savannah Squares, Charleston's charm and George Washington's Dismal Swamp, just to name a few. To read more and view photos click on the EAST COAST ICW icon above. Once there, if you don't see what you're looking for, use the search window in the sidebar at the top right of the page or scrawl down to access "older entries"…

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AGLCA’s Spring Rendezvous & Reunion SPECIAL

  NORFOLK, VA., MAY 7 - 10, 2012:  America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association will once again be holding its annual Spring Rendezvous & Reunion in the vibrant and exciting waterfront city of Norfolk, Va. This event, held at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel and the Waterside Marina, was attended by over 225 members last year. This year they are offering boaters in the surrounding area a unique opportunity: attend the Rendezvous and receive a free, one-year membership! AGLCA Spring Rendezvous &…

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Boating Music We Love

Click on the album covers to find out more about Scott's music. "They say this is cruisin', travelin' the world by sea." Scott Perkins lives the life he expresses in his music, exploring the world aboard the 32-ft DownEast sailboat Chip Ahoy. His 6,000-mile trip around America's Great Loop boat trip inspired this collection of songs about passing through river locks, meeting interesting characters on boats and in America's small towns and watching dolphins play alongside Chip Ahoy as she entered…

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2012 Third Annual Looper “Sunset Celebration”

The 2012, Third Annual Looper "Sunset Celebration" was a huge success with over 120 in attendance. It was a little windy (not a problem for Loopers) – lots of good food was shared along with a chance to reacquaint ourselves with old friends. Thanks Patricia & George Hospodar for organizing the event and providing Loopers in the area with an opportunity for this fun reunion.

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Don’t Miss the Looper Sunset Celebration – Marathon, Florida

If you are in Florida - the Keys or near the Marathon area and you are a Looper – you are invited to attend our 3rd Annual "Sunset Celebration" Sunday, February 26, 2012 5 p.m. Banana Bay Resort and Marina Gulf-side beach pavilion Banana Bay is located at 4590 Overseas Highway (Gulf-side) directly across the street from Home Depot. Bring an appetizer to share and your beverage of choice. As an additional incentive to all those who may be traveling…

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Loopers Love the North Channel

When asked where one of their favorite Loop cruising territories were many Loopers will talk about the time spent in Canada’s North Channel. Packed with countless anchorage possibilities in glacier formed coves surrounded by beautifully rugged terrain and crystal clear water these are (in our opinion) waters you’ll enjoy spending relaxing summer days. To view photo’s and more detailed descriptions of the North Channel simply click the Canada or North Channel link in the sidebar.

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Canadian Wonderland

July’s the perfect time to be cruising Canada’s Trent-Severn Waterway – it's a real treat to visit the many harbor towns that line the waterway. Sometime during these summer months it seems like every town – Trenton, Campbellford, Peterborough and Fenelon Falls, to name a few – have festivals to celebrate the short summer season. The Trent-Severn Waterway is 240 glorious miles long, dotted with small cottages, lakes and rock islands. As you travel the waterway, you’ll negotiate 44 unique…

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Headed to the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous in Norfolk, Virginia?

If you’re heading to the AGLCA Rendezvous in Norfolk, Virginia you may be in North Carolina right now, you lucky dogs! You could spend a lot of time cruising all the sounds, creeks, rivers and enjoying some charming old southern towns, this is one of our favorite stretches of cruising. If your heading north, Southport’s a wonderful stop or you can go a little further up to Wilmington, hometown of Michael Jordon. For a well protected anchorage once you’re through…

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Rich in History – South Carolina

There’s a lot to see while on your northern migration through South Carolina so slow down and make sure to take it all in. These southern harbor towns have a lot of history surrounding them and food’s pretty good as well. Some of our favorite towns are Beaufort, Charleston (just voted one of the 50 best yachting towns in Yachting magazine) and Georgetown. The Thomas restaurant in Georgetown has some of the best shrimp and grits as well as Fried…

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Free Waterfront Dockage – Downtown Savannah, Georgia

We’ve been to Savannah three times by boat, staying twice at Thunderbolt and once at the free floating dock right downtown. Savannah is one of those cruising stops worthy of a two or three day layover. If your plans are to go up the Savannah River and dock at the city dock you’ll want to plan ahead.Before we headed up river we always check this website to get a live view of the dock.www.wtoc.com/global/story.asp?s=872506Because the city doen't reserve space for dockage you’ll…

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Getting the Most out of Cruising Georgia

Whether you’re starting your trek north into Georgia now or in the future there are several places you just don’t want to miss. Some of our favorite have been the anchorage at Cumberland Island mm 710. Once anchored you can dinghy to shore to walk the National Park Island, visit the Carnegie Mansion ruins and if lucky enough you can see the wild horses roaming the island.Cumberland Island 's salt marshes are a must see (above).Just north of Cumberland Island…

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Where Have We Been?

Kismet leaving the dock at Stock Island in the Keys with Tab, the new owner, and Jim. We helped Tab take the boat up the Florida coast last month. If you see Tab and his wife Susan on cruising the ICW give him a shout. This may come as surprise to many that follow our blog; we’ve sold our Fathom trawler, Kismet! After five years of a full-time, liveaboard lifestyle while traveling the waters of the U.S., Canada and the Bahamas'…

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Song Birds at Heywood Island – North Channel

We enjoyed the “Pool” so much we didn’t want to leave but finally we departed for Heywood Island and later, Little Current.After getting settled into our quiet anchorage, shared with half a dozen other boats, off Heywood Island, we were suddenly surrounded by 20 trailorable sailing boats. These are small sailboats with outboards on them that when they are not sailing can get up on plain. Once they all got settled and got into their respective dinghies they formed the largest…

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Hiking “UP” to Topaz Lake

Another gorgeous day in the North Channel. We were anchored in the "Pool," a well protected cover just at the end of Baie Fin. We took advantage of the great weather by exploring by dinghy and beaching the small craft on a rocky shore so we could hike up the rocky cliff to Topaz Lake located at the very top.Yes, you read this correctly, we hiked "UP" to the Lake. The reward for our efforts, after a very hot and…

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Meldrum Bay

Meldrum Bay, located on the northwest tip of Manitoulin Island, is one of last stops in the North Channel as one heads west. I remember, with great anticipation as we cruised into the Bay for the very first time.One might think the anticipation was for the natural wonders that the North Channel had to offer an adventurous cruiser but instead it was for the fabled “Pie Lady” we’d heard so much about. We had heard the she came down to…

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The “Pool” at the End of Baie Fine – North Channel

Baie Fine is a wonderful 10-mile cruise laden with fantastic photo opportunities around each rocky bend and cliff as you work your way up to a little cove called the “Pool."We anchored, as is tradition, in the med-moor style with a stern line run to shore and tied securely to a tree. It was so peaceful we stayed for two days but could have easily stayed a week. Too much to see and too little time I guess. Our first…

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The Wonders of Traveling through Ontario’s Baie Fine

One of the most beautiful and satisfying trips in the North Channel is the trip up Baie Fin (pronounced Bay Fin) to the Pool. You would think you were traveling in a scandinavian fjord the way the quartz cliff rise so high from the water. Baie Fine is an exceptional experience that all cruisers to the North Channel should experience, especially if you’re only going to travel through once.Not only a lovely scenic view but appetizers today for the crew of Kismet.

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Bear-ly Fun on Croker Island – North Channel, Canada

Canada’s North Channel is a magical boating paradise and for us Croker Island is one of its gems. The reason we like Croker Island so much is because it has a cove that provides an excellent, well protected, anchorage. From here you can dinghy and explore around Croker, or go over to the equally magnificent Benjamin or Fox Islands to dinghy through the menagerie of coves, creeks and unique, glacier created, rock formations.Nestled into our anchorage with a half dozen…

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Covered Portage Cove – North Channel

Two miles to the west of Killarney lies Covered Portage Cove, a kunkholers dream. The narrow entrance, that has large boulders protruding from the water makes for an nerve racking entrance for ones first visit but made easier if the cruising guide advice is followed.Once inside it’s common practice to anchor med-moor style, this giving the greatest amount of room for other boaters as this area can get pretty busy at times. Lisa and I landed our dinghy so we…

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Killarney, Eh?

Killarney, what a great name but more importantly what a wonderful boaters paradise. Killarney sits at the northwest corner of Georgian Bay and the northeast section of the North Channel in Ontario Canada. We’ve been to Killarney a couple of times but to me I think it’s a place we could never tire of. Big enough for basic supplies but remote enough to one feel like there a long long way from home. On our last trip through Killarney we…

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It Just Doesn’t Get Fresher Than This!

We walked to Fishbusterz's (an amazing fish market right on the docks of the fishing boat harbor on Stock Island) today with the sole intent of securing some fresh tuna for dinner. We had our eyes set on a huge hunk displayed in the case when all of a sudden one of the fishmongers and another man came and took the whole hunk away (apparently a restaurant buyer securing his own bounty).With our mouths left hanging, because we thought it was…

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Lobster Season at FishBusterz – $7.00 lb.

Just around the corner from the marina is the Stock Island Lobster Company and within walking distance is Fishbusterz Fish Market. We walk by the Lobster Company on our daily walks and the colorful lobster pots and fishermen always brighten our day. This is definitely one of the perks of staying on Stock Island, lots of fresh seafood every day.

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A Little Afternoon Diversion

When we need a little diversion from our normal boating lifestyle; what do we do? Go for a ride in the dinghy of course. After working on the boat we jumped in the dinghy and headed out. We found some interesting canals on the island north or Stock Island and we had a fun afternoon exploring canal life. We think we met more dogs who wanted to defend their waterfront than we did people.

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They’re Blue and They’re Divine!

Yes, we're talking about the Blue Angels. They practiced over our marina for a few days before the Southernmost Air Spectacular show which was at the Naval Air Station on Boca Chica, the next island up from us. Of course we had to take our chairs and unbrella to see our favorite aviators.As much as we love the Blue angels we were even more amazed and astounded by the daredevil Franklin's Flying Circus (http://www.franklinairshow.com). Kyle Franklin as Captain Kyro and Amanda Franklin…

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Blue Heaven for Lunch

Lunch today was at a unique restaurant in Key West, Blue Heaven, with our friend Jean. As you can see this spot features the laid back atmosphere of the Keys. The dirt floors and several roosters wandering about makes you feel as if you are in your own backyard.

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3 Fathoms in Key West

Key West is being inundated by Fathom Yachts – there are three right now in Key West area (2 in Stock Island). Considering there are only about 15 or 16 in existence (and most of those on the west coast) that's a lot in one place. Our Kismet along with Sea Venture and Wishing Star are all proudly representing HarborView Yacht Sales (www.harborviewyachtsales.com ) in the Keys this winter.

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2010 Winter Home – Key West Yacht Harbor

Key West Yacht Harbor is on Stock Island (the next island up from Key West), just a hop skip and a jump from where all the action is in downtown KW. We've used several modes of transportation to and from downtown, bus, dinghy or vehicle but sometimes it's just nice to hang out in the peace and quiet at the marina pool or beach. It's also a good spot to dinghy around when we need to get off the boat.

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Time for a Key West Cruise

Because we use our boat to mostly travel from one destination to another we consider this exploration cruising so we don’t do much in the form of leisure boating once we get to port. After a long haul, moving frequently, it’s nice just to sit and relax in the current location. So when we asked Jeff and Denise, friends from Michigan and fellow boaters who were in Florida on vacation, out for a leisure cruise around Key West we were…

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Dinner Tonight on Wishing Star

Dinner tonight was on Rick’s boat, Wishing Star (a Fathom boat just like ours). Rick is a fabulous host and cook, he prepared the ultimate feast for his friends. (Bottom left to right: Rick, Jeff, Denise, Jeff and Jim.) Thanks Rick!

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Key West – Feels Like Home Away From Home

Mike and Lynne's visit just "whet our whistle" for a taste of home. When you’re on the water, in our case for 5 years, and end up staying in one place for any period of time it eventually starts to feel a little like a home away from home for us. In the case of Key West it’s a "twofer" – this place is magnet for boaters, a lot of whom we’ve met along our trip adventures, as well as…

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Continuing to Explore Key West with Friends

Every day has been more like a vacation for us as we continue to do the tourist things with Mike and Lynne like taking in a Mallory Square sunset, a tour of Duval Street and a walk through the Truman Complex.One night we happened to catch the Victoria Secret Spring Break Party at Mallory Square. It was fun being in the midst of all that young enthusiasm and youthful vibration.However, the best part was being with Mike and Lynne was…

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Home Away From Home

When you’re on the water, in our case for almost 4.5  years, and end up staying in one place for any period of time it kinda feels like a home away from home for us. In the case of Key West it’s a "Twofer"... this place is magnet for boaters, a lot of whom we’ve met along our journey, as well as friends from home trying to escape the drudgery of winter to soak up some sun.Our ex-neighbors, very good…

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Reconnecting with Loopers While in the Keys

While at Albertson's the other day, I (Jim) ran into Scott and Cindy Perkins (bottom-left), who were moored on their sailboat, Chip Ahoy in Key West’s Garrison Bight. We first met them while doing the Loop in 2006, they are fellow Michigander’s and Cindy is a contributor in both of our books (When The Water Calls...We Follow and Women on Board Cruising – favorsventures.com). We decided to meet for lunch a few days later at our favorite Cuban restaurant El Siboney. We had…

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2010 Key West Adventure

After four months of being on the move we’ve gotten settled in our slip at Key West Harbour on Stock Island. This will be our home for the balance of the winter and early spring and we’re both looking forward to enjoying our time docked, not being on the move and taking in all that Key West has to offer... including the heated pool at the marina.Although we like to cruise to new destinations we’ve returned to Key West for…

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Jumping Head First into the Social Scene

Louis and Diane drove down from Marathon, with their friends Reba (top-middle) and Jim (bottom-left), to pick us up for a shopping and lunch in downtown Key West. Lunch was at Black Fin where we met up with Karen and Donna, more friends of the Wade's (top front-left and right).We bumped into the DeGrows (below-we met Bill and Mary a year ago in Palm Coast, Florida but they are actually live very near our homeport – Charlevoix, Michigan) during a morning…

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