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Rideau Ferry, ON - crossing our wake!

Sea Loons "America's Great Loop" (11 July 2018 - 27 July 2019)


It's hard to put into words what is going through our head right now. Doing the "Great Loop" was a dream of ours for years! Now... it's a "done deal", we've actually finished what we set out to do and crossed our wake!


We know we are very fortunate to have done this at our age (mid to late forties)! We planned and discussed the "Loop" for years. We worked and sacrificed so that when the time was right, we would be ready. We sold our house, found our "loop boat", bought our condo, sold our previous boat and had awesome employers that supported us and let us go (with the knowledge we have jobs to go back to). I am simplifying it, but those were all very big steps for us.


During our Loop, we met and became friends with so many great people! We saw amazing places and areas, both in Canada and in the U.S. - we really enjoyed learning about the history and how the past shaped and still influences many parts of our great countries.  (For example, check out some of the lighthouses we saw.)

                  

     



We're not going to lie, at times we doubted ourselves, or had situations we were not sure we could deal with, but that seemed to be when we met the greatest people! We weren't the only ones or the first ones to go through those challenges. High winds in Marinas, "toilet" issues, crazy river currents and debris, big tow barges, floods, dense fog, ... just to name a few. Bella Blue, Ceci Kay, Carousel, Island Bum, Padraigan, and so many others, you kept us grounded and sane at times! We would not have so many great memories without you all! What could have been remembered as stressful situations are some of our funniest or craziest stories from the loop.


When asked our favorite part, it's so hard to pick just one! Everywhere and everything! Our least favorite, well, that's easy (and we both agree) as it was the most continued stressful section for us: the Mississippi River! We were there at the "wrong time", and I say that because we have spoken to many who have said that it was one of "their" best memories...

 


 
  


  

The "animal" life along the way was incredible!  From the water we saw: deer, otters, foxes, pelicans, bald eagles, ospreys, egrets, spoonbills (looks like pink egrets), blue herons, hawks, alligators, dolphins, whales, manatees...just to name a few!


  



  

  





What's next? In September, we'll haul out and winterize the boat. We'll also go back to work. Papi already has some things lined up. I, on the other hand still have to find a new position (because we moved to NB, I need to apply and get selected to get transferred to a new position).



What's our next adventure? You all know there will be one 😉 ... We're not sure yet, but I know we'll figure it out when the time is right, and then we'll work towards it. Could be boating, could be traveling by RV, could be renting accommodations in different countries, could be soooo many things. The possibilities are endless!


For now, we'll finish the boating season in the area. I still have some work to do on my spreadsheets - I haven't been as diligent about keeping it updated since we got back to Canada, but I should be able to share some figures and stats soon.


We can honestly say "It's been an amazing journey!"

Tina & Papi

"In life, it's not where you go, it's who you travel with" 

– Charles Schultz


Comments

  1. Congratulations on your gold!, we have just entered into the Rideau and were wondering if you would like to get together? Tom and Patty aboard The 7th Day. Our internet is not working so well here in Canada so please text or call 732 904 3154. Thank you and have a good evening. Aglca member 15549

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