It’s a Wrap on Our Great Loop Adventure

** A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS, AND FAVORITE PORTS & WATERS **

It is finally sinking in that our Great Loop adventure and journey are truly over. As we paged back through the blog, reread old facebook posts, and sifted through thousands of photos while preparing this entry, one thought kept surfacing: Mann, what a ride!

We’ll do our best to encapsulate the adventure – our favorite ports and waterways (FP/W), top magical moments (TMM), two hiatuses, and a few fun stats from the journey that changed everything.

The Loop gave us more than we ever expected: adventure, personal growth, change, heartache, history, geography, and memories so vivid they feel stitched into our hearts. Over 52 months, traversing the eastern third of our beloved USA and dipping into the crystalline waters of Ontario, Canada, we lived a life far bigger than anything we imagined when we cast off the lines.

We traveled 12,000 miles (more than double the “typical” 5,500) through 18 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada. What began as “just a boat trip” became an odyssey.

Track of our Great Loop Journey

When we left our home port near Louisville (TMM) in June 2021, we had no idea how transformative this voyage would be. We envisioned two years exploring the eastern U.S., with a small taste of Canada. Instead, it became SO MUCH MORE: drifting into waters less traveled, veering off the main route 18 times taking planned and spontaneous detours that became some of our most cherished days. As Great Lakes kids, we also fulfilled a lifelong dream – cruising all five Great Lakes.

Leaving out Home Waters of the Ohio River

Before the Loop, we hadn’t explored much. Most of our time off centered on boating on the Ohio River. With our heads down, working, planning, and saving for this dream. The captain first floated the idea of the loop in 2010, we attended our first Looper rendezvous in 2015, found Now or Never in 2017, and finally cast off in 2021. Years of planning, puzzle pieces, and obligations lined up until the captain finally said, “It’s now or never – let’s get on board and go.”

Traveling with our home beneath our feet was the ultimate freedom. Yes, the boat was full (thank you, Tasha!), but we always had what we needed. The Loop was a tapestry of adventure, challenges, surprises, history, geography, incredible sunrises and sunsets, wonderful people, and constant learning. Because it wasn’t just a trip – it became our life – we felt every emotion: days that challenged us, days we longed for home, lazy days, exhilarating days, and days that reminded us exactly why we came.

The freedom to decide when and where we stopped – and to linger as long as we wished – made the voyage magical. Most of the time, we had no agenda beyond a few days out. Our mission was simply to be present, and most days, we succeeded.

We began in familiar territory: the inland rivers. Four and a half months on the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Little Tennessee, and Tenn-Tom Rivers in summer / fall 2021. These waterways remain among our favorites. The Tennessee and Little Tennessee (FP/W) hold a beauty that’s almost spiritual — especially the Tennessee River Gorge, which only becomes more stunning as you wind upriver.

The Beautiful Tennessee River

One of our top moments (TMM) came on the Little Tennessee near Tellico Village. We dropped our dinghy and traveled the last 13 miles to Tellico Dam. As we moved upriver, we kept hearing “thunder”—but it wasn’t weather; it was motorcycles roaring along the Tail of the Dragon, the legendary 11-mile road with 318 curves. As we approached the dam, the temperature dropped 20 degrees, the water turned crystal-clear, and the world felt surreal. We floated with a picnic lunch, stunned by the beauty – an omen of wonder to come.

The Little Tennessee River

Another unforgettable moment (TMM) came near the end of our river system travels. In heavy current, the captain spun a prop on the dinghy while desperately trying to get Remy ashore. A muddy scramble, a sketchy shoreline, and a lot of effort later, both captain and pup were covered in mud. It was messy, humbling, and could have been far worse – but we survived with a great story and a photo to prove it.

Muddy Mess

In early November, we reached Mobile Bay and made our way through the Panhandle faster than we wished. Marina space was limited after a recent hurricane, and anchoring with our senior golden, Remy, was challenging. Dockage in Clearwater opened up, and we sprinted through a perfect weather window to get there.

The “crossing” of the Gulf of America—a 202-mile, 24-hour overnight voyage—was our longest (TMM). Captain Dave and home port friend, Doug departed Apalachicola toward Clearwater (while Tasha and Remy drove in Doug’s truck). It was an experience that on ecan only dream of: calm seas, sunset, moonrise, moonset, total starlit darkness, a space shuttle launch, sunrise, and – finally – Clearwater Beach. Too exhilarating to sleep, a cruise through a perfect night and a perfect crossing.

Incredible Crossing of the Gulf of America!

We celebrated our first Christmas away from home in St. Pete at the Pier – a festive, magical place during a season when we were missing family. A moving Christmas Eve service (TMM), stunning lights, and even a visit with Santa for Remy made for a beautiful holiday.

Christmas at the Pier in St. Pete

Our Sunshine State winter included two months in downtown Fort Myers (FP/W), reconnecting with cruising friends and enjoying the community – just months before Hurricane Ian destroyed the marina. Then we cruised to Marathon (FP/W), where turquoise water, island charm, and perfect winter weather spoiled us beyond anything before.

Fort Myers

The Beautiful Waters of the Keys

Not wanting to leave the Keys, we eventually began our northward migration, cruising past the extravagant wealth of Florida’s east coast – quite a sight.

We reached Melbourne and were scared with a late night trip to the doggy ER. Tasha panicked and insisted we return home. That detour ended up saving more than Remy. Captain Dave was in the ER soon after, and within weeks he underwent open-heart surgery – completely unexpected. At the same time, Tasha spent precious final weeks with her mother. Heartbreaking doesn’t begin to describe it.

Our Red Headed Angel

During Dave’s recovery, he returned to Florida for sunshine therapy while we agreed the boat was no place for 15-year-old Remy. Tasha stayed home, grateful for another full year with her before she passed in spring 2023. We also lost both of Dave’s sisters in that tragic year. Hiatus #1.

Recuperation for all

Returning to Now or Never was bittersweet. We were numb, and the water became our healer. Instead of rushing to rejoin the Looper fleet, we drifted slowly up the coast, letting each day unfold. Through Georgia, the Carolinas, the Outer Banks, and the Albemarle Loop we wandered. Edenton, NC (FP/W)—a place we hadn’t known existed – captured our hearts so deeply we visited twice.

Beautiful Edenton and the Albermarle Loop

Halfway through the Albemarle, we had a “slight” mishap (TMM) that landed us in a boatyard for nearly three weeks and living on the hard 16 nights with no A/C in July’s 95° heat. Our bikes saved our sanity, turning sweltering days into small adventures with destinations that had A/C. We became boatyard groupies, cheering on the crew from Adirondack chairs by the fuel dock.

But Did we Sink?

Once repaired, we continued on. Cruising up the Potomac River to dock at George Washington’s Mount Vernon home (TMM), then biking through Washington, D.C. (FP/W), became highlights of the Loop.

Mount Vernon and The White House

We spent summer in the Chesapeake Bay and barely scratched the surface. We met our kids Nick and Lauren in Annapolis, MD (FP/W), likely our favorite stop of all. The history, spirit, and dedication at the Naval Academy moved us deeply.

Oh how we Loved Annapolis!

We ended our northern visiting Baltimore, follwed by a Trawler Owners rendezvous, then returning to Melbourne with the snowbirds – who are, shall we say, efficient travelers. Bridge timing after bridge timing made for quite the fast paced adventure.

Runnin’ the Intracoastal with the Snowbirds

Arriving back in Melbourne for winter, we enjoyed a memorable side trip across the Okeechobee Waterway to spend New Year’s Eve with friends (TMM). It was a 533-mile round trip by water … or a six-hour car ride. Naturally, we chose the 533 miles.

Port Charlotte New Years

Leaving Melbourne in mid-March, we pushed north toward Norfolk for a May looper rendezvous, taking several detours: up the St. Johns River in Florida and a favorite anchorage near Hontoon Island (TMM), a return to downtown Savannah, GA (FP/W), trips to Wilmington and New Bern, and more.

St. Johns River and Savannah

One day, after grounding near Cumberland Island, we spent seven hours waiting for the tide to lift us – an unexpected beach day (TMM). Arriving last into Jekyll Island (FP/W) after being stuck in plain view of every passing boat meant each wanted the story. We met many Loopers that day, stranded on the beach and later at the marina. Just another day on the loop!

Beach Day!

We reached Norfolk, where at a 300-strong rendezvous we officially connected with the Bohoneks on Live the Dash (they passed us on the beach and we shared a text) , who became priceless friends. For four months, we cruised together – planning, laughing, touring, sharing meals, and with all that – collecting memories.

Memory Makers

As we left Norfolk, a few ports later had us returning to Annapolis, MD, securing a mooring ball in Spa Creek, and celebrating our 25th anniversary at a favorite port. We then took off and cruised: into New York Harbor by Lady Liberty (TMM), up the Hudson, into the Erie Canal (TMM), across Lake Ontario (Great Lake #1) to the beautiful Thousand Islands and the wonderful hospitality of new friends (TMM), and into the magical Trent-Severn Waterway (FP/W). We stayed two nights at the enchanting Lovesick Lock (TMM), anchored in Georgian Bay (FP/W), and savored favorite Killarney (FP/W) and the North Channel (FP/W).

New York and the Trent Severn Waterway

These waters were part of our second Great Lake – Huron – and sharing it all with the Dash crew made them unforgettable.

From Killarney, the Bohonek family headed west, then south to finish their Loop, and we turned south into Lake Eric – our third Great Lake – to revisit the waters of our youth. We hauled out in September 2024 at Lake St. Clair in the historic original wooden Chris Craft factory. Hiatus #2.

Lake Erie – a Blast from Our Youth

After wintering in Florida, we launched again and headed north on Lake Huron, bound for Lake Superior, our fourth Great Lake – before circling back to the North Channel and Ontario’s Killarney. Leaving Killarney in July brought emotional goodbyes, rooted in family memories with Tasha’s late father. We hope it won’t be our last visit.

Superior and Killarney

We cruised the Straits of Mackinac and into Lake Michigan – our fifth Great Lake, visiting 28 Michigan ports—Petoskey stealing our hearts (FP/W), though we enjoyed them all.

Lake Michigan

By early September, we docked at Navy Pier in Chicago for Labor Day weekend and met up with son Nick. Then we turned south onto the Illinois River, nearing the end of our Great Loop. Family joined us from Ottawa to Peoria, sharing stories, water, and special time together.

Navy Pier and Illinois Family

Those final weeks along the Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers gave us space to reflect. Fifty-two months passed like a handful of days. We didn’t want it to end, yet we felt ready to celebrate.

The Rivers Bringing us Full Circle

The cruise from Paducah to the concluence of the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers (TMM), the exact wake-crossing, and our emotional arrival into Green Turtle Bay on Lake Barkley (TMM) are moments we’ll never forget. Our kids – Ryan and Joe – our homeport friends, the Bohoneks, and looper friends were all there to cheer us in.

Wake Crossing – Gold Looper Celebration!

It was the perfect end to a once-in-a-lifetime journey. We never imagined how much it would hold. The trials and struggles have softened, leaving behind joy, tears, the therapy of water, and the magic of friendships. The Looper community became our floating family – filling the space between the moments we missed home.

Some stats: we are marina people – 80% of our nights were at dock. We handled 141 locks, visited 244 ports, and revisited 43. We’ve been blessed with too many friends and memories to count. The journey was extraordinary, but the people – Loopers, locals, boaters, and you reading along – made it a fairy tale.

Ten weeks post-Loop, we’re settling back into land life… and growing restless. Now or Never has already joined her new family, cruising through Mobile Bay this past week on their own Great Loop adventure.

Our first post-Loop chapter? Returning to Fort Myers to pup-sit Sherman, our buddy-boat DASH pup, while his family toured Europe. Two weeks in sunny SW Florida with a sweet dog, house and a car? Not a bad gig. It might even be a new calling.

Sherman

Now we’re back in the land of cold – single digits and negative overnights (the captain is not amused). Thankfully, we’re heading south again soon for our fifth Florida winter.

Saturday 12/13/25 – Home in Indiana

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who followed and supported us on this dream of cruising America’s Great Loop. Thank you for cheering us on – not just through the big, breathtaking moments, but through the quiet stretches and the lowest lows. This blog began as a way to update friends and family, but it’s become a treasure chest we’ll hold close forever.

Thanks for the memories, your friendship, and for helping us believe that it was always Now or Never.

Cheers!  David, Tasha, 

             & Remy forever in our hearts!   –   Loop Dog for 1 year and 3357 miles

Completed Great Loop by the Numbers	Aboard Now or Never
Miles Cruised	11,864 + several hundred miles in the dinghy exploring areas Now or Never couldn’t cruise
Cruising Days	287
Days Both of us on Board	951
Total Days on Loop	1558
Locks	141
States Visited	18
	2021 – Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida
	2022 – Florida
	2023 – Florida, S. Carolina, N. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland
	2024 –  Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware,
	New Jersey, New York, Ontario, CA, Michigan, Ohio
	2025 – Michigan, Ontario – Canada, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky
Unduplicated Ports on the Loop	244
Duplicate Ports	43
Marina Nights	374
Marina Expense	$56,458.47
Most Expensive One Night Marina Cost	$235/night – $5/ft + $15 power- Hudson Point Marina – NYC – May 2024
Least Expensive One Night Marina Cost	$15/night – Cherokee Marina, Lebanon, TN – Cumberland River – July 2021
Anchor Nights	35
Mooring Ball Nights	7
Free Dock Nights	93
Lock Wall Nights	16
Boat Yard Nights	33
Gallons of Diesel	7779.6
Diesel Expense	$29,501.76
Most Expensive Diesel by Gallon	$5.49/gallon – Marathon, FL 3/2024
Least Expensive Diesel by Gallon	$2.99/gallon – Jeffersonville, IN 6/2021 & Blue Springs, TN 9/2021
Sidetrips	18
Hurricanes and Remnant Storms Weathered	4
Number of Ports Bikes Used	63 – no bikes the first 2739 miles
Number of Islands Stayed On	16
Number of those Islands (only accessible by boat or plane)	6
Lighthouses Climbed	21
Visits from Friends along the loop	225
Different Friends that visited us along the loop	100
Overnight Guests	39