Category Archives: Uncategorized

Crossing the Gulf of Mexico, for slower boats, is an all-day and all-night affair far from shore with no cell phone service and open water as far as the eye can see. It is a trip that can create excitement or anxiety, or a mixture of both as it is unknown, unpredictable, and intimidating. WeContinue reading “The Majestic Crossing”

6,000 miles in 12 months across 13 states and two countries….on a boat. From rivers, canals to oceans and lakes, various water, tides, currents, winds, and waves. An adventure and a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Often the first question I get asked is, is it safe? We are a fan of staying alive. ThanksContinue reading “Stayin Alive”

Delay is hateful, but it gives wisdom. It is bound to happen to each of us, an unplanned delay. For type-A personalities, it tests one’s patience, ability to withstand frustration, and sanity. It is about our perception of loss of control, control over when the weather will clear, to how repairs are completed by theContinue reading “The Agony of Delay”

Nature can speak to you without saying a word, the gentle breeze from across the water, the absolute quiet, the wildlife living nearby, the splash from a jumping fish, and the clear, beautiful sky. You become part of nature, listen to the silence, watch the birds stalking their prey, and feel the stillness. It isContinue reading “The Joys of Anchoring”

Rivers are living things, and much like humans, each has its unique personality. We have traversed the Illinois, Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers and experienced the splendor and trials of each.  The Illinois River was calm and majestic. It was a joy, from its beautiful forest-lined banks to unique bridges to the plethora of baldContinue reading “The Character of Rivers”

This trip has allowed us to see the physical nature of our world up close. And it is beautiful. The water has its hypnotic dance and creates a sense of peace and calm for those who are lucky enough to be near it.  Beyond the water, we have seen the stone cliffs etched by time,Continue reading “Awe Inspiring Nature”

We did it, and we are all in. Quit our jobs, sold our beautiful, much-loved house, and moved on to a 1978 Trawler. We vacillate between being excited, overwhelmed, and questioning our sanity. Indeed, an unusual life choice and not one that follows the typical trajectory of success as defined by society. That is partlyContinue reading “Life Choices”

The Kindness of Strangers Updated: Nov 8, 2020 What a week full of adventure! It was refreshing to see the kindness of strangers and feel the warmth of a genuine welcome. We met great fellow loopers as we waited for the Illinois River locks to open, and we soon developed some neat friendships through our sharedContinue reading “The Kindness of Strangers”

There is a quote, “nothing is wonderful when you get used to it.” I find that to be true too often in life. When we started this year-long, 7,000-mile journey, we started from Hammond, Indiana, and headed down Illinois’s heart. I grew up in Illinois and knew it well. Let’s just say it would notContinue reading “Fresh Eyes”