Planning for the Great Loop

 25 Days until we set off --stay tuned for updates!


March 4th, 2024


Well our planning, packing and provisioning are complete,

We moved onto the boat last night and cruise to Sarasota this morning for our first stop on our 10 month cruise of the Great Loop.

 


March 5, 2024

We had another beautiful day on the water. Arrived in Venice and pulled into the Crow's Nest Marina around noon. Had lunch at the Venice Yacht Club and worked on the boat.
Leaving in the morning for St Charles Yacht Club in Ft Myers which is an 8 hour/ish cruise.
Will definitely be ready for a marguerita. 

March 7th

Well yesterday was an interesting day.
We were out in the Gulf for about 4 hours with initially 2 ft waves, seemed like 4 to me, Pat, but I weathered it well.
Had about 30 min of rain and arrived at the St Charles Yacht club safely
Today we are entering the Okeechobee Canal and will cruise to Port La Belle

March 8th

We cruised half-way between Fort Myers and Lake Okeechobee yesterday along Caloosahatchee River.
It was a wonderful serene cruise through mid Florida. We passed through our first lock of our trip and my first experience going through a lock. We docked overnight in La Belle. 
Today we head for Clewiston and will stay at the Roland Martin Marina for two days.


March 12th

Well it has been a few days since my last post. I guess we have been busy. We had a great cruise to Clewiston and 2 days to rest, do 4 loads of laundry and socialize with a great couple we met at the La Belle dock. They live in Beaufort, SC so we hope to see them again when we are in Beaufort.
On the 10th we crossed Lake Okeechobee. I had no idea how huge it was. We experienced 2 ft waves, 12 to 20 mph winds. Jack navigated it well and my accomplishment was that I didn't fall overboard or get sea sick. We have been through 7 locks so far and I am sooo happy we won't see another one until the Erie Canal. Yesterday we reached the ICW at St Lucie and made our way up to Ft Pierce.
We were pleased to host Roger and Laura, ( Jack's family) for the night and had a great time with them,
Today is a catch up day of shopping and work on the boat. Tomorrow we head for Harbour Beach, Fl


Comments

  1. jackandpats-adventuresFebruary 4, 2024 at 10:13 AM

    someone did a wonderful job on this!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. jackandpats-adventuresMarch 4, 2024 at 3:32 PM

    This is a test for responses

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jones6547March 4, 2024 at 5:29 PM

    This is a test comment

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lisa Mack March 5, 2024 at 4:13 PM

    Hi Pat and Jack - This is so exciting!! I am looking forward to your posts. I love that you posted the map, such an incredible journey! XO

    ReplyDelete
  5. KDoranMarch 6, 2024 at 5:55 AM

    Have an amazing trip!

    ReplyDelete
  6. NapsMarch 7, 2024 at 1:58 PM

    Hi Jack and Pat,

    It's Jack and Jill checking in to wish you well on your exciting Journey. It's so nice that you put this little Blog together so we can "virtually" share the joy of your trip!

    ReplyDelete
  7. RicardoMarch 8, 2024 at 2:56 PM

    Jack, What is the name of your love boat? Is that the same one you bought last year? How can you bypass naples and the Florida Keys; the most beautiful parts of Florida?
    I thought you were planning to include family and friends on certain segments of trhe voyage?
    will you be cruising by Cape Cod this summer?

    ReplyDelete
  8. C3May 4, 2024 at 6:31 PM

    I just got on your blog-Awesome!!
    I will try to join you in NJ.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C3May 4, 2024 at 6:35 PM

      Pat, Im sorry about your wrist.I look forward to meeting you.

      Delete

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