A Circle Completed

On May 13, 2010 Harry and Leslie completed their Great Loop Cruise aboard their motor vessel “Somewhere”, crossing their wake at the entrance to St. James Marina near Southport, North Carolina. It was an amazing adventure! Our travels over nearly 13 months took us through 19 states and 2 Canadian Provinces; we transited 144 locks and covered 6,980 statute miles. We chose to add a few side trips; turning north on the Delaware River to visit Philadelphia, traveling up the Tennessee River to Chattanooga at the height of the fall colors and leaving the ICW in Florida to travel up the St. Johns River to Blue Springs State Park. Each of these side trips added to the enjoyment of our entire trip. Along the way we met so many wonderful people, some will remain friends for many years to come. We will always remember those who generously shared their favorite places and provided “local knowledge” which was invaluable on a trip of this nature. Their kindness will not be forgotten. It is on a trip like this that one can reflect on the true goodness of people. It was a privilege to experience the natural beauty of our great country and, of course, that of our neighbor to the north. As our trip drew to a close we spent more time reflecting on our adventure and the places we had been. A few of our favorite memories are leaving Staten Island and seeing the majesty of New York City ahead or crossing the expanse of Lake Michigan in the fog and seeing the Chicago skyline looming on the horizon. The interesting locks, especially the Big Chute Railway, the Peterborough Lift Lock and the Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River with its 93’ lift to name a few. Winding our way through the Chambly Canal or cruising the Mississippi River with the arch, the Gateway to the West, glistening in the sunlight.

We will always remember the beautiful Hudson River with West Point standing guard majestically

and the eight step locks which raised us 79 feet from the Ottawa River to the magical city of Ottawa and the fabulous adventures of the Rideau and Trent Severn Canals. Another highlight was the gorgeous Georgian Bay with the many rocks waiting to ground a boater who might stray ever so slightly out of the channel and whose stunning beauty and peaceful anchorages defy description. Thinking the best part of the trip was behind us only to be enchanted by Florida with the opportunity to swim with the Manatees and dive the Marine Reserves of John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park and the unforgettable sight of the Space Shuttle Discovery hurtling into space. Finally, we will remember the more familiar but no less enjoyable stops of Charleston and Hilton Head. There are so many more! This was an adventure which we will savor for many years. Those who have said that it is not the destination that is important, it is the journey must have been thinking of America’s Great Loop. As we settle back into life at home with our memories of this “excellent adventure” and plan our next one, we are reminded that, as someone once said, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.