Our preparations for The Great Loop are coming along… departure is likely on/around October 7. Meanwhile, we are enjoying the wonderful Harbour Towne Marina in Muskegon!
As some of you may know, four locks along the Illinois River were scheduled for closure from June 1 through September 30. One of the locks is yet delayed in re-opening. As such, our departure is yet delayed. There is quite a bit of commercial vessel, Looper boat, and other pleasure craft traffic backing up in the Chicago area, and passage through the locks will be heavy for a while after all locks are opened. We are part of the AGLCA’s flotilla plan to lock-through as efficiently as possible (BIG THANKS TO AGLCA!). Note that in past years, locks did not re-open until November, so cruising this area mid to late October is okay.
While we wait, we can take this opportunity to let you know about The Great Loop:
•What is it? A 6,000-mile journey around the Eastern US via a continuous waterway comprising inland rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), the Atlantic Ocean, the Canadian Heritage canals, and the Great Lakes.
•How long does it take? Most people estimate a year to complete, although reports are it has been completed in two months. We are estimating a year with some breaks. The graphic to the right (by Curtis Stokes) shows the ideal cruising locations by time of year.
•More information: https://www.greatloop.org/
Thanks to everyone for tuning in.
Fair winds,