Second Wind on the Great Loop and Beyond

Monday, April 16 in Charleston. Everyone agrees that seeing the Great Loop burgee on another boat as you pass on a river or pull into a marina is a thrill. You are in the presence of another kindred spirit! The first time Bob and I went to a Great Loop Rendezvous, we were still “Looper Wannabes.” We didn’t know anybody there, and we listened with great interest and not a little awe at the stories “Veteran Loopers” told of colorful characters, scenic vistas, near disasters, the kindness of strangers, fascinating small towns, serene morning mists, adrenaline rushes, and lessons learned along the way. But by far the most common thread in the tales we heard was that of lifelong friends made during the journey. Now that we are officially “Looper Doers,” we’ve found just how easy it is to bond with people who are sharing this off-the-wall adventure.

During the last couple of days it has been a real kick to reunite with friends who have anchored with us in secluded coves or crossed long, open stretches of water with us, and shared fabulous meals with us. As the strong, battering winds (clocked at 65 mph) finally began to die down yesterday, we got a call on our cell phone inviting us to a “We Survived the Storm Party.” What a fun group and what incredible memories we’ll have when we eventually sit in our rocking chairs describing “the old days on America’s waterways.” Right now our rocking is on a catamaran in the fellowship of Great Loopers – and we like that just fine. (This was written last Monday. The winds are again calm.)