Great Loop

[voyager638]

Have plans for cruising in 2016? The "Last Hoorah" will be leaving St. Marks, Florida on the first mostly calm couple days at the last of January to do the "
Great Loop". The plan is to make the 5,500 to 6,000 mile cruise in seven months. Hope to hear from anyone who might want to flotilla along for a part or all of the journey. A major leg of the trip is the Erie Canal. I have planned the trip to begin the canal in mid-May and cruise along its length for two weeks.

[Casey]

Have a great trip!

We spent almost five months of (2015) cruising the ICW from Astor, FL to North Tonowanda/Buffalo, NY (thus all of the Erie Canal) for a total of 2400 miles. ..I guess you could say we're half-looped.

Along the way we spent the Memorial Day (week) in Washington, DC and the Fourth of July (week) in NYC. Delightful delays, for sure. We both enjoyed the Erie Canal, and the small towns along the way, more than we expected. I could easily see spending an entire summer exploring the NY Canal System; it's a great cruising venue.

Along the way we met, any enjoyed, many 'loopers. They all seemed very motivated to "make miles." I don't mean to be critical - but if you're going to do 6000mi in 7mos, your must average nearly thirty miles per day to keep on schedule. Our daily mileage (if we moved at all...) ranged from four to 100 miles, and we enjoyed a truly leisurely pace. On the Erie we enjoyed staying a night or two (...or three) several places and soaking-up the local experience.

Looper's, on the other hand, seemed driven to make miles. We met some folks who were doing the loop, but taking more time along the way. One couple was on their third or fourth season of 'looping. They'd cruise for the summer, then return home and plan the next section for the next year. Along the way, they were checking out Everything. ...looked like a great alternative, to us.

Whatever your style - enjoy the trip!

Best,
Casey&Mary