Great Loop Dedication

5,000 plus miles later, "Whatever It Takes" is right back where we started, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Here are the stats:

 

• The trip was taken in 3 legs.
• Leg 1- Hilton Head, S.C. to Cleveland OH. - (May 4th - June 6th, 2012)
• Leg 2- Cleveland, OH. to Fulton MS. - (September -14th - October 10th 2012)
• Leg 3- Fulton MS. to Hilton Head, S.C.  (March 16th - April 15th 2013)
• 103 days on the water, roughly 900 hours of cruising time
• Just under 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 60 gallons of 40 weight motor oil
• Destinations- OH, MI, IL, MO, KY, TN, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, NY, PA, & Canada.
• 22 crew hands and 3 dogs travelled at different times.
• Hospital trips required - 0, veterinarian trips- 1.
• Times hit bottom- 5,  (props damaged- 2, hull damage- 0).
• # of times we were lost, multiple.
• # of times we said "where's the next marker" (undetermined, but at least 10,000).
• Memories created for all aboard and those that followed the blog- immeasurable.

  The last day on our trip started out late due to fog. We got underway at 9:00 and arrived at Harbour Town Marina, Hilton Head at 3:30, I didn't realize the PGA Heritage Classic golf tournament is this week at Harbour Town. What a crowd. We got lucky to find an opening at the marina. Starting tomorrow the dockage rate goes to $10.00 per foot/per day (normally $3.00) and there is a minimum 5 day charge. We are departing in the morning.

  My Great Loop adventure is dedicated to my late wife Kathy and my twin grandchildren Kate and Charlie.

  To Kathy, thank you for insisting I buy "Whatever It Takes" even though you knew it would delay the remodelling of our home and for being with me in spirit throughout the trip.

  To Kate and Charlie, chase your dreams but find a safe harbor when things are getting bad.

 

 

 

 

 

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http://youtu.be/mVT4EsQtId4

 

Click on the link above to see a video of two LMBND (Lake Michigan Bottle Nosed Dolphins) hitching a ride with us on their migration north. Brian captured this video in the panhandle of Florida. At one point the dolphins actually turn to look up at us.

 

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Our destination and the end of our Great Loop adventure.

Nearly 6,000 miles and right back where we started.

We were delayed leaving port this morning. It was tough enough navigating this unmarked river without the fog. The fog burned off around 9:00.

Sunset on Hilton Head.

Kathy and I  aboard "Whatever It Takes" on Lake Erie.

Charlie                                                              Kate

The crew: Dad, Laura & Chuck, Dave Bragg, Valerie, Jeff Smith, Chris West, Denny West, Mike West, Rick West, Tom & Donna Dechant (West), Jack Moore, Kenny Rodick, Bill Skaryd, Danette lavish, Mo Oldham, Skip Kline, Ed Smith, Brian Chavalia, Jeff Johnson, Greg Butchko & the dogs - Bruti, Clark, and Tucker.