https://greatloopadventure.com/2015/06/21/so-our-journey-has-ended/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-navigator.jpgBOS-NavigatorOne last images - as I said above, the people one meets is one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip. We first met fellow Loopers Tom & Jan on the vessel Navigator on the Illinois River last September. We've stayed in touch and have met up several times along the Loop since then. They happened to be in the Boston area visiting their daughter, and we were fortunate enough to have dinner with them, along with Tom & Mary McNichol, at the Wayside Inn last Thursday. From left to right: Tom, Jan, Tom, Mary, Jim Khttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-beard3.jpgBOS-beard3A year's worth of beard gone in a flash!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-beard2.jpgBOS-beard2YIKES!! A SCISSORS!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-beard11.jpgBOS-beard1https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-beard1.jpgBOS-beard1Trish welcoming me home...wait, what's that behind her back?https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-groupie2.jpgBOS-Groupie2On the boat, from left to right:https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-groupie1.jpgBOS-Groupie1Celebrating completion of the Great Loop! From left to right:https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-yacht-club.jpgBOS-yacht clubOur home port and our permanent dockage on the Charles River!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-lock.jpgBOS-lockOur 144th lock! Entering the Charles River! Note Bill Burke expertly managing the lines, a skill which earned him the (self-proclaimed) title of Mariner of the Year.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bos-boston-light.jpgBOS-Boston LightA welcome sight! In the background is Boston Light, the second oldest operating lighthouse in North America. Many years ago, when my kids and their cousins were little, we were out exploring the harbor in a motorboat. I stopped to point out the beauty of Boston Light, explaining that many artists come to paint the scene, claiming that it was likely the most painted lighthouse in the world. After a brief moment, one of the kids asked: "How many coats of paint do you think it's gotten?"2015-06-28T21:22:55+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/06/11/homeward-bound/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-ice-maker.jpgWH-ice makerYou'll be happy to know that, 13 1/2 months later, they have apparently fixed the drain problem on the ice machine...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-taylor-swift.jpgWH-Taylor SwiftThis is Taylor Swift's home overlooking the ocean near the waterfront in Watch Hillhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-shops.jpgWH-shopsShops along the waterfront in Watch Hillhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-carousel2.jpgWH-carousel2The old stone building housing the historic carousel on the Watch Hill waterfronthttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/nyc-fender2.jpgNYC-fender2While running down the East River, we came upon this enormous fender that some large yacht had apparently not secured properly, so we circled back and scooped it up for use on the Joint Adventure, I wish I had had it over the past year!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-ocean-house21.jpgWH-Ocean House2https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-carosel1.jpgWH-carosel1First opened in 1883, the Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest operating suspended-horse carousel in the United States, and is o the National Historic Landmarkhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-ocean-house2.jpgWH-Ocean House2The front of the Ocean Househttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-ocean-house1.jpgWH-Ocean House1The Ocean House in Watch Hill is an enormous historic building and is the only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Hotel in Rhode Island.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wh-house.jpgWH-houseA portion of the commercial district along the Watch Hill waterfront2015-06-12T13:45:03+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/05/30/an-abrupt-change-of-plans/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-organ.jpgAC-organThis is the "controls" where the organ player sits to play the organhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-convention-ctr2.jpgAC-convention ctr2The cavernous inside of the buildinghttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-convention-ctr.jpgAC-convention ctrThe original Convention Center, now listed on the National Register of Historic Placeshttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-revel-casino.jpgAC-revel casinoThis is the former revel Casino. It was built at a cost of $2.4 billion and, incredibly, it was closed within the past 9 months after operating for less than two years. It was just bought for $82 million, about 3% of its cost to construct...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-rebel-casino.jpgAC-rebel casinohttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-taj-mahal.jpgAC-taj mahalThe Taj Mahal in Atlantic City -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-jitney.jpgAC-jitneyJitney's provide transportation 24/7 throughout the city, and run every 5 to 10 minutes. There are 190 jitneys, and each is privately owned. The owners have an association, and govern themselves.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-casino.jpgAC-casinoThe gambling floors are enormous and seem to go on forever. Watching some of the games can be quite entertaining...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-boardwalk2.jpgAC-boardwalk2The famous Atlantic City boardwalk - some sections are dominated by highrise hotel/casinos, other sections have older, two and three story shops along its edge. The beach runs along the boardwalk the entire way.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ac-boardwalk.jpgAC-boardwalkExtravagance along the Atlantic City boardwalk2015-05-31T10:54:11+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/05/24/oyster-wars/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-dad-in-dingy.jpgCM-dad in dingyMy Dad at the helm of the dinghy as we toured Cape May harbor https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-house9.jpgCM-house9https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cmhouse8.jpgCM=house8https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-house7.jpgCM-house7https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-house6.jpgCM-house6https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-house5.jpgCM-house5https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-house4.jpgCM-house4https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-house3.jpgCM-house3https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-house2.jpgCM-house2https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cm-house1.jpgCM-house1The next series of pictures are of some of the incredible 19th century homes of Cape May - no further commentary needed2015-05-24T11:58:14+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/05/17/skiing-at-the-tiki-bar/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaasol-ski3.jpgAAAASOL-ski3Skiing at the Tiki Bar!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaasol-ski2.jpgAAAASOL-ski2It takes four coordinated people to act in unison to use this device...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaasol-ski1.jpgAAAASOL-ski1The bartender set the old wooden ski on the bar - I notice it has four shot glasses attached to it...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaasol-lighthouse.jpgAAAASOL-lighthouseThe Drum Point Lighthouse operated on Solomon Island from 1883 till 1962, when it was decommissioned. It was moved to the museum in 1975.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaas-motel.jpgAAAAS-motelThe Smith Island Motel -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaas-creaky-docks.jpgAAAAS-creaky docksCreaky docks leading to a crab sorting building. Much of the infrastructure on the island suffers from lack of maintenance and is in disrepair. However, crabbing continues to support the island's small population.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaas-channel.jpgAAAAS-channelThe channel entrance to Smith Island. Subject to shoaling, we came in on a low and falling tide and had to pick our way in carefully.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaas-map.jpgAAAAS-mapA map in the small island museum showing Smith Islandhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaas-restaurant.jpgAAAAS-restaurantRuke's store/diner near the waterfront on Smith Islandhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaat-cart-on-ramp.jpgAAAAT-cart on rampAbout twice a year on average, a combination of high tides and winds cause most of the island to flood with 6"-12" of salt water. As a result, most of the golf carts are parked on a raised ramp to keep them above the water level. The frequency and severity of the flooding is increasing as sea levels rise and the severity of storms increases.2015-05-29T19:38:38+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/05/09/beard-oil/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-alcohol.jpgAAAAN-Alcoholhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-building.jpgAAAAN-buildingThe Historic District in Norfolk includes buildings from the 1700's and 1800's. Notice the cobblestone street.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-church.jpgAAAAN-churchAn spectacular church in the historic district of Norfolkhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-first-flight.jpgAAAAN-First FlightA photo in the Naval Museum shows the first airplane to take off from the deck of a ship. YIKES! Thus Naval aviation was born in Hampton Roads at Norfolk in 1910 when this pusher biplane flew off a "flight deck" constructed on the USS Birmingham. The flight to Willoughby Island took just five minutes, but it success signaled the advent of aircraft carriers.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-mcarthur-tomb.jpgAAAAN-McArthur tombGeneral MacArthur and his wife Jean, who lived to be 102, are laid to rest in the MacArthur Memorialhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-mccarther.jpgAAAAN-McCartherThe MacArthur Memorial is a fascinating walk through history based on the brilliant yet controversial career of General Douglas MacArthur.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-mermaids1.jpgAAAAN-mermaids1Here are two more -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-mermaids2.jpgAAAAN-mermaids2Stemming from its naval history and ties to the sea, the mermaid has become an icon in Norfolk - there are numerous mermaid statues at various locations throughout the city -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-recruit-sign2.jpgAAAAN-recruit sign2Another example....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaan-recruit-sign1.jpgAAAAN-recruit sign1A number of World War II era recruit signs, displayed in the Naval Shipyard Museum, would be considered sexist today....2015-05-09T19:38:35+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/05/02/one-year-anniversary-marshes-and-mud-beaches-and-sand/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaaht-sign3.jpgAAAAHT-sign3https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaaht-sign2.jpgAAAAHT-sign2https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaaht-man-speaks.jpgAAAAHT-man speakshttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaaht-husband-for-sale.jpgAAAAHT-Husband for salehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaab-cemetary.jpgAAAAB-cemetaryAn ancient cemetery containing the remains of soldiers from both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaab-capsule.jpgAAAAB-capsuleThis "capsule" is on display in the interesting Maritime Museum in Beaufort. It was used to rescue stranded passengers and crewmembers from shipwrecks along the Cape Lookout/Cape Hatteras shoals. A cannon would shoot a line from the beach to a wrecked ship, then the capsule would be pulled out to the ship. Up to 11 people would climb into the capsule, in a lying position. The capsule would then be sealed, the occupants essentially immobile and in complete darkness. The capsule would then be pulled through the breaking waves and wild surf, being violently tossed and rolled on its way to shore - what a harrowing experience that must have been!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/aaaab-general-store.jpgAAAAB-General StoreThe General Store along the Beaufort waterfronthttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaasf-andrew2.jpgAAAASF-Andrew2Andrew, manager of the Riverview Restaurant - he buys all the seafood for the restaurant, and he knows his business!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaasf-riverview.jpgAAAASF-RiverviewRiverview Restaurant in Sneads Ferry, North Carolinahttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaasf-coast-guard.jpgAAAASF-coast guardSneads Ferry turns out to be home to a Coat Guard Training Center - the guns on the front of these boats are real machine guns with real bullets....2015-05-02T13:52:46+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/04/25/a-lifetime-of-research-pays-off/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaasav-leopolds.jpgAAAASav-LeopoldsIt's worth making a trip to Savannah by itself!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-sign.jpgAAAAC-signThis gave me a chuckle -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-barbi-house.jpgAAAAC-Barbi houseThis house is not historic, but has been dubbed the "Barbi house" by the tour guideshttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-theater.jpgAAAAC-theaterThe historic Dock Street Theater, America's first theater, was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances. The new musical "Catch Me If You Can" - the story of Frank Abagnale depicted in the movie of the same name staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks - was playing Friday night, so Jake, Elissa & I bought tickets and went to the show - a great performance!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-jail.jpgAAAAC-jailThe Old City Jail, which was operational from 1802 to 1939 and is now home of the American College of Building Arts. Known for the brutality which occurred here, the jail housed captured pirates in 1822 awaiting hanging, and also housed union prisoners during the Civil War.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-building4.jpgAAAAC-building4The U. S Customs House, built in 1853https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-building7.jpgAAAAC-building7https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-building11.jpgAAAAC-building11https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-building9.jpgAAAAC-building9https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaac-building6.jpgAAAAC-building62015-04-25T21:57:32+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/04/19/mudcat-charlies/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-plantatio3.jpgAAAAKK-plantatio3Look at these trees -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-houseboat.jpgAAAAKK-houseboatA unique Looper - this is our first encounter with Bob, who started in Minneapolis and is doing the Loop solo in a 26 foot houseboat on a shoestring budget - he has a small chart plotter but no paper charts on board, and two dogs to keep him company. YIKES!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-crew.jpgAAAAKK-crewWe had a crew change - sadly, Dave & Sol left after a fantastic week of laughs and reminiscences. Happily, Jake & Elissa Mycofsky came aboard. From left to right: Jim K, Sol (Jerry Solomon), Dave Luciano, Jake Mycofsky, Elissa Mycofskyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-dal.jpgAAAAKK-DALAll this scenery just plain tuckered Dave out....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-eagle.jpgAAAAKK-eagleA bald eagle reins over the bayou -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-marina4.jpgAAAAKK-marina4The plantation grounds surrounding the marina are adorned by scores of enormous Live Oaks, estimated to be 250 - 300 years old. ry as I did, pictures just canno capture the majesty and magnificence of these enormous trees, shrouded in hanging Spanish moss. https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-plantation.jpgAAAAKK-plantationAn outbuilding on the plantationhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-plantation2.jpgAAAAKK-plantation2The 1845 main house on the Kilkenny Plantationhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-scenery.jpgAAAAKK-sceneryThe view of the bayous and the salt water marsh from the marina docks -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaakk-marina5.jpgAAAAKK-marina5we2015-04-19T02:17:17+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/04/15/the-bahamas-part-2/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaamh-dog-in-boat.jpgAAAAMH-dog in boatWhile in Marsh Harbor, I had to take this picture - "Land Ho, Matey!!!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-beards.jpgAAAAWE-beardsHe told me his name several times, but I couldn't pronounce it and I could never spell it, so I'll just call him my West End Friendhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagc-sandy-cay3.jpgAAAAGC-Sandy Cay3Exploring Sandy Cay -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagc-sunset.jpgAAAAGC-sunsetDue to the predicted winds, we pulled up the anchor after dinner at dusk and headed for the harbor in Grand Cay. On the way, we saw this amazing sunset as the sun seemingly disappeared into the sea.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagc-jimchrissie.jpgAAAAGC-Jim&ChrissieJim & Chrissie on Sandy Cay -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagc-anchoring2.jpgAAAAGC-anchoring2In the Bahamas, we always used a trip line with a float on the anchor so we could pull it up if it got snagged on a rock or coral or other obstruction on the seabed. Here Jim is pulling up the float on the trip line while the anchor is being raised.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagtc-anchoring.jpgAAAAGTC-anchoringAnchoring a catamaran is a little different from anchoring a monohull. In order to ride properly at anchor, the anchor line is attached to a bridle, which is attached to the bow of each pontoon, as shown in the picture. The anchor line above the bridle is secured with slack so that the bridle takes up the force.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagc-ja-at-anchor.jpgAAAAGC-JA at anchorWe spent the day exploring the expansive flats, walking in water between 1 and 5 feet deep in various locations as the tide came in. We saw schools of barracuda, including a 3 foot long one that cruised 10 feet from me in a foot of water looking for a meal in the flats. The Joint Adventure is anchored in the background.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagtc-gt-club-bar.jpgAAAAGTC-GT Club barI expected the resorts at White Harbor to be very expensive and glitzy, but was pleasantly surprised. Both were built several decades ago and were very pleasant and comfortable, not overstated, and seemed to have grown in place. We stopped and had an afternoon drink at the Green Turtle Club - the pub, adorned with signed dollar bills pinned to the walls over the decade, is shown here.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagtc-jim-chrissie.jpgAAAAGTC-Jim & ChrissieChrissie Bell & Jim Small - we rode our bikes the length of the island, from Black Harbor to White Harbor. We stopped at the ocean-side beach along the way, where this picture was taken -2015-04-15T03:18:15+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/04/09/the-bahamas/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaaht-dancing.jpgAAAAHT-dancingWhile docked in Hopetown, we heard a live band after dinner from across the water, so we piled into the dingy, crossed the harbor, and went dancing - Jenny & Chris, putting on a show (Janet & Doug, you would have been proud of us, though we did not close the place like we did when you were on board...)https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaaht-view-from-light.jpgAAAAHT-view from lightThe lighthouse is open to the public to climb and enjoy the view, such as this one - https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaaht-street1.jpgAAAAHT-street1A typical home in Hopetownhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaaht-street2.jpgAAAAHT-street2Hopetown is pretty and quaint, with well-kept homes, many small shops, and several quaint restaurantshttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaaht-light2.jpgAAAAHT-light2Hopetown is best known for its iconic lighthouse which dominates the harbor. More on the lighthouse later...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagc-nippers11.jpgAAAAGC-Nippers1https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaagc-nippers1.jpgAAAAGC-Nippers1The famous bar high on the dunes overlooking the reefs and the ocean is named Nippers - the local name for bugs that we call "no-see=ums". The view is spectacular, as is the beach belowhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaasc-shots.jpgAAAASC-shotsDespite the lack of people, the managers of the island cooked up a great meal for us in the restaurant. Before dinner, we had a drink at the bar. We've been married for 35 years, and I can't remember Trish having a shot of anything during that period. However, she got into the spirit of the Bahamas that evening...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaasc-biking-on-airstrip.jpgAAAASC-biking on airstripWe biked throughout the island, and came upon this enormous airstrip - the past & present owner of the island and a handful of private homeowners apparently fly in occasionallyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaasc-sharks.jpgAAAASC-sharksA huge assortment of fish swam in the clear water at the docks, including half a dozen sharks - including this one. When one of the men on the sportfisher cleaned a mahi-mahi they had caught and threw the guts & carcuss in the water, the sharks put on a feeding-frenzy show.2015-04-09T12:33:30+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/04/05/crossing-the-gulf-stream/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-map2.jpgAAAAWE-map2The Bahamashttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaapl-freeport.jpgAAAAPL-FreeportWe went to Freeport and to Port Lucaya for a couple of days. There is virtually nothing to see in Freeport. About 10 years ago, the large hotel/casino closed, and cruise ships arriving in Freeport Harbor are now bussed directly to Port Lucaya, which has a pleasant beach, some resort hotels, and a marketplace somewhat analogous to the Fanueil Hall marketplace in Boston (without the historic character). This photo is of the virtually abandoned "international marketplace" in Freeport, which withered away when the hotel/casino closed and tourists were bussed to Port Lucaya.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-loris.jpgAAAAWE-Lori'sI asked if there was someplace in the Village where I could get ice cream - I was sent to this home where a woman named Lori lives. She goes to Freeport every two weeks or so and brings back a few tubs of ice cream which she sells from her house for $1 for two large scoops. I visited every day. She also sews beautiful hand-made dresses which she sells from her home as well.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-effies.jpgAAAAWE-Effie'sThis is Effie's house - I knocked on her door and bought a loaf of fresh coconut bread and a coconut/pineapple pastry, somewhat like a pie. Yummy!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-local-guy.jpgAAAAWE-local guyThis is probably my favorite picture from the entire trip. In many of the rural villages in the Bahamas, there is a woman who bakes and sells fresh bread. I went looking for her and asked this guy if he knew where she lived. After he gave me directions, we exchanged compliments on each other's beards and chatted for about 20 minutes. Although I could only understand about every other word due to his thick Creole accent, his smile reflects his totally joyful personality. We saw each other several times during our visit, and we always stopped to chat.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-oldest-hotel.jpgAAAAWE-oldest hotelLocated in the West End Village, this is the oldest hotel in the Bahamas. Today only the bar is open, and that seems to be only occasionally.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-cleaning-fish.jpgAAAAWE-cleaning fishA subsistence fisherman cleaning his catch.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-conch-pile.jpgAAAAWE-conch pileAlong the shore of the West End Village are numerous piles of empty conch shells from which the conch have been harvested and the shells discarded.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-swimming-for-conch.jpgAAAAWE-swimming for conchThis swimmer near the shore is looking for conch or spiney lobster or anything else of value that he can find and catch on the ocean floor. He is pulling the tub behind him as he goes - any thing he gets is stored in the tub while he continues to hunt until he swims back to shore.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/aaaawe-conch-guy.jpgAAAAWE-conch guyI stopped to talk to this guy while he was removing the conch that he brought in that day from the shells. He showed me in detail how it is done and how the meat is then separated from the organs.2015-04-05T23:25:58+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/02/21/beaches-highrises-mansions-and-megayachts/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaarb-tank.jpgAAARB-tankOK, feel free to ignore this picture and explanation if you've heard enough about our toilet woes. But here goes: We have continued to be plagued by problems with pumping out our holding tank, which finally came to a head (pun intended) on the day we ran to Palm Beach. So I somehow found the ONLY guy in the area that is willing to work on boat sanitation systems - not a pretty job. We ended up forcibly removing a panel on the top of the tank to discover that 12 years of "stuff" had reacted with the salt water that flushes the head to crystalize in the tank, finally blocking nearly all passage into the pump-out hose. YYAAYY!! A thorough cleaning, some acid treatment, reconstruction of the panel, and once and for all our toilet/holding tank problems are FINALLY behind us for good! By the way, a tip for you boaters - I'm told that putting a cup of vinegar in the toilet once a month or so will prevent this from happening. Now I know...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaarb-blondes.jpgAAARB-blondesAn interesting name for a boat - not sure what this guy does for a living - does he have two professions?https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaarb-burger.jpgAAARB-BurgerThis is a 1937 Burger that came into the marina shortly after we did - it is the oldest recreational Burger still in existencehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaarb-dinner-boat.jpgAAARB-dinner boatThe middle level of the dinner boat, with live musichttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaarb-dinner-boat2.jpgAAARB-dinner boat2We'rehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaabr-sign.jpgAAABR-signA gentle reminder....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaadf-beach.jpgAAADF-beachAnother beautiful beach, but without the long boardwalk for walking and biking along the edgehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaafl-dinghy1.jpgAAAFL-dinghy1While in Fort Lauderdale, we took the dingy out for a spin. We carry her on a davit, and it takes about 5-10 minutes to untie her and lower her into the water. There is a pulley on each end to facilitate the process. Carrying her on a davit allows us to leave the motor on the dingy so we don't have to lug it on and off and find a place to store it.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaafl-cruise-ship.jpgAAAFL-cruise shipMiami and Fort Lauderdale are Kings of the Cruise Ship industry - an enormous cruise ship leaving through the Fort Lauderdale inlethttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaafl-us-swimming.jpgAAAFL-us swimmingSwimming amongst the waves - 2015-02-23T22:06:23+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/02/11/stiltsville-and-miami/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaamb-beach.jpgAAAMB-beachNo description of Miami Beach would be complete without a picture of South Beach. Though it was a bit cool when I walked the beach, there were beautiful people galore - the beach lived up to its reputation.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaamb-ocean-ave2.jpgAAAMB-Ocean Ave2Much of the architecture in Miami Beach is art deco - Ocean Avenue is lined with restaurants, bars, and clubs.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaamb-ocean-ave.jpgAAAMB-Ocean AveOcean Avenue on Miami Beachhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaam-greg.jpgAAAM-GregMy friend and colleague from First Florida Builders, who built most of the apartment projects we worked on in Miami, was able to join us for a Happy Hour cocktail while we were in Coconut Grovehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaam-deering2.jpgAAAM-Deering2Built from 1914-1923 by James Deering, founder of International Harvester, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens rivals the mansions of Newport. It was built to feel like a 1700's Italian villa, and the gardens cover acres with plantings and coral walls, arches, and sculptures.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaam-biltmore2.jpgAAAM-Biltmore2The interior of the Biltmore hotel is spectacular -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaam-biltmore.jpgAAAM-BiltmoreThe Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables was built in 1926 to cater to wealthy northerners during the winter months. The War Department took it over during World War 2 and converted it to a hospital, covering the original marble floors with government-issued linoleum. After the war, it was used as a VA hospital and campus of the University of Miami Medical School until 1968. After extensive renovations and restoration of its original finishes, it was again converted to a hotel, opening in 1987.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaamr-dad-driving.jpgAAAMR-Dad drivingHank driving on our way to Coconut Grovehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaam-ice-cream.jpgAAAM-ice creamNow THIS is great architecture that I can relate to...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaam-frog.jpgAAAM-frogHe reminded me of Kermit, so I couldn't resist including a picture of him...I couldn't resist 2015-02-12T19:05:06+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/02/04/the-railroad-that-died-at-sea/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaakl-african2.jpgAAAKL-African2Hank sort of looks like Humphrey Bogart steering the African Queen....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaakl-african1.jpgAAAKL-African1The African Queen is still steam powered - the steam boiler is in the center of the boat, and the steam engine is behind it, the workings fully exposed.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaakl-african3.jpgAAAKL-African3Hardcore movie buffs may recognize this boat. Hint: if you look closely, you might see Humphrey Bogart or Lauren Bacall. Yes, it is the African Queen. It was built in England and was shipped to the Congo for use as a supply transportation boat on the Congo River, The film producers purchased the boat for use in the movie. Afterwards, it ended up in the US and fell into disrepair until it was purchased in 1982 and refurbished. When the owner's health failed, it again languished and deteriorated until a local Key West couple leased it and spent $90,000 repairing it. It now goes out several times a day for 1 1/2 hour tours. My Dad being a movie buff, we of course had to go!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaakl-croc-crossing.jpgAAAKL-croc crossingToto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaais-glass-boat.jpgAAAIS-glass boatAnother strange looking boat, this one in Key Largohttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaakl-from-bridge.jpgAAAKL-from bridgeThe Joint Adventure, seen on the right-hand side of the picture, docked at Key Largo. The picture is taken from the bridge which provides access to the Keys from the mainland, looking west.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaais-fishing12.jpgAAAIS-fishing12Happy fishermen after a successful day of fishing - a total of six fresh fish dinners -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaais-fishing10.jpgAAAIS-fishing10A pelican catching the fish carcass being thrown into the water next to the fish cleaning station.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaais-fishing8.jpgAAAIS-fishing8This bird and 2 others during our trip got hooked while trying to eat the baitfish off our hook - one got hooked in the air and the other dove on the baitfish moments after it hit the water. Frank reeled in both birds and was able to remove the hook without the birds being hurt.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aaais-fishing9.jpgAAAIS-fishing9Incredibly, this is a bird that picked live baitfish right off the hook in the air as it was being cast - these birds are incredibly fast and accurate and persistent in their pursuit of food.2015-02-26T13:22:30+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/01/30/the-end-of-the-road-twice/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-crocodile.jpgAAAKW-crocodileA bit hard to see, but we were very fortunate to see a an American Crocodile that showed up a few years ago at the fort. Sightings are rare, but he happened to come into the moat during our visit.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-cuban-boat.jpgAAAKW-Cuban boatThis is one of several boats at the fort that successfully brought Cuban refugees to the US. Under Federal law, any Cuban refugee who reached dry land in the US can stay, As a result, boats reach the Dry Tortugas on a regular basis, and the refugees ride the ferry back to Key West along with the tourists. None arrived while we were there.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-mudd-cell.jpgAAAKW-Mudd cellThe fort was used in part as a prison, although it was not designed for that purpose. One of the prisoners was Dr. Mudd, the doctor who was convicted as a co-conspirator after treating John Wilkes Booth when he broke his leg after assassinating President Lincoln. This was his cell. When the fort's regular doctor and nurses died of Yellow Fever, Dr. Mudd, then the only doctor at the fort, was called into service to treat other patients. As a result, President Johnson granted him a pardon in 1869.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-fort-sign2.jpgAAAKW-fort sign2Sometimes it doesn't pay to hire the lowest bidder...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-fort-sign1.jpgAAAKW-fort sign1This interpretive sign highlights the difficulties of building the forthttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-fort3.jpgAAAKW-fort3The fort has six sides, and the enormity can be somewhat gauged in this picture that shows about half of one side. Sixteen million bricks had been used by the time construction was halted. Bricks were shipped to the fort from Pensacola until the outbreak of the Civil War, after which, believe it or not, they were shipped from Maine. The cannon in the foreground weighs 50,000 pounds!https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-fort5.jpgAAAKW-fort5Sixthttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-fort2.jpgAAAKW-fort2A moat was constructed around the entire fort, for two reasons: First, since the fort covers virtually the entire island, the outer wall of the moat provides the fort some protection from wave action. Second, the wall prevents enemy ships from reaching the wall of the fort in an attack.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-fort1.jpgAAAKW-fort1Fort Jefferson on the Dry Tortugas, as seen from the ferryhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaakw-dog-painting.jpgAAAKW-dog paintingDogs have a tough life sometimes...2015-01-30T02:56:35+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2015/01/22/swamp/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaaolder-sign1.jpgAAAOlder Sign1How true....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaawine-sign1.jpgAAAWine Sign1No explanation needed....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaaold-salt-hats.jpgAAAOld Salt hatsMy Dad lost his hat which he liked to wear on the boat that said "Old Salt" on the front. So for Christmas, my daughters had the three hats above made for the three generations of "Old Salts"https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaapolitician-sign.jpgAAApolitician signOK, you might notice the snow on the ground - this picture was taken over the holidays in Vermont, but it seemed quite incisive and relevant to today's political climate so I thought I'd share ithttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaamarco-beach.jpgAAAMarco-beachThe beach on Marco Island is lined with high-rise condominium buildings and was well used. https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaanaples-house.jpgAAANaples-houseWalter's tour included a synopsis of the Naples Real Estate market and a look at some of the mansions in Naples, the most expensive of which you can purchase for a mere $80 million. This is one of many such homes overlooking the 2-mile long entrance into Nape harbor.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaanaples-pigs-ear.jpgAAANaples-pigs earWalter took us to Tulias for dinner, where we experimented with dishes not readily available in New England, such as this appetizer plate of pig's ear and pasta with chunks of wild boar meat.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaanaples-walter.jpgAAANaples-WalterBefore dinner, Walter took us to his home for some pre-dinner cocktails. Here's Walter telling one of his many interesting and often humorous stories.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaanaples-beach.jpgAAANaples-beachAs one might expect, the beach in Naples is spectacular, with white, sugar-like sand. https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/aaanaples-tin-city.jpgAAANaples-tin cityAn alternative shopping/dining area to downtown is Tin City, a funky collection of old metal industrial buildings on the harbor that were converted to restaurants and shops2015-01-24T06:20:11+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2014/12/13/crossing-our-wake-and-a-gold-flag/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-bait-shop.jpgFM-bait shopThis floating bait shop on the Caloosahatchee River enables one to replenish the bait supply without having to go to shorehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-flag.jpgFM-flagThe white Looper flag identifies the vessel as underway on the Great Loophttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/eng-marina3.jpgEng-marina3Another picture of the cozy marina at Englewoodhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-view-from-deck2.jpgFM-view from deck2Another view from the 4th floor deck - the Joint Adventure is docked in the City Marina - the blue bimini cover can barely be seen on the right-hand side of the photohttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-view-from-deck1.jpgFM-view from deck1A view of the Caloosahatchee River and the waterfront taken from the 4th floor deck of a downtown restaurant/pubhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-alligator-sign.jpgFM-alligator signThis sign on a downtown fountain explains the history of the fountainhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-garage-sinks.jpgFM-Garage sinksA restaurant/pub called "Ford's Garage" features a full-sized replica of a model T hanging from the ceiling over the bar. The garage theme is carried into the rest rooms as shown with the unique sinks and faucetshttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-art-center.jpgFM-art centerThe Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in the heart of downtown is a magnificently restored building which hosts live theater, exhibits, and other activities throughout the yearhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-street2.jpgFM-street2Sidewalk seating along the downtown streets activate the streets, which are alive with pedestrianshttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fm-street1.jpgFM-street1The recent restoration of downtown Fort Myers includes brick streets, royal palms, and renovated historic buildings2014-12-14T15:29:02+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2014/11/24/swimming-with-manatees-in-the-wild/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aagicw-sunk-boat.jpgAAGICW-sunk boatAn unwelcome sight on the Intracoastal - this is not a derelict boat that was abandoned or neglected and eventually sunk, but a fairly new cruiser that recently took on water until it sunk and is sitting on the bottom - I have no idea whyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aagrafton-boat-barge.jpgAAGrafton-boat bargehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aagicw-apts.jpgAAGICW-aptsRunning along the Intracoastal, you can identify the areas that are newly developed, characterized by glitzy high rise condominiums such as those in Clearwater Beach, and areas that were developed in the 50's or 60's or perhaps the early 70's, characterized by utilitarian three or four story buildings that might have originally been built as apartments or motels, now mostly converted to condominiums - basic housing but still million-dollar views and beacheshttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aagicw-palms.jpgAAGICW-palmsThe Intracoastal in this location iseparated from the Gulf only by a narrow spit of beach with some palm trees on it. This picture reminded me of the Korona commercials "find your beach" themehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aacw-surfing.jpgAACW-surfingOne of the many tourist-type activities is this "Surf Machine" - water is jetted up the surface of the fiberglass "wave" so you can surf on it, moving up or down or being stationary. I don't think I would want to be their insurance carrier...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aacw-umbrellas.jpgAACW-umbrellasThe colorful umbrellas are ordinarily used by the street vendors on the pier to shade them from the sun - however, it was breezy and mostly cloudy the day we were there, so the vendors used the umbrellas instead to block the wind, creating a colorful scenehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aacw-vendors.jpgAACW-vendorsStreet vendors lining the long pier known as "Pier 60"https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aacw-beach1.jpgAACW-beach1The beach as the sun was setting, taken from the pierhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aacw-beach2.jpgAACW-beach2The beach and pier at Clearwater Beach. It was breezy and a bit cool the day we were there, so the beach wasn't crowdedhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aats-live-oaks.jpgAATS-live oaksI've been trying for some time to get a representative picture of the many magnificent Live Oaks draped with Spanish Moss that are prevalent in Florida and other places in the south. While no picture I have taken do these stately trees justice, here is an example2014-11-30T20:13:02+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2014/11/15/way-down-upon-the-suwannee-river/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-car2.jpgAASuwan-car2There is no car inspection requirement in Florida - maybe they should re-think that....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-fish2.jpgAASuwan-fish2Our fresh redfish dinner, cooked for us by the local restaurant - https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-paul-jackie.jpgAASuwan-Paul & JackiePaul and Captain Jackie -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-restaurant.jpgAASuwan-restaurantThe only breakfast restaurant in town is a gathering place in the morning, especially for people who are going fishing - the restaurant is part of a small marina. We went by dinghyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-house3.jpgAASuwan-house3Notice the sling for the boat lift under the house - a modest house, but a great place to store your boat under cover with instant access to it -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-house4.jpgAASuwan-house4A "typical" house on a canal in Suwanneehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-sign3.jpgAASuwan-sign3Yes, it is a fishing town...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-sign2.jpgAASuwan-sign2No, we really did catch these fish! However, my friend Doug has been known to stop at a fish market on the way home from a fishing trip when he got skunked and insist on buying the whole fish to bring home....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-boar.jpgAASuwan-boarLook closely and you'll see a wild boar that we saw along the shore. There is a baby boar there as well, but it is behind the mother in this picture. While out fishing, we also saw three large alligators, several large turtles, and a bald eaglehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aasuwan-fish.jpgAASuwan-fishA respectable catch for a day of fishing -2014-11-16T14:53:10+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2014/11/09/incredibly-awesome/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jessie.jpegAABA-JessieThis picture was taken at an earlier time by my daughter Jessie - she's serving in the Navy JAG Corp, and is working on several legal issues involving the Blue Angels - as a result, she comes to Pensacola from her home base in San Diego regularly and gets to see the Blue Angels fly https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaf-16.jpgAAF-16I include this picture with a very sad note - as we passed by the vicinity of Tyndall Air Force Base, we watched in awe as pilots performed training flights in F-16 fighter jets. However, about mid-morning, we heard a Coast Guard announcement on the VHF radio regarding a report of a plane that had crashed into the water, and to be on the lookout. We didn't see anything, but the reports went on most of the day. It was later confirmed that the plane crashed about 50 miles south of Panama City. The pilot was killed.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jets7.jpgAABA-Jets7https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jets8.jpgAABA-Jets8https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jets6.jpgAABA-Jets6https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jets5.jpgAABA-Jets5https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jets3.jpgAABA-Jets3https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jets4.jpgAABA-Jets4https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jets9.jpgAABA-Jets9https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaba-jets10.jpgAABA-Jets102014-11-10T14:24:06+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2014/11/04/turn-left-again/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaresort-zip2.jpgAAREsort-zip2Jake, making his zip line debut -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaresort-zip3.jpgAAResort-zip3A picture of grace, holding on for dear life...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaresort-zip4.jpgAAResort-zip4So as we walked through the resort village, Jake & I came upon a zip line - in a weak moment....this picture is taken from the top of one of the towers, looking across the pond to the other towerhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aaresort-lure.jpgAAResort-lureThe world's largest fishing lurehttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aadestin-sign2.jpgAADestin-sign2A lesson for us all....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aadestin-birds.jpgAADestin-birdsThe birds on guard...https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aadestin-ja.jpgAADestin-JAThe Joint Adventure tied to the boardwalk, as seen through the dune grass on the beach across the harborhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aadestin-beach2.jpgAADestin-beach2The white sand dune beach directly across from the boardwalkhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aadestin-dinghy.jpgAADestin-dinghyThe dinghy pulled up on the beach across from the boardwalkhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/aadestin-beach-paul.jpgAADestin-beach-PaulWe tied to the boardwalk then launched the dinghy and took it to the beautiful beach directly across the harbor - Paul, enjoying the beach!2014-11-06T05:30:42+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2014/10/28/time-out-3/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-rv.jpgAADad-RVOne final group picture as we piled back into the RV on Sunday morning and headed back to Bostonhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-dancing.jpgAADad-dancingAs the party progressed into the evening, some of the dancing moved outside under the lights. Not sure exactly what this is....https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-dadcakes.jpgAADad-Dad&cakesSo a week or so ago, Jenny asked my Dad what her favorite cake is, to which he replied "I don't know". Jenny thought that by the time someone turns 90, they should know what their favorite cake is. So she made six cakes, all a different flavor, and had him taste each one to decide, once and for all, what his favorite cake is. He chose chocolate.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-family-groupie.jpgAADad-family groupieOK, OK - just one more family picture. Sorry, I couldn't resist. To my Dad's right is Mary Alice, my Dad's wonderful sister.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-jennydad1.jpgAADad-Jenny&dadhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-jennydad.jpgAADad-Jenny&dadMy Dad dancing with granddaughter Jenny -https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-jessiedad.jpgAADad-Jessie&dadOur daughter Jessie, who is currently serving in the Navy JAG Corp and my Dad - both wearing their military hat - my Dad's from his service in World War IIhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-family41.jpgAADad-family4https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-family2.jpgAADad-family2My Dad with our four kids - from left to right, Chrissie, Hank, Jenny, Jessie, and Dannyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aadad-family4.jpgAADad-family4My Dad with our four kids - left to right, Chrissie, Hank, Jenny, Jessie, and Danny2014-10-28T16:45:05+00:00monthlyhttps://greatloopadventure.com/2014/10/18/saltwater/https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aamobile-bay.jpgAAMobile BayEntering Mobile Bay - the city of Mobile is in the background.https://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aamobile-navy.jpgAAMobile-NavySeveral Navy "stealth" boats were in the harbor - I'm not sure what they are, but they looked intimidatinghttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aamobile-industry.jpgAAMobile-industryMhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aamobile-3.jpgAAMobile 3Some interesting architecture from the waterhttps://greatloopadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aamobile-2.jpgAAMobile 2Downtown Mobile from Mobile Harbor - the harbor is very busy and is extremely industrial for most of the way on both sides - there is a great deal of activity, with ships and barges being loaded and unloaded up and down the harbor, dry docks, Navy ships, freighters, tugs, barges - you name it. 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