After thousands of miles, dozens of waterways and countless unforgettable moments, the journey that began on February 13, 2025, finally came full circle. Literally.
When we started this adventure, the Great Loop felt dreamlike. We had been talking about the possibility of taking it on since high school, and then continued dreaming for years to come. We had studied the route, read the stories of those who went before us, and found our perfect boat, but nothing could have truly prepared us for what the past year would become. Crossing our wake wasn’t just the end of a route. It was the closing chapter of one of the most transformative years of our lives.
If you try to define the Great Loop by the numbers, it’s impressive on paper. But anyone who has done it will tell you that the numbers only tell a small part of the story. The real magic of the Great Loop happens in the spaces between the destinations. From quiet anchorages to unexpected friendships, the journey became just as much about the people as the places.
Early on, we met our buddy boat, Josh and Haley, aboard S/V Slacker. What started as a chance meeting turned into something much bigger. Before long, we were traveling together, sharing anchorages, navigating locks, and celebrating milestones side by side. By the time we crossed our wake, we had completed the entire Great Loop together. That kind of friendship is one of the most special parts of this adventure. The Loop has a way of bringing people together who may have otherwise never crossed paths.
Like any long journey, our Great Loop had its highs and its challenges. There were mornings when the water was glass calm, and the sunrise painted the sky in colors that didn’t seem real. Days when dolphins surfed our bow wake and evenings anchored in quiet coves where the only sound was the gentle lapping of water against the hull.
And then there were the other days. Days with mechanical issues. Days with rough weather forecasts and difficult decisions. Long stretches of river travel where progress felt slow, and patience was tested. But those challenges are part of what makes completing the Loop so rewarding. Every obstacle becomes part of the story, and every mile traveled feels earned.
Living aboard and traveling full-time for more than a year changes you. You learn that plans are often just suggestions when weather, water levels and mechanical systems have their own ideas. But most importantly, you learn how little you truly need to live a full and meaningful life.
For so long, the Loop had been our daily reality. Every morning brought a new destination, a new stretch of water, and another step toward completing the circle. And then suddenly, we arrived back at where it all began. Crossing our wake was a moment filled with pride, gratitude and a little disbelief that we had actually done it. We were no longer just dreaming about the Loop. We were no longer in the midst of the Loop. We were Loopers who had finished it!
We’re incredibly grateful for the friends we made along the way, the marinas that welcomed us, the fellow Loopers who shared advice and laughter, and everyone who followed along with our journey. This community is one of the most special parts of the entire experience.
If you’re wondering what comes next for us, the honest answer is that we’re still figuring that out. For now, we’re entering a refit stage by making upgrades to the boat, reflecting on the adventure we just completed, and thinking about where the water might take us next. One thing is certain: The past year has forever changed the way we see boating, travel and the world around us.
While this chapter of the adventure has come full circle, the spirit of it never really ends. Cheers to continuing the adventure.
