June 12, Day 352– Annapolis to Home

We were up early this morning, as the mooring field was pretty rocky. It had been that way for most of the night and Gerry hardly slept at all. We called our friends, Jim and Karen, and cancelled our morning plans for breakfast on the boat. Too bumpy to cook for a crowd of people.

Instead, we picked up Michel and Carole in the dinghy and went into town for breakfast at Chick and Ruth’s Delly. This is somewhat of an institution in Annapolis, having been around for over 45 years. It’s a real “mom and pop” place and the walls are filled with signed photographs of celebrities ranging from politicians to sports heroes to movie stars. Every morning at 8:30 on weekdays and 9:30 on weekends, the Pledge of Allegiance is recited. We just happened to be there at 9:30 and joined in. What’s even better, the food was great.

After breakfast we walked the streets a little and then returned to the boats. Both boats were scheduled for a pump out from the cruising pump out boat and once that was accomplished we released the mooring ball and were on our way to cross our wake. We didn’t have far to go as the mooring field is right off the Severn River. At 11:35 we made the turn at marker GC 13 and crossed our wake, thus completing our Great Loop.

After crossing, it was a quick 8 mile cruise up the Severn River to our home – Plum Creek. Our friends, Jim and Karen, had organized a welcome home party with many of the same friends that saw us off 364 days ago (one day short of a year). In our community we have several small beaches and the party was held at one of these. It was great seeing everyone again but, in truth, it felt like we had never left. We must say this was the fastest year we have experienced. Guess the old adage is true – time flies when you’re having fun – and fun we had.

This was truly the trip of a lifetime and we’re grateful we were able to sustain good health for the entire trip (only minor mishaps for Gerry) and that the boat performed like a champ. We saw so many amazing sights and met so many wonderful people that we can’t begin to thank everyone for their help and support during the trip. However, there are a few people that merit mention. First, two sets of traveling companions with whom we spent about 10 of the 12 months of our journey. We met Michel and Carole on Emotion III in early August in Canada and traveled with them on Lake Michigan, the river systems, the panhandle of Florida and then the last 2 weeks of the trip. Thank you for sharing your wonderful French Canadian humor and sense of adventure with us. You were truly extraordinary traveling companions. A special thanks to Michael and Jana on Second Star with whom we traveled over 8 months from Chicago to the headwaters of the St. Johns River in Florida. You taught us to slow down and enjoy the day. Sometimes the day was short because we took our time and started out late, or sometimes we didn't leave at all. We are truly appreciative of being able to share so much of our journey with you and for the fact that you put up with us for so long. We are sure these friendships will last forever.

We also want to thank Bill and Ruth Donovan. After completing the loop, they sold us their boat – a Monk 36 named Integrity. We renamed her Monk’s Vineyard and took her on her second Loop. They also served as our guardian angels during the trip keeping a watchful eye on us and offering advice throughout the trip. It was great fun sharing our loop trip with you. And finally, thanks to some neighborhood friends. Our friends Jim and Karen stayed in close contact with us throughout the entire trip keeping a watchful eye on our house and car, handled our mail when the U.S. Postal service screwed up with the forwarding, and let us stay in their home over Christmas. We truly appreciate your friendship. Also thanks to Matt and Torrey for watching over our 16 foot C-Dory, Wee Wine, while we were gone.

So now the trip is over -- what's next?? We’ve not sure, but it probably includes more cruising, possibly to the Bahamas. However, one thing that it does not include is a daily blog entry. While we are glad we made the effort to update daily, it took a real commitment. Let’s face it, some days just aren’t news worthy and it’s hard to put a good spin on doing laundry, changing the oil or those days when you’re just being lazy. For now, we’ll just say another thanks to everyone who shared our trip and who followed us on our blog. It was truly a fantastic voyage.

Outside Chick and Ruth's Delly

Inside the diner -- as you can see, it is small but they can really pack in the people. It's always crowded. Both Chick and Ruth have passed way, but their legacy is continued by their children and grandchildren.

Heading out of the mooring field passing by the Naval Academy

The green marker up ahead is where we "officially" cross our wake

It was quite a momentous occasion. Sailboats set their colorful spinnakers .....

.... and the US Navy sent out several boats to welcome us !!

Ready to cross our wake -- Linda is holding up the gold burgee

Here Gerry is attaching the new burgee to the flag staff - not an easy task in the choppy waters at the mouth of the Severn

A new nice clean burgee -- the white burgee was pretty dirty by the end of the trip

Under way with the new burgee

We passed by Sherwood Forest on our way home. This is a community not far from us where all the homes have to be either brown or green -- you know, to blend in with the forest.

Here we are entering Plum Creek -- that's the beach you can see in the distance

Back home at anchor on Plum Creek

We are anchored in front of our friend Edna's home - this is where it all started with a send off party, 364 days ago

Let the party begin ! ! !

George waving hi ya'll. He and his wife Donna (on the right) live in North Carolina. Michele and Carole really loved his accent. Our friend Torrey is to the left and Jim is on the far right.

Carole and Michel try out kayaking

The Janssen boys at play

Here's Luke -- not real happy at the moment

Chef George with a bit of fire blazing

Gerry and Carole -- Gerry wondering what Carole is drinking

Michel and Carole share a private moment

Everyone had a great time

Whataburger. The Captain looks happy

Carole and Michel on the beach

After the festivities, Michel and Carole came to the boat and presented us with a picture of our crossing, a book from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and bottle of champagne. Thanks guys !!

This, we decided, is our official "finishing photo". In it we are decked out in our looper gear: Great Loop Shirts, Great Loop hat, Port St. Joe hat (one of our favorite marinas) , our Great Loop paddle which we had specially made at the Redtail Paddle Company in Hastings, Ontario and our new gold burgee.

... and so, as the story goes, they cruised off into the sunset!

The End