Mike and Beth's Adventures

  Montague Harbor is where I celebrated my 75th birthday.  It was also my 4th visit. The first visit was in about 1995 with Maggie and our kids.  We rented a twin diesel Bayliner from Anacortes Yacht Charters and spend two weeks exploring the San Juans and Gulf Islands.  It was a wonderful trip.  The second visit was on a rented  classic wooden 36' Grand Banks, named Princess Ruby. Sadly, this trip was after we lost Maggie and the crew consisted of myself, Carrie, Katie and Adam, Carrie's husband.  Maggie was with us in spirit.   The last two visits have been on Amy Marie with Beth.  Our explorations have consisted of spending 4 months during the summer exploring Puget Sound, the San Juans, Gulf Islands and north to Desolation Sound.  Beth is a wonderful companion, great crew, and not only good partner but also the person you want along  when doing adventure exploring. Mike's 75th Birthday Beth treated me to a birthday dinner a...

Amy Marie at the Ashland Oregon Highway 5 Rest Stop Amy Marie and crew are excited to be on our next trailerable trawler adventure!  Yes! the gang is together and headed to the Pacific Northwest for a summer of exploration.  To bring you up to date. We completed America’s Great Loop in October of 2022.  Since returning, we have been lavishing Amy Marie with some needed attention.   She is sporting: New upholstery, Relocation of the VHF radio to the top of the helm station for better “human interface” Thorough servicing of her Yanmar power plant. List Marine replaced the glow plugs, the impeller, and repaired damaged sound deadening and insulation on the engine cover.   I installed a new oil pressure sender and also an old fashioned analog oil pressure gauge. A new 220-watt solar panel with an MPPT controller.   Love it! New Yamaha 2-way speakers as an upgrade from the Factory installed Fusion speakers. Movie night will have better sound quality! A ...

Captiva Beach February 5th, 6th, 7th, 2022 You might expect that Looping has a rigid planning process, one that carefully schedules visits and involves contacting marinas months in advance, especially in high demand areas, so your progress is an orderly affair.  Bsssst - Wrong!  At least for the crew of Amy Marie.  We are organized in the sense that we have a maintained list of spots we would like to visit or attractions to see.  Beth maintains this in Google Maps.  This app allows you to create "Lists" of saved locations.  The benefit is that when you open Google maps and your list, you can see what you have saved from talking to others, reading articles and blogs, and whatever other sources you encounter.  It works pretty well.  We loosely plan with a horizon of 3 days, and then have difficulty remembering where we were 3 days ago.  I think this is a good indicator we have transitioned to living in the moment.... Beth and Mike - Captiva Bac...

November 30th, 2021 We discovered tranquility.  It is near Pensacola, sandwiched between two barrier islands. Officially, it is on maps as the Fort McRee anchorage, but we named it Tranquility as that is the feeling which completely engulfs  you.  It is so tranquilizing. Cares disappear.  Your pace slows. Bird tracks in the sand become fascinating.  Sea shells are intriguing. The sounds and smells of the ocean soothing.  It cleanses your soul. Spending time walking the white sands quickly convinces one that we must protect our delicate planet.  The sense of rejuvenation is so strong, you can't imagine not having the opportunity to return for another dose.  Unfortunately, with climate change, we are perilously close to loosing spots like this.  I hope we can overcome the forces which deny climate change and reverse the damage which has already occurred.  Future generations should be gifted the opportunity to experience the natural beauty ...

November 29,2021 Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels, Joe Patti Seafood, warm weather and blue skies.  We berthed at Palafox Marina, right on the downtown waterfront.  The area had the appearance of recent redevelopment, all tastefully done in a traditional late 1800's early 1900's style.  Sprinkled through the area were refurbished original buildings, both brick and wooden.  Old warehouses, in the Seville district, had been converted into restaurants, bars, retail and residential use.  The architecture leaned towards New Orleans style with cast iron columns and adornments, and second floor balconies providing shade for those at street level.   Our first night, we joined the couples on three other Looper boats for an excellent dinner at Jocho's.  It is located on the sea front at Palafox Marina.  Beth and I split a appetizer and an entrée so we could have key lime pie for dessert.  Always leave room for dessert! Seville District The next ...

November 27-28, 2021 A cold drink and good music is never too far away.  The Gulf Coast has spawned an industry of boat in Tiki Bars.  That frozen concoction that helps you hang on is never too far away.  Two of the favorite fueling stations in the Orange Beach area are FloraBama and Pirates Cove.  In both locations you can either beach your boat or tie up to the dock and then belly up to the bar, surrounded by the smell of sun tan lotion.  FloraBama also has a music venue that offers live music from 1pm in the afternoon to late at night. Available online is a list of daily and upcoming events.  Typical examples are open mic night, ladies out night, bingo night and many other choices.   We anchored inside the no wake zone and dinghied ashore.  FloraBama is located on the state line and has been a local institution for 55 years. I found Gilligan's Island and Mary Ann was still waiting for me! See, I found her - she changed her name to Beth! Pi...