Dear Friends and Family,

It hardly seems possible that 10 months and 10 days have passed since we began this trip last April... so much has happened since we set sail from our home port of Amelia Island some 6000 miles ago.

The trip was even more wonderful than we expected in so many ways.   This experience has taught us so many things... and not just all things nautical. 

We learned things about our country, witnessed the incredible beauty of the nature around us, and were often reminded of how lucky we were to enjoy it from such a unique perspective at "sea level."

We learned quickly to listen to the wisdom of other boaters that went before us (so to speak), took tips from fellow sailors and weather gurus who taught us to read the signs of the wind and water.

We learned how to live in close quarters ... and how not to!

We learned how to communicate in nautical terms, including starboard, port, knots, etc.  and how to converse by radio with the tugboat captains, dockmasters, and lock tenders.    And before too long, Captain and First Mate could practically dock the boat without the need for words at all...

We learned many things, not the least of which is that we learned a lot about ourselves.

Perhaps the most memorable of all will be the many people we have enjoyed seeing during the course of this trip.  Whether just another passing boat, an old friend who came out to meet us in port, or a new lifelong friendship that was forged... each and every one of them has had an impact on our experience.

To the 108 guests who joined us for Loop Stop parties in FL, NJ, IN, IL, PA, & MI... thanks for making our parties so much fun!

For the 19 "Official Crew Members" who cruised with us ... we are very grateful for your help in navigating some difficult waters, bridges and some very ominous looking locks!

To the 25 or more friends who met us at their home ports as we cruised through...thanks for making us feel so welcome in your home towns!

For all the fellow boaters we met along the Loop, and especially to newfound friends...we look forward to seeing you again soon!

To all of you who have followed us on this website...thank you for your emails, prayers and general wishes of goodwill... we have really appreciated it!

Our trip is now over... but the memories will last forever.  We hope you have enjoyed following along with us.

Happy Cruising,

Tom & Chris Crawford