We've expressed our range of emotions while doing the Great Loop, but gratitude has been a constant. So in honor of Thanksgiving (yes we’re a couple of days late) and coming up on the final few weeks of our Loop, here are 25 things (obvi there's way more) we’re thankful for on Sweet Day.
1. Mike, who helped get Sweet Day ready and always answers our phone calls when we need help (we wouldn’t be here without him)
2. Mechanics that somehow seem to fit us into their busy schedule and also let us store their numbers in our phone for help on the go
3. Towns that have open alternator shops
4. Tim’s wifi that has given us connectivity 99% of our trip
5. Mother Nature (and the apps that tell us how she's behaving)
6. The Coast Guard on patrol 24/7 keeping an eye out for mariners in distress
7. Tow captains and their crew that transport goods up and down our river systems
8. The couple in a very nice boat in Georgia who shared their steak dinner with us when we pulled up next to them after a few days out at anchor
9. Loopers on every leg of the journey to share a meal, grocery run, and stories
10. Our Mantus anchor that keeps Sweet Day snug and lets us sleep well while on the hook
11. The coyotes that are fun to listen to but don’t swim out to our boat
12. Dolphins that come by the boat to say hi (you can stay longer!)
13. The marinas that have working and free pump-out stations
14. A depth sounder that works and reminds us to focus when we aren’t paying attention to our charts
15. Sweet Day’s tenacity and willingness to always be up for an adventure, even if she sometimes gives us a hard time
16. That tiny marina conveniently located on Lake Huron that just closed for the season but let us stay for a couple hours to wait out a storm
17. The incredible generosity of friends and family who have come to visit Sweet Day, let us tie up at their home, or share a meal with us--you’ve made this trip so special!
18. Watermen, fishermen, and shrimpers who spend tough days out on the water so we can enjoy fresh seafood.
19. Those that are working to keep our waters clean and healthy for all that call them home.
20. People that know how to operate lift bridges and locks that allow us to pass through some otherwise unnavigable waters (and have nearly as much control as Mother Nature does for safe passages up and down our waterways)
21. The pistachio cruffin and bread at Niedlov's bakery in Chattanooga and all the other local treats we've tasted along the way.
22. The TowBoat US guy that helped escort us through some shallow inlets around Long Island (And TowBoat US generally for the assurance we can get help most places if we need it)
23. Strangers who caught our lines and helped us tie up safely and pointed us in the direction for some good local food
24. Support and love from our family and friends--thank you for being a part of our journey, we couldn't do it without you.
25. Each other.
