As we left Crustacean in storage in Brewerton, New York, both Bill and I inventoried what was left on the boat. This was the basis for resupplying the boat for the second part of our Great Loop cruise. Thus began our planning for the next leg of our trip!
Next we tackled the where we wanted to go. Over the next four months, we reviewed charts and cruising guides and other Great Loop cruising blogs to help determine the places we definitely wanted to stop and explore. At the same time we looked for anchorages, marinas and places to refuel and reprovision.
I then recorded a summary of possible stops all along the way. We cruise about 25-40 miles a day, so we can explore at each stop. Half the fun of cruising is exploring in the dinghy and walking the small towns and hiking the trails in the parks and wilderness.
In the past month, we have stepped up purchasing the spare parts - filters, oil, replacement parts for the engine and plumbing and electrical systems. We also had to consider supplies we needed - food, cleaning supplies, laundry needs, medications and first aid supplies, as well as clothing and personal hygiene items. I wracked my brain to try to think 6 months ahead!!!
While in storage, the boat had a few repairs which were needed - replacing a seacock and checking the propellers and shafts for alignment. Bill tackled revarnishing the upper steering wheel and flag staff.
As we are now about two days from leaving, we are beginning to close up the house so we can leave it prepared for a hurricane, alerting neighbors of our plans, and renting a car to drive up to New York.
Today we tackled packing the rental car. After much discussion we pieced the puzzle together and it all amazingly fit!!
We are both excited to be this close to beginning our adventure!!