On May 20, 2016 we launched our boat, Mikee Likes It and Joell Too, from the South Shore Yacht Club, in Milwaukee Wisconsin.  This started the Great Loop adventure we have been preparing for since 2009.  

We began our preparations by reading many books written by former loopers.  Many of them mentioned to buy your boat a few years in advance and get to know it well.  This was no problem for us, since the Admiral (Joell) had 7 years before retirement.  We purchased a 2005 Silverton 330 Sport Bridge, in 2010, and have already enjoyed many wonderful hours on her.  Captain (Mike) knows a lot about keeping the boat in top shape and what he didn't know, he has learned. We are very confident this will be an amazing journey. 

Our dog, Elwood, is ready to go.  All his shots and paperwork are ready for the Abacos (Bahamas) and is happy to be living full time on the boat.  He will just need a checkup within 48 hours before crossing over to the Abaco Islands.  We have been living on the boat for the last few weeks, and Elwood has diligently been using the fake grass potty pad.  We are very proud of him.

We are without our cars.  The Tahoe is stored and the FJ Cruiser is sold.  Tim, a wonderful SSYC boat neighbor has leant us a car, for the duration of our stay at SSYC.  Here is a picture of him.

There are a few different routes to travel on the Great Loop and enclosed is a map with most of the routes.  There are a few add-ons many loopers take.  We will be going to the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas.  There is a group of at least 22 loopers heading to Cuba during that same time period.  We opted for the Abacos.

We will be flying the white Burgee.  The others are for those loopers in their second and third loops.  Flying the Burgee allows other loopers to recognize us as a fellow looper. 

We have been provisioning our boat extensively, over the past few weeks.  Also throwing out or giving away unnecessary items.  We're getting close to casting off!