Post-Adventure Events and Christmas

It was somewhat shocking to go from the temp in the 80's to this Winter scene in our backyard overlooking Prior Lake in MN. But we adjusted quickly as friends and family welcomed us home.

This beauty stops for a picture with her father-in-law in the middle of preparing Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. Our homecoming was made all the more enjoyable when, as we entered our home after being gone for 9 months, the place was fully decorated with all our Christmas things. The three daughters-in-law (Lisa, Sara and Becca) had taken everything from the attic (about 15 boxes, including the big Christmas tree) and fully decorated our home for Christmas. Even the temperature had been turned up so the house was warm and inviting. We feel so blessed!

Those of you who have been to Key West, Florida will recognize this marker which resembles the Southernmost point of the U. S. This is a replica of that marker at our marina in Ft. Myers. It was put up recently by a Cuban restaurant there and named the Funnestmost Point.

What's Next for Us?

We will stay here in Ft. Myers for the next week to get organized to return to Minnesota to be with our family in time for Christmas. Plans are to sell the boat here in Southwest Florida. It has performed flawlessly for the entire trip and was, without doubt, the best choice we could have made for this adventure.



We are so thankful to God for His protection for this entire trip. I was also able to gather some great interviews of first generation Christians. I plan to continue those interviews till I have about 50 or so and then hopefully work with another author to write a book on the topic.

Others have encouraged us to write about this trip as well. Given the interest in the adventure, we may just do that. Many books have been written on the Great Loop Adventure but most are several years old.

WE FINISHED THE LOOP!!

....or, as fellow loopers say, we crossed our wake at this spot where we began our journey 8 months and 11 days ago and over 6000 miles. This works out to 36 weeks and 4 days. So we stopped the boat and drifted for a few minutes to take these pictures before moving up the Caloosahatchee River where our boat will be docked.

I finally got the camera to work so we could both be in the picture. But I like the other one much better. She honestly deserves so much of the credit for making this adventure a success. To say that I couldn't have done it without her is an understatement. In this, our 43rd year of marriage, it only gets better every year!

Dolphins were everywhere as we came into port. The Admiral caught this one in mid-air. Even when we stopped about 6 or 7 were gathered near our boat as if to say "Welcome Home"

Triple Play

Amazingly, on this 9 month cruise, we have managed to see Sara, Troy and the kids at three different concerts; first in New York City at the Teen Challenge 50th anniversary celebration, again in Chicago at their fall tour, and last Sunday night at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Fl. on their Christmas tour. Aaron Fabrini, Sara, and Troy put together some great Christmas sounds off their brand new album just released. Go to their website (www.saragroves.com) to order your copy of O Holy Night. You will like it!

Papa and the pirate are guarding Kirby and Toby at Clearwater Beach.

If you zoom in, you will see Ruby Cate, our newest granddaughter in the back of their tour bus. Troy had it remodeled recently to sleep up to 14 people, which is how many they had on the 6 week fall tour.

Mimi got her grandchild fix here at Crabby Bills on the Sunday afternoon prior to the performance.

Bradenton, Fl and the Manatee Museum

If you've never heard of a Manatee then you haven't spent much time in Florida. There are about 2700 of them in Florida waters and they are highly protected. Weighing in the area of 600 to 800 pounds, they are docile mammals who sometimes get in the path of boaters. So they put up special signs on waterways to slow us down to avoid hitting them. We learned more about Manatees at this museum which has one of the few Manatees in captivity. The one above, named Snooty, was born in 1947 (age 61). Most, however, only live for about 20 years. That white stuff on the surface of the water is lettuce, a main food they give them.

We are in Bradenton, Fl. at the same marina (Twin Dolphin) we visited when we bought Joy @ Sea 2-1/2 years ago. The weather has been very good for the past few days as evidenced by the Admiral being at the pool. It's about time. Looks good for the next few days too.

Clearwater to Gulfport

The good things about this adventure are made even richer through being able to see and visit with great friends from the past. Marlene spent her growing up years in Canton, Ohio where her dad was a pastor. So she remembers her Canton years very fondly, particularly all the great people she got to know while there. On that note, we really enjoyed being with Barbara (Ciokan) Jacobs (above) who moved to this area about 30 years ago. Barb is an Assistant State Attorney with the State of Florida, celebrating her 29th anniversary with the State Attorney's office yesterday. Congratulations Barb, and thanks for sharing with us about your wonderful family!

Have you ever had Cuban food? Hint: It's not like Mexican food. Barb took us to this great little Cuban restaurant in Gulfport. We had a delicious pork dinner with all the trimmings and topped it off with an award winning desert: Flan made with cream cheese. This was clearly the best food we've had since that fish dinner at Bobby's Fish Camp.

Clearwater Beach, Fl

Only 15 miles down the coastline is Clearwater, Florida and Clearwater Beach. We were joined here by our good friends Barb and Bill Sowers. Marlene got to know Barb in what now seems like another life: Hawaii in the 70's.

On our way to dinner, the fishing boats were coming in with the day's catch. It was a good day!

That is a fairly large Grouper along with some Grey Snappers.

Onlooker Pelicans are patiently waiting to consume what will be available for them and their families.

Almost missed this sunset on Clearwater Beach pier. The sand is as white as in Pennsacola. We were very impressed with this area.

Looking northwest from Clearwater Beach. Wish it were a little warmer. This would be a great beach on which to spend a few days. But it looks like we are in for a couple of cold fronts this week.