A Dream Reborn.

Spring 2019. Time to look ahead, to prepare for what we believe will be the pinnacle of our boating dreams.

With the downtime of recent months, I reread the two most inspirational books: “Honey, Let’s Get a Boat,” and “Crossing The Wake.” I reviewed United States Power Squadron boating course references. Pete and I have reconnected with our squadron members. Pete went to the Pacific Sail and Power Boat Show to attend the seminars.

I never stopped reading the “America’s Great Loop Cruiser’s Association” Forum (membership blog) or the many blogs of current (and past) Great Loop cruisers. Of note: “Makin’ Memories,” Jean and Jerry’s journey. We met them in New Jersey at Liberty Landing Marina, and they were among the very first “loopers” we encountered. We kept tabs on each other during our journey, and ran into them again in Burlington, VT, when we had to end the first part of our adventure. Ever since, they have inspired us, have prayed for us, have kept in contact, and they have invited us to their Tarpon Springs home port when we get to that part of our loop.

I took inspiration from any source I could find. Sometimes, it came from the divine, such as the weekly Missal readings, or our friend and Eucharistic Minister (Katy Berger) delivering communion to Pete while he was homebound, or Father Peter Marsalek, the leader of our Lenten Retreat. No matter the source of inspiration, I never let go of the dream.

Pete also had a dream. He needed a required FAA “transponder upgrade” (aircraft AIS – Automated Identification System) for his airplane. [The FAA requires these updates by December 31, 2020.] He dreamed of a “full glass” cockpit, upgrading all of the 1974 analog instruments in his Cessna 182. After significant research, investment and some installation delays, he is ultimately happy with the results.

I received an early birthday present. The Bose A-20 Aviation Headset offers noise cancellation and crystal clear intercom capabilities. We’ve been in the air as much as possible learning these new tools.

Both my sisters’ birthdays are in April. We celebrated with a simple dinner at The Independent, a lovely restaurant. The staff served an unexpected dessert!

We have one last hurdle before we can return to our boat. Pete’s final medical procedure is scheduled for early May, and recovery will take us into June. We are looking forward to reuniting with our boat, “Reverie,” and getting acquainted with the “Fleet of 2019” Great Loopers.