Another week in Jacksonville with no travel. However, we are starting to plan for our trip north hopefully at the beginning of May. Marinas along the east coast are beginning to open and we’ve decided that even though we cannot tour all the towns we would like to see along the coast, it makes sense to complete our loop this year. We can always explore the east coast at a later date either by boat or car. By monitoring Nebo, it appears that loopers who reside on the east coast are making their way home. Loopers who live in the midwest or Canada are exploring other options. Some have been able to extend their time frame and will stay in Florida or store their boat in Florida and go home, then begin again next Spring. With an uncertain date for the opening of the Erie Canal, along with the uncertainty of the Canadians locks, their trip around the loop is questionable for 2020.
We continue to order dinner from a local restaurant once a week. This week we ordered from Longhorn Steakhouse and Callin’ In Gone volunteered to bike to the restaurant for pick-up. The restaurant also had some family dinner specials for four. A few of us decided to order these specials for two reasons – nice steak dinners for two nights at a very reasonable cost – cheaper than if we ordered two individual dinners-plus another night that I didn’t have to cook. When dinner arrived, we had four 8 oz steaks, two sides each and a huge strawberry pecan salad. The salad was so large that I was also able to enjoy it for a few lunches. Having another night’s dinner just to reheat was nice. Definitely a good decision.
The staff at the marina continues to provide information by email and one person mans the office on a rotational basis a few days a week. Business is conducted through the office window. On the other hand, the cleaning staff continues to do an excellent job in maintaining the facilities twice a day – restrooms and pool – so one of the looper boats, Odyssey, organized a collection (approved by the marina management) so that we could show our appreciation for their work. At the end of the week we were able to provide a nice tip and the staff was most surprised and appreciative.
Another dinghy ride this week on the Ortega River with Maggie Jo, Odyssey, and Sabbatical. These trips have helped us all maintain our sanity and have been a safe way to socialize in addition to our weekly dinner. The dinghy has been in the water for a number of weeks and was getting dirty. Peter decided it was time to clean and when he raised it on the lift, the hull was covered in heavy algae and barnacles. He spent a good portion of the afternoon cleaning the bottom and decided to leave it on the lift and lower it each week we remain for our dinghy adventures.
Sunrise at Ortega Landing 
Sabbatical/
Maggie Jo /Odyssey
Family of Muscovy Ducks 
Algae & Barnacles 
Cleaning progress
Around the Great Loop on the Answer 
Susan , This is your WW friend,Betty Gilbreth from Mahopac saying hello! Although I have not been in touch, I have enjoyed keeping up with your posts! I also like looking at the pictures you enclose with your note! Some “exciting” times for sure. I had the coronavirus in March- thank God it was a mild case- but I work at a residential facility for the developmentally disabled and we lost 3 of our residents. So sad. I think it was wise that you stayed in Florida. Things are a bit crazy in NY. WW meetings are held on Zoom now! We “meet” at 8 am on Saturday as usual! The “coaches” are there (from their homes) and Susan still leads the meetings. It sure is a different way to connect.
When are you heading home? I hope you have a safe trip! Look forward to hearing more about your experience!
Stay well!
Betty G.
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