Annie’s Loop – Overyonder

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 15

Week 16

Week 1

Home to New York

June 14 we left home to start our America’s Great Loop Journey. This first week has prepared us to check out how the boat will perform and how Steve and I can handle each other on a 350 square feet of moving house on the water.

Below is the map of our first week of travel. Actually the Rhode Island and Connecticut are not part of the loop but on the 7th day, we reached the Statue of Liberty which we would consider the official start of our loop.

Here are some pictures of this week’s adventure.

Saying goodbye to out little town of Warren, Rhode Island

Over Yonder survived the first day of cruise with rough seas heading to Block Island

Windy Father’s Day in Block Island, our first stop

Stop in Safe harbor Marina in New Haven, Connecticut

First provision shopping, stocking up before New York.

Made it to Stamford, CT and the sun is finally showing up

We crossed under the Brooklyn Bridge which spans the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. It opened in 1883.

The Statue of Liberty has a total height of 305ft, given to US by France in 1886

World Trade Center, 1,776 feet, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphete

We love our little blue boat, Over Yonder

Dinner at Liberty Landing with the view of Manhattan

World Trade Center at night, with lights changing every few seconds

It’s been 10 years since I convinced Steve to visit NYC again.

Jollibee, the Mc Donalds of the Philippines. I’m so proud to see a Philippine company succeeding in US.

AGLCA – America’s Great Loop Cruise Association. We’re ready for docktails with other loopers.

Week 2

From NYC to Hudson River

On June 22, we left the NY city area and started our cruise along the Hudson River heading north. Hudson serves as a vital waterway for transportation and trade since colonial times. It is 315 miles long with mountainous regions. While I enjoyed cruising the northern part of the Manhattan area where the Empire State Building is peeking in and out of the other buildings, I like cruising under George Washington bridge and the Tappan Zee bridge instead of the usual driving through them and getting stuck in traffic jam.

As we head further north outside the city, we start seeing more of the rural and mountainous regions of NY. The first days of week 2 was extremely hot, almost 100degrees so we stayed 3 days in Haverstraw Marina since they have an Olympic size pool. Then to Poughkeepsie where Steve’s manager at T-Mobile came and had dinner with us. Then next to Kingston, a small town with lots of history. In every marina, we meet 3 to 5 boaters like us doing the Americas Great Loop. All of them friendly and some interesting stories. At this point we are the newest in the crowd, many of them started In Feb / March from the south.

Here are some pictures for this week’s adventure.

As Dr Seuss says, “Today was good, Today was fun, Tomorrow is another one>””

Empire State Building… Now you see it, now you don’t.

George Washington Bridge connecting New Jersey and New York, worlds busiest motor vehicle bridge

Record breaking temperature, thank goodness, there’s a pool at Haverstraw Marina

West Point Academy on the West Bank of the Hudson River, a military school known for it’s rigorous academic and military training programs.

Happy Birthday Dan, hope you enjoyed your special day.

Monte visited us at Poughkeepsie marina and we had a lovely dinner.

Poughkeepsie motor vehicle bridge and walking bridge right behind it

Heading towards the Poughkeepsie walking bridge elevator, very convenient

View on top of the Poughkeepsie walking bridge. This used to be a railroad bridge and now serves as a popular destination for walkers, joggers and cyclists.

View from our boat, Poughkeepsie bridge at night

Mathilda Steam Tug Boat at Kingston Maritime Museum

Steve is pointing Kingston in the New York Map….. like “you are here”

Kingston Bridge at night, changes its color every 20 seconds, very pretty

Week 3

Troy – Albany 4th of July

After leaving Kingston, we continued our cruise along Hudson River heading north. Passing many towns with US flags reminds you that this is the 4th of July week. Oh I miss the Bristol 4th of July concerts back home. We decided to anchor in Athens for the night just to test our anchoring skills. Then the next day we head to Albany, then to Troy, and went south back to Albany as the boaters at the marina told us we can watch the fireworks from our boat. Then on Saturday, July 5th, went back to Troy for their highly recommended farmers market. They closed 3 main roads for this event and it was well worth it. Not many loopers go back and forth between marinas but we did because I did not want to miss the fun.

Here are some pictures for week 3 adventures.

First time anchoring and the anchor holds.

The Egg in Albany – a multifunction venue for concerts, broadway, and cultural shows w/ 1000 capacity.

Albany has 4 identical government buildings, A, B, C & D. Simple enough.

Troy’s Oh Corn restaurant serves Venezuelan cuisine, it’s so good.

Huge Farmers market in Troy but you have to bring your own shopping bag

The Uncle Sam Monument symbolizing American patriotism erected in 1876.

Week 4

Erie Canal Locks

On July 6th, we left Troy and started our Erie Canal adventures where we experienced getting in and out of locks, first we go up in water level up to Lake Oneida then we go down till we hit Oswego. It’s quite an experience especially the first 3 locks where I was just learning how to handle the lines so the boat is secured while we’re inside the lock. The good thing is the locks aren’t too busy those times. After the 3rd lock, i finally got the hang of it. We had to do 30 locks to get to Lake Ontario and we finished it in 5 days. It was pretty tiring especially if it is hot & humid and the lock is deep and the water flow is slow.

We met several loopers in the locks but not the same ones everyday. Boaters seem to move different speed. We made really good friends with Lil’G (Gina and Don) from Texas.

Here are some pictures of week 4 adventures.

Troy Lock #1, so nice we are the only boat on our first lock

Waiting for the lock to get filled with water to the same level as the other side of the door.

Erie Canal Visitor Center in Waterford right after the first lock

This is me & Over Yonder inside the lock.

Rest Stop after Lock #3. Erie Canal celebrates its 200 years anniversary from 1885

Cruises available to experience the locks

Each lock station has a board that tells the Lock number, name, lift depth, and distance to the next lock

Erie Canal was opened in 1825, exactly 200 years ago

I’m in-charge of the bow line and Steve for the stern line while inside the lock

Sometimes, i can go back of the boat to where Steve is to take pictures

My Filipina friend Gina with her motor yacht Li’l G inside lock #19

My Uber ride, first time riding a Tesla. Not too shabby.

Week 5

Welcome Canada

We left Oswego to cross Lake Ontario a day early since the weather forecast shows high winds in the next few days.

Here are some pictures of week 5 adventures

This is a major attraction in Kingston, I’m not a fan of jails

This Martello Tower served as a defensive fortification against US during the War of 1812

Wolfe Island Wind farm Windmills in the horizon – 86 wind turbines

This was our home for 3 days, an extra day due to strong winds

Gananoque Marina in the Thousand Island area

This is Little Toot boat, if you are familiar with the children book

We found one of the thousand islands that we like

That’s why you don’t go to shallow water

Great Canadian hospitality, Julie lend us her car to go to the grocery

We got our provisions, ready for next adventure

Week 6

Trent-Severn Waterway

Trent Port Marina was the best marina we’ve seen so far. Everything is clean and new, inside and outside. There are a lot of loopers in the marina and they put us on the same area so I met a lot and made connections here. The live band you can hear from your boat added a good vibe.

Trent Severn Waterway starts right after we left the marina. We did about 6 a day, two nights we stayed overnight just outside the lock and others we stayed in Campbellford marina where we did a bunch of fun stuff while in town.

Here are some of the pictures of week 6 adventures.

Just arrived at Trent Port Marina, first thing, get gas

Then get wine. This place has herbs you can pick for cooking

The Trent Severn Waterway – our adventure for the next 2 weeks

In locking, first we go in, then wait for lock to get filled with water to the top level

Entering a back to back lock, this is about 50+ feet lift total

Water level goes up to the black water line

Then the door opens and same process follows

Campbellford marina, quite a fun town for a 2 night stop

Bought too much from here, satisfied my sweet tooth for days

This Canadian guy’s hat says “Canada is not for sale”. Who is buying it?

Got to do Zumba with these ladies at the park

Home for the night, Lock 18. Each lock station seem to have their own design.

Sometimes, it’s great just to sit and do nothing

Week 7

Lift Locks and Big Chute

We started this week with a stay at Peterborough Marina where we met the nicest Canadian boaters

Here are some of the pictures of week 7 adventures.

Peterborough water fountain which shoots water up to 79ft

Cookout party at Peterborough Marina. These Canadian folks invited us on their cookout for 2 nights.

Canoes everywhere, comes in all shapes and sizes

Peterborough Lift Lock (aka Elevator lock). The chamber on the right is for weight balance.

Everyone secured their boat on the black line,

Then we exit on a much higher water level. Amazing experience

We have passed the half – way point of the waterway

Sometimes the lock has small boats and jetskis

This time I had the chance to watch the lock from top. They go from higher to lower level.

Dinner by the falls at The Locker At The Falls Restaurant

Sometimes we find a clear water to swim and cool off

Heading to Orilla Marina, famous stop before the Big Chute Marine Railway

Orilla Marina – another nice and well maintained one

A small town with great restaurants and shops, and on opera house

Great dinner at the Common Stove Steakhouse, by the chef’s counter, with the Clear Choice crews. Absolutely delicious!

Getting in line for the Big Chute Marine Railway

Long line, we were called on the 4th group

This is me in the front seat of the Big Chute

View from the Big Chute, feels like a roller coaster that doesn’t go fast

And we landed, another amazing experience

Just like that, we finished the Big Chute ride. On to the last lock of Canada

Lock 45, the last lock of the Trent-Severn Waterway. What a relief.

We did it!
Now on to the Georgian Bay Adventures

Week 8

Georgian Bay & North Channel

Many people say that this is the best part of the loop and they are right.

Here are some of the pictures of week 8 adventures.

Parry Sound is the hometown of Bobby Orr, a famous Boston Bruin hockey player in the 70’s. He’s regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in the history of the NHL.

Pure Vida, Ray & Jane, my favorite harbor host

There maybe more islands than people in Goergian Bay in the winter time

This is called Georgian Bay and 30,000 Islands

This house is still under construction and it already has a flag

My job is to point these markers to Steve

Now i know why they call this 30,000 island

Sometimes, there just have too many rocks to navigate, we need to stop and relax.

A tree and a rock with wind mills in the background

A proof that wind turbines don’t kill birds

Home for the night – Indian Harbor anchorage with other loopers.

The dinghy can navigate closer to these rocks

Found a good place to tie up and climb these rocks

We went back out on the dinghy to watch the sunset

Steve is checking what to see in the other side of the rocks

This is a tough climb but it’s worth it, so beautiful

That’s the hills we just climb, do you notice the face in the rocks? These two campers carried their canoes over as they don’t want to go through the rapids.

Then we decide to ride the dinghy to the other side and check the rapids

Heading to the devil door rapids, It’s a long dinghy ride to the other side of these rocks

Once we get to the other side, I can feel the water is moving faster

Our dinghy with the electric engine cannot beat the rapids, i got scared as we were going backwards Steve has to get out and pull me like a mule..

Thank God we made it back to the anchorage. Homemade ice cream after all that adventures.

Week 9

Last week in Canada

The Canada I know now is not the same as Canada I know before. Every day we see or do something i really enjoyed. The views are spectacular. We started this week at Killarney Mountain Lodge Resort where they offer many activities to guests. Lots of loopers stop here before they start the cruise in the North Channel of Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world.

Here are some pictures for this week’s adventure before we head back to US.

The Canadian flag is a big as a king size sheet

For those who can’t hike, there’s a lighthouse at the lodge

Books in the fridge to keep their freshness longer

Killarney Northwest Lighthouse, on to the next desination

Cruising along Baie Fine heading towards “The Pool” & Topaz Lake

They call this place “The Pool”, a very protected water deep in the Baie Fine River.

You can either cliff dive or hike down to swim at Topaz Lake.

North Benjamin Island, a top pick for anchorage

Next stop, Kagawong marina with Water Falls just 20 minutes away

Bridal Veil Falls, I got to swim and go behind it

Steve is thinking whether to swim or not

No restaurant in Kagawong, however they have a great chocolate store, that’s more than enough.

Gore Bay Marina, the last marina we stayed in Canada

This place knows how to cook their fish, yum

Two of my favorites, fish & chips and ice cream

My last purchase in Canada, it’s for a good cause

Last night in Canada, Vidal Island Anchorage

Thanks Canada for a wonderful month of great adventures!!!

August 16, we head towards De Tour Village, Michigan, USA.

Week 10

Back to the US, Welcome Michigan

We entered the US and cleared customs at a small community called De Tour Village, Michigan. It is in the northeastern side of the state near the entrance of the St. Mary’s River that connects Lake Huron and Lake Superior. Due to the upcoming weather, we decided to skip the side trip to see Lake Superior but rather we went to De Tour and stayed there for 4 days. The wind was blowing pretty hard for days but thank God we are in a very protective marina and surrounded with many friendly loopers who enjoyed docktails. There were some boats who tried to leave De Tour but only to come back due to high seas. Then on the 4th night, the wind has died and everyone was excited to leave the next morning.

The next stop was a beautiful island called Mackinac Island, a 4 square mile island where no cars are allowed, only horse drawn carriages or bikes. It’s a charming island with people enjoying their carriage rides, some with professional carriage drivers and some without, so you can imagine the excitement. We rode the 8.2 mile bike ride around the island and stopped at various rock formations and turquoise beaches. Mackinac Island has a nice shopping area and they have so many fudge stores that I lost count. We dined at the Pink Pony Club Restaurant and the song got stacked to my mind.

We stayed there for two nights and head south to get closer to Traverse City as Eliza is coming this Monday. We had to do 2 more stops before Traverse City, first the town of Northport where they have the Friday night concert in the marina. Then the next day we anchored at Sutton for a more peaceful night.

Here’s some of the pictures from week 10’s adventures.

The clarity of Lake Michigan, fresh and unsalted.

UP North means places that are north of the more populated areas and often associated with natural beauty, outdoor activities, and slower pace of life.

Docktails with more loopers, now we’re hiding behind the building due to strong wind

We left De Tour as the sun is just rising. We have a long way to Mackinac Island.

On the fifth day, when the weather calmed down, all loopers left De Tour.

De Tour Reef Lighthouse, 100ft tall guiding ships between Lake Huron & Lake Michigan

Round Island Lighthouse built in 1947, marks the Northern passage between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac

The Fort Mackinac is at the top of the hill

Chicago to Mackinac Sailboat Race – maybe someday.

Mackinac Island looks like Martha’s Vineyard without cars

The 8.2 mile ride along the island is pretty flat and scenic

Everything is within biking or walking distance

But you need to have good health to go up 287 step to see the Arch Rock

I wonder how people put their stickers on this Keep OFF sign

For those who cannot climb 287 steps, the Arch Rock is visible from the ground

We’re almost done with the 8.2 miles island loop

A meal at the Pink Pony Grill after the bike ride

Pink Pony Club, I’m gonna keep on dancing at the Pink Pony Club, Pink Pony Club (c’mon sing it)

Good night Mackinac Island, it’s been fun

Week 11

Eliza joins us at Traverse City

Since we are going to be at Traverse CIty for 6 days, we ordered two CARBO electric bike so we can go more than walking distance from marina. Fed Ex delivered one bike at the marina and the other one, we picked up at the Fed Ex office. Go figure. But the bike is pretty nice and light, highly recommended.

Eliza joining us for 6 days was the highlight of my loop so far. My daughter and I hang out so well that I enjoyed every moment. We rented a car so we can visit more places. We did so many things and sometimes Steve’s too tired to join us. We did bike ride, dune climbing, swim at the beach, visited winery, climbed lighthouse, fine and casual dining, lots of shopping and most important we played pickleball.

I was sad the day she left but at the same time I was excited for her to go home to start her internship program.

Here are some pictures from week 11’s adventures.

Traverse CIty is a hub for wine enthusiasts, with tones of wineries and vineyards. Right next to the visitor center is a a tasting room. We did some of those.

Tasting Cherry wine from The Cherry Republic

Then we move to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, where UP is optional

There’s Eliza, the little person on the top of sand dune

Next we drove to Mackinaw City. I wonder why the island is called Mackinac and the city is called Mackinaw.

Shopping time, look at the smile on her face and the grin on Steve’s face

This is the 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the US. We crossed under this last week via boat to go from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. Now we are crossing this to go from Mackinaw to St Ignace.

Wawatam Lighthouse, built in 1910 and is no longer active

This is the city on the other side of the bridge

Mission Point Lighthouse, used to guide mariners along Grand Traverse Bay from 1870 to 1933

This is where the Mission Point lighthouse is

And all the other lighthouses in Michigan

We get to climb the top of the lighthouse

Of course, Eliza has to put her toes in the water

Highly recommended vineyard located on lovely Old Mission Peninsula just north of Traverse.City

Great tasting wines from local grown grapes

Bye girl, come back and join us again soon

On to the next adventure, the Great Lake Michigan

Week 12

Leland Fish Town and High Winds in Frankfort

Leland is another interesting small town where there have a Fish town next to the marina. It’s a small rustic village of shops and galleries with the dam in the middle so you can hear the water falls sound. There are many loopers in Leland marina, some we met way back in June and some we met here for the first time. Going to the loopers docktails is always fun.

The next day, I went to the beach, swim a little and chat with a Michigan teacher and we picked rocks along the beach for a long time. She showed me the Leland blue rocks which can be made as jewelry.

The next morning some of the loopers went to Frankfort, about 40 miles south, some went further as the weather will be turning bad again for few days. We checked in at Frankfort and the wind started picking up. We were there for 5 nights. Despite getting stacked in Frankfort, I would say that was memorable for me because i made really good friends with the loopers wifes. Aside from nightly docktails, we rode bikes, field trip at the fruit drying factory, hamburger night at the American Legion, farmers market, watched football at the bar and saw Freakier Friday at the theater.

Here are some pictures of week 12’s adventures

This reminds me of the tree in our house

Amphibious car – can operate in both land and water. Can you see the propeller?

Lots of women spend more time looking for rocks, but I rather swim

And minutes later, i am looking for rocks too

Which has more engine power, the one on the left 3*6 or the one on the right 4*4? Either way, they are both expensive boats.

2nd loopers night at Leland, more boats, more fun

Point Betsie Lighthouse – located south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes & north of Frankfort

Frankfort lighthouse – it was calm when we got here

Frankfort Marina – our home for 5 nights due to high winds

Where docktails and friendships build every night

Boat is tied up and secured for the upcoming wind gusts

In between rain, we’re able to squeeze a bike ride and a hair cut

Lake has stunning different shades of turquoise water

Lucky to have shared 5 days with these friendly loopers

Field trip at Graceland Fruit Drying Facility

Chris, the harbor host happened to work here and gave us a tour of the facility

We are so excited, all dressed up and sanitized

We got to taste amazing fresh dried fruits

Trip at the overlook to see the strong winds in Lake Michigan. Some husbands stayed in the marina to watch the boats.

This was about 6ft waves and 30 knots wind gust

Girls just wanna have fun on a freaky Friday

Last night at the bar watching college football… go Michigan State

Then on Sunday morning, wind has calmed down and we all left Frankfort

Week 13

Ludington to Muskegon then to Grand Haven

The ride from Frankfort to Ludington was so choppy but we brave the 4 hour trip and made it to Ludington. Ludington is a good size town with nice shops, maritime museum and it is the home of the ship called SS Badger, the biggest car ferry to ever operate in the Great Lakes. Here, we had a fine dinner at Timbers Prime Steakhouse with fellow loopers that we became really good friends. Hopefully our paths will cross again.

After Ludington, our next stop was Muskegon. No looper gathering in this marina, just casual chats with 3 other looper boats. Here we visited the USS Silversides Submarine museum and we were able to get inside it. As a previous submarine navy, Steve knows what each component do in the submarine. He said, they have to know it all to be qualified to work in the submarine. We have been using our bikes to restaurants for dinner as they are quite far from the marina and it sort of fun.

Next stop is Grand Isle Marina in Grand Haven. We are now in the mid section of Lake Michigan and thank goodness, the weather has turned so nice and it felt like summer again. Good thing this marina has a nice pool to cool off. Grand Haven hosts a Musical Water Fountain Show in the downtown water front, they played great pop songs synchronized with colorful water fountain. On Sunday afternoon, we rode the bike to the end of the pier and tons of teenagers jumping off and playing in the water. It looks fun. Then we ended up at Smoke Joe’s Bar and see Eagles beat Kansas City. I did not see Taylor Swift but I saw Tom Brady, so that’s good enough.

Here are some pictures of week 13’s adventures.

Ludington Big Sablle Point Lighthouse – the ride here is a little rough

Docktails in Ludington where we met Salty Mitten, this was the first day of their loop

The Rhode Island Lighthouse in Block Island, our first stop in the loop back in June 14

So grateful to see some of these lighthouses in person

The Lake Michigan can be very dangerous to boaters so they put a lot of lighthouses

There are at least 40 lighthouses in Lake Michigan, more than the other Great

Steve and Gerry watching the Badger docked

Dinner at the steakhouse before we parted ways again

Now in Muskegon – we have passed the halfway point of Lake Michigan

Can you imagine your bed is next to the turpedo

Steve looks happy visiting submarine, it reminded him of great memories while in the Navy

We have to remember and honor the brave soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom

Nice marina lounge for docktails but no loopers to be found here

Biked to the end of the pier to see the lighthouse

3 nights in South Haven was fun with Tom Brady on the last night

Week 14

The cruise from Grand Haven to Saugatuck was smooth, it looks like the lake winds will be calm for few days. To get to the marina, we had to cruise along Kalamazoo River which has thick greenery and some pristine houses. Even though we did not do much tourist activities here in Saugatuck, I was glad to have played pickleball with fellow loopers for the first time.

Then we moved to South Haven, a beautiful town with sandy white beach, maritime museum, shops and great restaurants. Watching different types of boats passing by the marina was very entertaining too.

One night stay in St. Joseph – Benton Harbor marked our last day in the state of Michigan which gave us 5 amazing weeks of memories and friendships. It also marks our 100th day in this America’s Great Loop. It is true when they say, time flies when you’re having fun.