September update

The preparation continues: In the last month we've had the bow area strengthened, and ordered a bimini windshield, which should be installed this next week. Jack is building the enclosures for the auxiliary gas tanks and we purchased a chartplotter, yet to be installed. We joined the America Great Loop Cruising Association (AGLCA) and enjoy their daily email installments and the conversation of Loopers, including updates on the restricted passage of the canals south of Chicago because of electrification of the water to stop carp from entering Lake Michigan. Many current Loopers have been stranded in the Chicago area. Already, we're glad to get this kind of information.
We were able to have lunch with the Bertrands from Tullahoma who did the Loop in 07. They gave us lots of information, and confirmed much of what we had read in other sources. They highly recommend it!
Still to do: complete the gas tank boxes, build a rack for our bikes, make decisions about where to transport the boat (to Old Hickory Lake on the Cumberland OR to the Tennessee River at Cuba Landing) and arrange for the passage, secure more extensive towing insurance, purchase charts.
We're often asked:
? Where are you going? around the eastern half of the US.
?Which direction are you going? South first, then northward up the east coast starting next spring.
?How long will this take you? We figure on about a year. 6500 miles or more
?When are you leaving? Tentatively, some time after October 20.
?Will you be on the boat the whole time? We plan to stop whenever we want to, visiting the local areas.
? Will you stay in marinas every night? We anticipate anchoring out often, and staying at municipal docks and marinas some.
?How will you keep in touch? Since we'll be on inland and intracoastal waterways almost the whole time, we'll have our cell phones and email. We also have our VHS radio.
? Are you excited? You bet!
Time is getting short.
Shalom. nan and jack