A Decision......

Saturday, October 5, 2019
Days 50 on the Loop – Grand Rivers, KY (Green Turtle Bay Marina) (0 miles)

 Today I came to a decision to end my Great Loop Journey.   Truth be told, I am just not really into this, and the frustrations and stresses far outweigh the enjoyment for me.   As I look forward to the next section of the Loop it would be many long days by myself dealing with locks and other challenges, and I just am not looking forward to it.   I thought I had set myself up mentally for this, but apparently not.   Boating is a lot of work, and just because I am by myself it does not cut down on the work, but only means that I have to do what two people are doing on other boats.   It is also a lonely experience, having to make all of the decisions by myself.    

 Cost is another factor.   Other people, who have better mechanical skills, tools, and the knowledge and interest in those aspects, can save quite a bit of money.   It is just not my thing and so I pay for that, but then resent having to pay.    

Another factor is boredom.  After awhile the rivers are just tree lined banks with not much to look at.  A number of people have said that, with the Illinois, Mississippi, and Ohio done that the worst is behind us, but I just can't see doing the rest of the river system down to Mobile.    

 All of this, and more, has been running through my mind for the last few weeks, and so I made the decision to send an email to Michael Martin at Curtis Stokes, who was the broker who helped me buy Sunny Tug, asking if he wants to be my selling broker.   

 I had thought about continuing to the AGLCA Rendezvous, but after Michael responded back that he would be my broker, and we had begun to make plans for where the boat should be taken to that would be a good location for potential buyers (Orange Beach, AL), then it just seemed like it would be odd to be at a event where everyone else is excited and making plans for their Loop journeys, and I am focused on ending mine.    

 The plan, for now is to continue with Vicki to Iuka MS (Aqua Marina) and then either to have the boat hauled and trucked to Orange Beach, or to have a delivery captain come on board and have them drive the boat.  That could be with or without me on board.

 Sunny Tug is a beautiful boat, but if the journey is not right then I think the best thing is to move on.
Yes.....  I will miss her.  A hard decision to make.
There is sadness here for a dream that did not work out, but also a real sense of relief.

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