Looper Rendezvous 2025
I’ve hinted that I have been trying to figure out what my next “big thing” would be. One of the ideas I have been exploring is to undertake America’s Great Loop.
In simple terms, America’s Great Loop is a boating route that circumnavigates the eastern United States. Most start somewhere in Florida, take the Intercoastal Waterway north up the east coast, cut across the Erie Canal into the Great Lakes, loop around Michigan’s lower peninsula, down to the inland river system that goes from Chicago down to Mobile, Alabama, across the Gulf and “crossing your wake” back in Florida. For more information, take a gander at the American Great Loop Cruisers Association site. The AGLCA is the “parent” organization that helps guide, answer questions, and provides resources and connection for all “loopers”. And it’s the best, most welcoming, and ultimately most enjoyable organization I think I have ever joined.
In an effort to not blindly jump into something I don’t know a lot about, I attended two events hosted by the AGLCA. The first was called Looper Lifestyle, a two day seminar-style class held in Atlantic City, where presentations on “beginner boating”, route planning basics, and overall descriptions were given. This was a very basic, first-look presentation on what the loop is, how it is accomplished, and what life on the loop looks like. Basically “Looper 101”, no experienced needed. And bonus, it came with a 1-year membership with the cost of admission.
The second event was the AGLCA’s Fall Rendezvous, a week-long gathering of future, current and past loopers, where information and stories were shared as openly as bourbon at the cigar lounge. There were classes on boating, planning, navigation, loop route suggestions, and even some specific topics like “Looping with your pet”. I met so many people who instantly became friends, sharing information and tips and dreams. By the end of the week, I had made a few that I would consider life-long friends, and can confidently say now - 6 months later - they are!
Every morning, I got up early, walked the docks of the marina (and it was a BIG marina, easily a mile round-trip), and let the dreams form. Classes went on all day, with two different “tracks” - one designed for “planners” and the other for “current” loopers. There were tours of looper boats - similar to a real estate open houses - where current loopers open their boats to attendees so we could walk through spaces, see the differences between models, ask questions, and hear their stories first-hand. And the catered food and planned independent social hours rounded out the atmosphere to a completely enjoyable event.
This was by far the best “vacation” I have ever taken, and whether I ever attempt the loop or not, I will attend this event again just to be in the presence of all those great people. I took over 500 pictures during the week, but I won’t bore you with all of them. Here’s 2 albums to give you a taste of what I experienced.
Gallery 1:
Gallery 2:
The more I think on this dream, the more I want to make it a reality. Time to give my own compass a spin, I think.
