Life's Too Short

It's January and we are fully entrenched in our world at home in Minnesota. Life has grabbed us by the calendar and is holding us hostage. We'd rather be aboard our Alberg 35 S/V Mystic but she is resting on a cradle in St. Augustine, Florida and we are "Up North", waiting on spring.

Winter reflection of our home ~ Photo by Pat Murphy

We have completed over half of America's Great Loop, traveling over 3,500 miles from Knife River, Minnesota to St. Augustine, Florida. Our journey has been on hold for much longer than our initial 10 months of cruising. This was due to unexpected life events. Once we get through this winter we will return to our adventures on the water.

Our Great Loop Progress In Red

We spent mid October through mid November 2018 in St Augustine, working on projects aboard Mystic. The weather was unseasonably warm, which was a treat for us! When we returned to Minnesota, the temps were already frigid. Like last year, it appears we will have to endure a season of ice. By the end of January, the temperature dipped down to -36. Our world in the Great White North screeched to a halt. Outside activity is accompanied with the risk of frostbite so everyone hunkers down, keeping an eye on their plumbing while drinking warm beverages. We can't help thinking that we have our schedule backward. We should be aboard Mystic in tropical waters over the winter months and in Minnesota during the gorgeous summer weather. We need to work on that plan!

We're both working to take advantage of the opportunity to refill our cruising kitty. It helps pass the time but I forgot how stressful rush hour traffic can be, especially during the winter. We look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel.

BRRR! -36 F

The Bahama Islands have always been on our lists of places to cruise. It is considered a "side trip" on the Great Loop. Since our boat is already on the Atlantic Ocean, now is the time for us to make that trip. Instead of heading straight north toward New York City, we'll take a detour to the islands first. We are excited to accompany Mucho Gusto for this part of our adventure. It's always been more fun sharing our experiences with our buddy boat friends Scott and Rhonda Joiner.

Hoping to explore these Islands for 4-6 weeks in 2019

Winter in the north isn't all bad. We find ways to survive the polar temps that visit us now and then. This winter we've enjoyed spending time with family and friends, attending our favorite winter festivals and adding a few new microbreweries to our national Great Loop list. (Rochester Microbrew tour 2019 at Little Thistle, Life's Too Short, Kinney Creek & Forager) Wherever we are; we make memories through experiences!