The day started with a jolt when one of the Looper boats discovered that they were aground in the Twin Rivers Marina. This was very disconcerting as we had all asked the water depth and were assured that there were no problems. Being aground in the marina also raises questions about getting out safely back through the 7 mile channel to the Gulf. High tide came at 10:42 but the Looper boat did not really float until after 11 am and then was aground again. We had to wait for tomorrow to go anywhere so what to do?
Enter Tom and Debbie, our Looper friends who live in this area. They devised a perfect day of fun and entertainment to showcase the beauty of this area as well as offer local information about the tides and challenges of boating in this area.
We looped with Tom and Debbie from Joliet to Alton. They were transporting their 32’ PDQ catamaran from Lake Michigan to Crystal River, FL. They are a new couple together with so many adventures between them and they inspire confidence with a “can do” attitude. Sometimes you meet people in your life and you instantly think, “these guys are great”—that’s how we feel about Tom and Debbie.
When we last saw them, their sailboat, Catrina, had the mast down to get through all the locks and was running on 1 outboard engine. She has now morphed into this beautiful butterfly sailboat with mast up proudly and fully rigged. Tom and Debbie took Jim and Barbara from Golden Lily, Jeannette and Charlie from Highland and Bob and I for a ride on Catrina to explore the beauty of the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. What a treat! We did see dolphins and manatees, but again, my camera was not quick enough to capture the moment.
Enter Tom and Debbie, our Looper friends who live in this area. They devised a perfect day of fun and entertainment to showcase the beauty of this area as well as offer local information about the tides and challenges of boating in this area.
We looped with Tom and Debbie from Joliet to Alton. They were transporting their 32’ PDQ catamaran from Lake Michigan to Crystal River, FL. They are a new couple together with so many adventures between them and they inspire confidence with a “can do” attitude. Sometimes you meet people in your life and you instantly think, “these guys are great”—that’s how we feel about Tom and Debbie.
When we last saw them, their sailboat, Catrina, had the mast down to get through all the locks and was running on 1 outboard engine. She has now morphed into this beautiful butterfly sailboat with mast up proudly and fully rigged. Tom and Debbie took Jim and Barbara from Golden Lily, Jeannette and Charlie from Highland and Bob and I for a ride on Catrina to explore the beauty of the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. What a treat! We did see dolphins and manatees, but again, my camera was not quick enough to capture the moment.
Tom built his own home, complete with a 360 degree cupola overlooking the canals and wetlands, in Crystal River and they graciously gave us a tour. He is definitely a Renaissance man which is so nicely complimented by Debbie’s sense of fun. We topped off the day with an early dinner at one of their favorite local restaurants, Crackers.
Thank you so much for giving us such a great day.
