The Great Loop Podcast

Captain's Log 17 | Crossing Hell's Gate | 4/7/2026

Chris and Deb are back on the bridge with another Great Loop update—this time cruising from Amelia Island up into Brunswick, navigating rolly sounds, Coast Guard encounters, and even a close call in “Hell’s Gate,” before settling into the charm of Savannah and the iconic beauty of Hilton Head Island. From hidden gem restaurants and “Velcro marinas” to dolphin sightings, anchoring adventures, and a bucket-list golf tournament experience, this leg of the journey is packed with stories, laughs, and a few lessons learned along the way.

Captain's Log 16 | Wrapping Up Florida on the Great Loop | 3/23/2026

14 views Mar 23, 2026 Captain's Log [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseR2KfBqx_-20iibkAMqVR7pN7oNewBF] Chris and Deb are back on the move, wrapping up their Florida chapter with a jam-packed stretch of family visits, boating challenges, and a few unforgettable stops along the way. From a magical trip to LEGOLAND with the grandkids (complete with pirate treasure hunts and 32 million LEGO bricks!) to cruising past manatees, dodging tight channels, and even spotting gators by drone — this leg of the Great Loop had a little bit of everything. They share the realities of life on the water too — from pricey marina fuel and lost fishing rods to upgrading their onboard washer/dryer and navigating tricky tides along the Intracoastal. Plus, hear about their time at TPC Sawgrass, favorite waterfront restaurants, and what’s next as they head toward Savannah and Hilton Head. If you love boating, travel, or just good stories from the water — this one’s for you.

Captain's Log 15 | Frozen Lines & Florida Sunshine – Life Aboard in Sanford

In this episode, Chris and Deb check in from a very cold and snowy Cincinnati after hopping off the boat for a quick Midwest pit stop (because apparently eight degrees sounded like a good idea). They recap the last couple of weeks aboard in Sanford, Florida, where life has been anything but boring. From learning to fly a brand-new drone over water (and surviving the backwards controls) to discovering hidden gems like the Old Jailhouse restaurant and local breweries, they’ve been soaking up everything this charming river town has to offer. Highlights from this episode include: * Their first overnight anchorage at Butcher’s Bend — complete with alligators, manatees, glassy water, and incredible star-filled skies * Exploring Winter Park and finding what might be one of the best steaks ever * Testing out alternative transportation options like bikes, rental cars, and the SunRail * A competitive (of course) Topgolf outing * More fun at their favorite German spot, Hollerbach’s * And a true boater lesson learned the hard way: always tie down the dinghy cover when 40+ mph winds are in the forecast They also share what it’s like when a polar vortex makes its way to Central Florida — frozen hoses, icy dock lines, and a near $900 dinghy cover replacement that thankfully turned into a muddy but salvageable recovery mission. Looking ahead, family visits, a cruise up the St. Johns River, and dreams of anchoring off Harbour Town during tournament week are all on the horizon as they prepare to push north on the Great Loop. It’s everyday loop life — part adventure, part problem-solving, part golf, and always a good story. As always, thanks for tuning in and following along on the journey.

Captain's Log 14 | Freshwater, Brick Streets, and Gator Crossings | 1/20/2026

In this episode of the Great Loop podcast, we share a full update from Sanford, Florida, where we’ve taken a winter freshwater detour along the St. Johns River. We explore downtown Sanford, visit the Central Florida Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival, tour Daytona International Speedway, scout fuel access by dinghy with close alligator encounters, and share favorite restaurants, golf courses, and marina tips. From boat projects to drone plans, this episode captures why Sanford is one of our favorite unexpected Great Loop stops.

Captains Log 13 | From the Hard to the Heart of Florida | 12/18/2025

In this episode, Chris and Deb check in from Florida with a story that perfectly captures the spirit of the Great Loop — part careful planning, part happy detour. They recap SeaDan’s time on the hard in Jacksonville, highlight standout boatyard work at Huckins, and share some favorite local discoveries, from golf courses and restaurants to an unexpected Jaguars game. Then the real adventure begins as they follow a weather window inland and head down the St. Johns River — a side trip that quickly becomes one of their favorite stretches of the entire Loop. Along the way, they anchor in remote jungle-like coves, spot manatees and their first alligator, cross Lake George on glassy water, and finally settle into Sanford, a historic river town that feels instantly like home. They talk marinas, river life, e-bike explorations, breweries, wildlife, and why letting the Loop wander often leads to the best memories. A relaxed, story-driven update filled with practical insights, favorite stops, and a reminder that sometimes the best moments come from listening to the weather and following curiosity.