Pickwick Lake

Another early morning, another cold and cloudy day. Looking at the weather map it seems the rain is following us and won't leave us alone.

I took the boat out myself while Becky cleaned the cabin and took a long shower.

We'll be traveling 109 miles today and probably average around 14mph.

The currents were against us (and hopefully for the last time) which made the trip more difficult than expected, but we chugged along.

We saw some beautiful countryside. There were also some incredible homes.

Near the end of our daily journey we hit the first and only lock of the day: Pickwick lock & dam, a 77' rise into Pickwick lake.

Nine miles later we arrived at Grand Harbor Resort & Marina. WOW, what a place. This is what a marina should be like.

Fuel was $2.89/gallon for boat US members and there is also a transient discount if you are a member of the AGLCA.

The ship store has food, nautical supplies, and a full line of clothing. We picked up some frozen Corky's meals and they were wonderful.

At 8pm I went for a badly needed massage. This resort has a full-service spa and gym. If the weather would cooperate, we'd consider staying another day. But its cold out (almost freezing) so we'll head south as quickly as possible.

Closed on the Carver

I dropped of the check Saturday Morning at 11am and was on the boat by 11:02!!

The previous owner "Ski" was by a few hours later and showed me the ropes. He and his wife, Susan, completed the Loop on this boat just a year ago. I enjoyed speaking with both of them and I know how hard it was for Ski to sell the boat he personally watched being built.

She's in good hands and will probably make the Loop again.

After another hour of cleaning I went home. It was 2 degrees above zero and the ceramic heater wasn't doing a very good job.

I'll be back in a couple weeks to finish my work and get a new sound system installed.

I can't wait for Spring!!

The Adventure Begins

I've always wanted a Carver. This will be our fourth boat.

We started with a small runabout, a 19' ski boat which lasted a summer.

Our next boat was a 26' Mariah which had some of the creature comforts but also only lasted about a year.

The third boat, 33' Cruiser's, gave me the idea of someday completing the "Great Loop".


She lasted a year and a half, until I cheated on her with the gal pictured above.

I take possession this weekend, but will have to wait two months before she sees the water.

Nauti-Buoy was previously owned by somebody who just completed the "Great Loop" and had outfitted the boat for that journey. I don't think I could have put together a more fitting list of options.

In the right caption you can see her cabin. I'm standing behind the Galley and shooting towards the stern.

Carver does a fantastic job of utilizing every square inch of the boat. There is more storage in the Salon than on my previous ship!

The previous owner made some very nice carpet protectors and kept this boat in very good condition.

I'm proud to call her mine (ours).