I hope this comment finds you well and good, sir. I want to point out a couple things that may or may not be lost on you. First, keep your chin up. I know there are struggles along your journey but what is success without struggle? Every day you learn more about your capabilities and build on them, coming out of it stronger and wiser. We do not grow as human beings if we only live inside our comfort zone. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Second, you are doing something most of us will never have the chance to do. So turn your camera on, get your coffee every morning, take us out to see the sunrise and reflect on what you learned the previous day. We are here on this journey with you and we want to hear all about it. ❤❤
@@MV_Checkmate You're very selective about listening to wise words of advice. Imagine that.lmao You're still fumbling your way along every day, waiting for the next disaster. Your ignorance is showing, son.
Rice lake is definitely not for the weak hearted boater . 10 minutes of good wind and suddenly you got 4 ft seas and it ain't safe anywhere. I grew up there and was the one thing that was driven into my mind . Glad you made it through. Seems this year the weeds are much more prevalent, later in the season they should be down some . Have fun ,play safe !
Not sure where abouts you are now, but route planning will be your friend along with the sailor's tried and true 1st mate which is an anchor. Holding your boat at extended times with engine and thrusters solo with out a GPS positioner is a bit much. You will incur more spots like this even as you cross back over to US waters. Get used to the anchor being your friend. Practice emergancy anchor drops. Practice river anchoring and let the current keep you aligned. Can use rudder to assist on inboards, if its an I/O rhen that rudder technique doesn't work. Some comments here are more criticism than helpful. One of the things you may want to consider during the evenings, is watching Captain Chris's videos. A wealth of info there. Research and youtube your next destination of hazardous and go over your charts well. Stay safe out there.
I enjoyed each episode so far. Wonderful adventures. I downsided my boat from 25 feet to 17 feet. I had problems to handle the big boat alone, when I became older. So I am impressed seeing you handling your huge yacht alone.
BTW, I wanted to say I really appreciate your approach to recording all events both positive and challenging. I am the same age and looking forward to hopefully starting the Loop with my wife) in Fall 2025. Please keep up the great running commentary and hopefully you have more good days than challenging days. Lee on MV Exhale
I am really enjoying your videos each week. Keep them up! It seems like this week you were a little burnt out... no wonder after all those challenges. Don't be afraid to take a little time and find a good spot to spend a week or so, just to regroup. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, not a race! Florida will still be there when you get back. 😉
That was another very interesting video. I am glad you elected to take the Trent Severn route because I have been following several Loop blogs and I don't see too much about it. I guess maybe you are taking the more adventurous path back home. I would like to see some of your mundane or routine housekeeping chores and maintenance. Remember that what is routine to you may be exciting to someone who isn't having as an adventurous experience as you are. You are in a foreign country and things are very different. Enjoy each new thing you encounter. Have a safe trip.
I think that Balsam Lake is the highest point on earth that a boat starting at sea level can reach by canal. Since you started on the Hudson your boat has done it. ( 256.3 metres)
I think the #1 comment from loopers that I've heard that surprised them the most is how much work it is. Not a pleasure cruise for parts of it. And you have twice the work since you're single handing. Stick with it, you'll make it.
Aw the boating life isn't supposed to be that stressful . Relax and try enjoy it Eh...Just kidding You are the only one showing us the stress and parallels of boating. Keep up the great work.Cheers
I also was caught in a sudden summer squall on Rice Lake, not fun. You have made it past the weediest part of the TS and from Simcoe on up it is much better. At least you got through the railway bridge before it suffered issues and has been closed (not sure if its reopened yet or not).
Sounds like you had a great time on the Trent/Severn canal. Canada must love you. =) =) I agree these are things that should be in the various Great Loop guides as well as in videos made by loopers but I've not noted any looper mention seeing commentary in any guide about "look out for this possibility here", and few make note of such things themselves. Though in the latter case it may just be that they don't encounter them. The only one I can think of is actually Scho and Jo, who I know you watched, who did make note of the same narrow section of canal and the potential issues with it although iirc they didn't have any issues themselves. Hang in there. Just like with the locks, once you've experienced these things you'll recognize the situation before hand next time and know how to deal with it. Might not be easier, but it'll be less stressful. Here's hoping the Mississippi flooding has gone down by the time you get there.
Ok , I’ll bite - CMG ? Lol ! I enjoy the stories of your difficulties, being alone ( as I will be someday ) cause me to not be overly confident in my lack of expierence, but Someday . ,
You said "tenacious." In a you tube video. that's worth the price of admission. You are more than a man, less than a god. In between. I wish I had thrusters.
At ~8 minutes I’m wondering why I watch this. You have a very good delivery, and content is generally very comforting. However, this recent video is a complete waste of time. You are doing something very, very special. The Loop at your age… “and ALONE” is remarkable. Show us what you do everyday… Morning coffee is a hit, and you know this!
not trying to troll but you inexperience shows. I commend you for trying as I have been watching the whole time. Good to see you finally are wearing a life jacket while in the locks. I hope the best but do worry about your saftey
Thanks. I actually have a lifetime of boating experience, I’m just the kind of person that doesn’t stop and think before I jump at it regardless whether I know better or not. Have always been that way.
That thruster voltage drop on heavy usage, I’ve had the same problem, solved by starting generator when you get into trouble. Can you start the generator from the helm ?
Meh... turn it around and realize your doing something unique that many wish they could, but never will. The mayhem is part of the fun and challenge. Accomplishment it only felt and realize with struggle. Personally, I would have been laughing during something like that. Just remember to operate the boat first. Don't worry what the wind is doing, focus on the task needed to deal with it. Your doing great! It'll only get better with more experience and time. By the time this is over, your going to be a skilled and proficient Yachtsman.
Remember, panic will make things worse and get you into more trouble. Agree that being alone and with a vessel thats not real easy to handle locks and docking, the upper helm does not help you for trying up. Keep your cool when it is stressful you'll get thru it.
The scariest is coming in to it form the top side bing up against the door it’s pretty tall and just a simple latch holding the door closed fun fact is the lock tub getting any heavier when boats are in it ? Or is the displacement of the boats removing the same weight of water
You're telling about these wild downpours and torrential rains and wind, Ummm, at 9:12 in your video, there's a WATERSPOUT a few hundred yards from you!!!!!😮😱😵😫 For those that don't know what a WATERSPOUT is, it's a tornado over the water that sucks the water up into the sky!!!!!
@MV_Checkmate Instead of concentrating on bad things, laugh at them. We can't control some of those things, but we do have full control of if we have a bad day or an Awesome day. It is up to us. Remember, you are on a journey of a lifetime through gorgeous country. You have the opportunity of learning new skills everyday. Enjoy every moment!
