Surveys complete. Sale closed. Coast Guard documentation pending the government re-opening. Maintenance scheduled. A mile-long to-do list. What have I done?? No turning back now!
I started chipping away at my to-do list one small piece at a time. Getting my house ready for my son to rent from me. Prepping my little lake house to make sure the kegs are full and there is gas in the pontoon boat for my daughter. Doctors appointments and meds to last for a year. Vet appointments, vaccines, and heartworm pills for a year. Figuring out what to do with my car. Thinking about clothes, tools, bathroom stuff, kitchen stuff, documents. Stocking up toys, food, treats, and fancy seasonal collars for Kali. Cramming in as much online training as I can. Downloading all the right apps for navigation, tides, currents, wind, anchorages, and marinas. Signing up for Towing services, Starlink, and communication tools. Building a float plan as a rough outline for my adventure.
Word was spreading among my friends and family that I was actually doing this. I am a proud, card-carrying member of the Mount Adams Yacht Club in the coolest neighborhood in the ‘Nati and they asked me to speak at one of their events at the Cincinnati Art Museum. It is the first time in my life that I actually had fun public speaking. What a blast and I love this group of people! Considering the fact that we literally live on a hill, there are not many boats among these boat lovers but there is plenty of comradery, support, and adventurous spirit. As my official sponsor, they made a generous donation to my journey gave me some cool merch. I will be flying their burgee on The ‘Nati Nomad and have promised the Board (pictured below) a ride when I am home in the Fall.
After the event, they posted my info on Facebook and Chelsea Sick from local Channel 12 news took notice. It also happens that I have known Chelsea’s parents for many years and she is marrying my cousin. She asked if Kali and I would be willing to share our story and I said absolutely! I pulled in my friend, mentor, and legend, Audrey Stehle to join me. She did the loop with her husband Ted back in the 90’s and lives just 10 minutes from me.
Thanks to the coverage, my donation page took off! Special thanks to all the people who generously donated. I am humbled and full of gratitude for the generosity of friends, family, and strangers. Just when I was having my “15 minutes of fame”, I wasn’t local anymore!
It was time to start my adventure. I soaked in as much time as I could with my kids and we gave lots of hugs, kisses, and “I love you”s. They are my biggest supporters and I would be nothing without them. Thankfully, I will be home for visits every few months, and they have plans to meet me along the route. I miss them already.
”If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love is actually all around.” – Hugh Grant in Love Actually
To support the adventure or to track The ‘Nati Nomad’s progress, visit greatloop.thenatinomad.com.
Awesome! Are you going to be at the AGL Rendezvous in Norfolk VA this weekend? If so, we’ll connect! We’re also from the ‘nati and we’re starting our 2nd leg next week. We went from JAX, FL to Annapolis, MD last year – on the 4-5 year plan. Nick and Mary Beth Motz, “Gettin’ Loopy.” Either way we’ll see you I’m sure, soon!
Yes! I will track you down at the Rendezvous!