November 2, 2016- We just finished boating thru Florida's Grand (sand) Canyon. It is about 25 miles long and canyon walls about 20ft high. The air smells like pine trees, and very quiet. We saw Bald Eagles, and no boats. It was great!

November 3, 2016- We are crossing the gulf tonight. Traveler has his life jacket on and ready for an overnighter.

November 4, 2016- 30 hours later, the boat is safely in its slip in Tarpon Springs, FL!

We are planning to complete "The Great Loop" (greatloop.org) in our 2003 44' Endeavour Trawler Catamaran. We think the 6000 mile trip will take two years (captainjohn.org). Some of our friends have expressed an interest in keeping track of our progress during our trip. This blog is our attempt to keep those interested in following our travels up to date.

We plan to leave Tarpon Springs FL around March 1, 2017.

We picked the boat up in Columbus MS last October and with the help of our friend (and former owner), Steve Edmonds, we traveled the Tombigbee, Black Warrior, and Mobile rivers, through Mobile Bay, along the intercoastal waterway to Carrabelle FL and then crossed the open Gulf of Mexico to Tarpon Springs where the boat is now moored. It was about a ten day trip. It took 30 straight hours to go from Panama City to Tarpon Springs, almost entirely at night.

Sealing the deal with Steve!

The first sunset!

Welcome aboard Traveler!

We'll post some photos of our trip from Mississippi:

           October 25, 2016- Welcome aboard! My name is Traveler, I am the Entertainment Officer for the Colorado Cat. Captain Jim and Admiral Penny are excited about our journey. Today we pull the lines around 6:30am and head to Florida. My quote for the day is, "It's not the destination, but the journey." Have a great day.

October 25, 2016- We went through 3 locks and didn't hit any other boats. 

We are rough camping tonight (on the water, no marina, very little electric). Anchored in the river. So far a lot of fun. Very relaxing.

October 26, 2016- We spent the night in Alabama after going through 3 locks, traveling about 70 miles in 12 hours. Today we plan on going about 80 miles, through Demopolis on the Tombigsby River and into Dog River.

October 27, 2016- Spent the night on the side of the river somewhere north of Mobile. Pulled anchor at the crack of dawn today. Traveled 82 miles in 11 hours yesterday. We'll sleep in a marina tonight. Yay!

October 29, 2016- Spent Thursday night at a marina (dry land for the afternoon!) and had fresh catfish for dinner. Getting close to Mobile, aiming for Mobile Bay tonight. The seagulls are following us.

October 31, 2016- Happy Halloween! Our tricker, treaters came a day early. The trick was a cracked hose that needed repair, but the treat was another night in Mobile. We hope to be off to Florida by noon today.

October 31, 2016- Who's driving the boat? I guess the ghosts of lost captains.