GL: Loop planning

[LRZeitlin at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/3/07 12:00:34 AM, Matt writes:


> I was trying to plan out the whole trip with out truly seeing it
> that way. I will "atempt" :) to create basic way points for maybe a
> week in advance.  But your correct, I will meet alot of people, local
> people, there the best ones for the information I'll be looking for!
>

Too much planning is a "bad thing." It takes the spontaneity out of what
should be a voyage of discovery. On the other hand, too little planning is
also a
"bad thing." Set a few goals and destinations. Otherwise you will provoke a
lot of anxiety in those that love you. If you do the trip on a continuous
basis,
you will be away from your home base for the better part of a year. Let
people know where you are. Establish a few mail pickup destinations so that
your
essential bills can be forwarded. Get a cell phone with a pay as you go plan.
Buy the essential charts in advance. And, of course, have a credit card with
no
expense limit.

As for discovering some of those side rivers, take a virtual trip on Google
Earth before you start. You can work your way through the entire Great Loop at
an altitude of 1000 feet. I wish it was available when we cruised.

All this chatter about the Great Loop is getting me antsy about doing it
again. I still have the old Westerly sailboat on its trailer behind my house.

Larry Z


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