We were so tickled the next morning to discover our friend Wayne P headed back up river. He greeted us as we pulled into the channel..."Goooood morning, TUMBLEWEED...I was wondering if you folks were gonna get up and move...the rest of us been working for a long while" ... LOL.. and then we had to move to the side and get out of his way...

And a gorgeous and quiet evening it was. Sunset was spectacular and ,of course, we spotted an occasional Wal Mart truck on the bridge. Anchor held just fine. In fact, Captain said we could sleep in...no need to rush outta here in the morning.

Finally came the anchoring event I'd been dreading all day. Boston Bar

...a small island by a highway bridge just off the channel of the mighty Mississippi. You see, when we anchor, I drive the boat. Something I was NOT looking forward to in this situation and with this current. Rocks and bridge behind the boat, wing dam and more rocks in front of the boat, tows going by, cars whizzing across the bridge, Floyd out on the bow playing with an anchor...not really a combination that I thought would be helpful to my boat driving. ...Yea, well, all that worry was for nothing. Once we pulled out of the channel, the current died to practically nothing. And once we got over there to drop anchor, we had plenty of room. Wayne P Lagrange bid us adieu...and we settled in for another quiet evening.

Once again it was a busy day of keeping track of tows and barges. In the eight hours we traveled, we encountered 30 barges and tows...one fella was ever so proud to be pushing "7 wide"...he was huge!!! We did have some fun with the Wayne P LaGrange and the Jay Lehr...they both noticed that we had an AIS system so that made them a little more friendly to chat with...and, of course, they were ever so curious about how a boat got here from Wichita Ks... but I'm telling you, it sure reminded me of those CB radio days...trying to understand them took concentration...must be a special class in trucker talk and in tow talk...and somehow we missed it!

We knew it would be a longer day so we headed out around 8 only to be turned back at the Mississippi entrance...seems a barge was heading our direction and his advice to us was...go back the way you came and stay out of the way...no argument there. Happy to oblige...and travel that same mile twice.

Short day run from Hoppies to the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam...last time around that was where we first encountered those pesky Asian carp...this time we thought they weren't as plentiful. Though we continue to hear all sorts of horror stories about other boaters having them jump aboard, we've been very lucky so far. We spent a quiet evening tied to the wall with another Looper boat, AUK. We were very surprised the next morning to find we'd been joined by 54' Jefferson named RAINBOW CHASER headed to Charlevoix. I almost jumped ship...He had traveled all day from Green Turtle Bay and pulled in after midnight. WOW...sure glad my Captain doesn't push that hard!

But some things don't change...even though the Mississippi was down the current was swift...giving us about a 3-4 mph boost. Wings dams (those treacherous rock things the corp of engineers thought were a good idea) were pretty exposed. At least that made it easy to avoid them. And muddy swirling water still made for a rough uneasy ride. Kept us on our toes all day. Still just don't get what Mark Twain thought was so beautiful about this stinky, swirling mess...I can't help but think of all those kids I ruined!

Quite a different kind of adventure as we pass things we've seen and done before...Floyd was quick to spot his name mountain...St Nickolas..and we couldn't help but notice how much the foliage had grown around the mile markers.

Hoppies Marina is really several barges attached to the bank of the Mississippi...not pretty...no amenities...just a place to get gas and plug in for the night. Actually the only place to get gas...and because it is still right on the river, landing and launching are an interesting lesson in river currents. Add the passing tows and barges...and the wakes they make... esp. going up river...woo hoo, it can get exciting!

She's a cagey old gal..weathered from years of running the marina and dealing with LOOPERS...we were disappointed to learn that one of our favorite stops the first time around had been turned into a dumping ground for barges...so we needed to re-think our stops in making the 200 + miles to Green Turtle Bay...and this time she didn't have to get us that big blue barrel BERTHA full of gas...we knew we could make it.

Fern at Hoppies is every one's new best friend...she knows more about the dangers and travel on Mississippi River than anyone wants to know...and she holds court with boaters every day...she graciously waited until we'd had Mile-High Pie to begin that days session. We took notes and made our plans accordingly.

Floyd couldn't resist the urge to pass...so we arrived at Hoppies Marina first. Looked about the same...but not near as intimidating our first landing there three years ago...and we landed twice this time...after getting fuel, Fern had us move up between two boats...again, no big deal. Now, three years ago, we'd have gone into cardiac arrest...but not this time...and we had an audience...The folks aboard BOREAS and BRANDY IV, plus Larry and Cindy. Seems it is not that far from their home to Kismet and they couldn't resist taking us to the Blue Owl for some mile-high pie!!! where were they three years ago????

St Louis...looking good!!! That arch is something else, isn't it??? Oh, and notice that new bold gold burgee flying on the bow of the TUMBLEWEED...the other boaters noticed!!!

We spent the rest of the day traveling with BOREAS and BRANDY IV, fellow loopers...even though we didn't really meet them til that evening at Hoppies Marina. Chain of Rocks canal...been there, done that...wasn't near as scary as last time...I mean, it is well marked and it is just a ditch!

And, of course, more tow boats...and barges barges everywhere...

Mel Price Lock and Dam was our first lock three years ago...looming sooooo large ahead of us...this time nothing to worry about...and there were even two other boats there when we arrived...piece of cake!!! we felt like pros! Though we did notice the absence of our former crew member...Captain had to get out the boat hook and work a little...he wasn't so used to that!!

Most people are quick to say that these cliffs between Grafton and Alton on the Mississippi River are the prettiest part and I'll agree to that. Our other favorite is the Our Lady of the Rivers...she looked gorgeous at sunrise...and yes, we said a prayer as we passed...we knew we needed all the help we could get.

Oh, the mighty Mississippi...barges, tows, rocks, eddys, current, mud, odor, logs...really nothing pretty about it. I can't say that I was looking forward to a repeat of this part of our LOOP...we knew what it was gonna be like...and it was. We

had three tows just entering the river and were on our toes the rest of the day trying to stay out of the way.

we spent the day of Sept 6 resting...generator was tuned up a bit and just a couple of small laundry loads...other than that it was a very LOW key day. Ann and Bob Kallemeier showed up and insisted that we join them for supper...that was a no-brainer. Early to supper, early to bed, early start on the 7th.

And so PART 2 begins...as we head south to our new marina, we'll be re-visiting those first scary days of LOOPING...we were and still are amazed!!!

It truly has been an amazing three year journey...but the destination is just a pass through point. As we move to the Tennessee River, we are hoping that it is as beautiful and scenic as everyone has said. We'd really like to not be driven to complete a trip...but to enjoy a traveling boating experience that can include more of our friends and relatives. We are not ready to give up the TUMBLEWEED but we do know that the Lake of the Orzarks is not where we want to return. Wednesday, we are heading south, retracing our beginnings to Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. We'll rent a car and be back in Wichita for Clinton's wedding, Fredonia Homecoming, my 45th class reunion, and the St George Lebanese Dinner. Then return to TUMBLEWEED to move to the Tennessee River, attend the LOOPER rendezvous and find a new home port at Ditto Landing, Huntsville, Alabama. So stay tuned for TUMBLEWEED Adventures , Part 2!!!!

We spent Tuesday resting at Polestar and getting a check up on the generator. Someone refused to leave until that puppy was fixed!!! Ann and Bob returned to take us to dinner...our last long visit before we headed south on Wednesday morning. This photo was another crazy moment. I had taken the camera into the restaurant thinking I'd get the waitress to take a picture...but, of course, forgot to do that. As we were driving back to the marina, I cried in dismay at the lost moment...Bob whipped into the gas station; Floyd flagged down an unsuspecting women; we posed and the photo was taken. Think that is why we all look so giggly????

We sent an official announcement to the AGLCA about crossing our wake...they published this on their website and sent press releases to the Wichita Eagle, East Wichita News, and Wilson County Citizen.

Captain Floyd Walpole and First Mate Linda Hoobler completed the Great Loop aboard TUMBLEWEED crossing their wake at St. Charles, Missouri, at 9:30 AM CDT on September 4, 2011. What a great adventure! The amazing places, the kind and friendly folks, the interesting creatures, the trials and tribulations, the laughs, the tears, the challenges, the food, the wind, the tides; we treasure it all. We started from Polestar Marina in St. Charles in July of 2008 and we will celebrate at Polestar Marina with family and friends on September 5, 2011. From there we will head for the Tennessee River and our new home port at Ditto Landing Marina in Huntsville, Alabama. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Joe Wheeler.

Floyd and Linda

Floyd sent the following e-mail to three of his instructors at Chapman's ...Jack Carl, Capt Joan, and Capt Pat.... we are pposting it here as it is a great summary of our Great LOOP trip. Get out your map!!!!


Well, we finally did it! Tumbleweed crossed her wake and completed the loop at 9:30AM on Sunday, September 4th.

As you may remember I came to Chapman's to prepare me for this fantastic cruise. My first mate Linda Hoobler and I left from St Charles Missouri on July 8, 2008. That first season we cruised the Mississippi River to Cairo, Illinois and then up the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers past Nashville, Tennessee. We then retraced our wake back to the Tennessee River. We cruised the Tennessee River and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to Demopolis, Alabama where we put the boat in storage on the hard and went home for the holidays.

We returned to Demopolis and resumed our adventure in February 2009. We cruised the Black Warrior, Tombigbee, and Mobile Rivers to Mobile, Alabama. From there we entered the Gulf Inter-coastal Waterway and cruised to Carrabelle, Florida. Following a crossing of the Gulf of Mexico we arrived at Steinhatchee, Florida and headed down the Gulf coast of Florida to Ft Myers where we met up with fellow Chapman's student Rick Hillard and his wife on their boat Tourist. From there we crossed Lake Okeechobee and arrived for a one week stay anchored in Manatee Pocket. During our stay there we were able to re-connect with Captain Joan and Jack Carl. From Stuart we headed north up the Atlantic Inter-Coastal Waterway and the Chesapeake Bay where we again put the boat in storage on the hard in the little town of Lottsburg, Virginia and went home for a much needed rest.

We returned to Lottsburg in the Spring of 2010. From there we cruised the Potomac River to Washington, DC, Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis and Baltimore, the C & D Canal and the Delaware River to Philadelphia, and Delaware Bay to Cape May, New Jersey. From Cape May we cruised the waterway and the Atlantic Ocean into New York City. Following a one week stay in New York we headed up the Hudson River to the Erie Canal. We took the Erie and Oswego Canals to Oswego, New York. We crossed Lake Ontario and entered the St Lawrence River. We entered Canada in Kingston, Ontario and then cruised the north shore of Lake Ontario to Picton and Trenton, Ontario. We recrossed Lake Ontario to Oswego and retraced our steps on the Oswego and Erie Canals to Brewerton, New York where we put the boat in inside storage for the winter.

Back in Brewerton in late May 2011 we returned to Trenton, Ontario where we started up the Trent-Severn Waterway to Port Severn, Ontario. There we entered Lake Huron. We followed Georgian Bay and the North Channel around the northern side of Lake Huron. We re-entered the United States at Drummond Island, Michigan. We passed through the Straits of Mackinac into Lake Michigan. We cruised down the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan to New Buffalo where we crossed Lake Michigan to Chicago. We went up to Racine, Wisconsin to visit some friends we had made when we first started this saga. From there I spent a month in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois doing chores and getting the boat cleaned up while Linda went home for a visit with her family.

From there it was back to Chicago, down the Chicago and Illinois Rivers to the Mississippi River. As we crossed the Mississippi River from Grafton, Illinois to St Charles, Missouri we crossed our wake at 9:30AM on Sunday, September 4th. We had quite a celebration on Monday, Labor Day, with about 20 friends and family.

We left St Charles on Wednesday headed down the Mississippi again. We are now anchored just above the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. As soon as the fog lifts we will start up the Ohio to the Cumberland where we will anchor out again tonight. We will arrive tomorrow at Grand Rivers, Kentucky where we will leave the boat and go home for a month.We will come back to Grand Rivers in mid October and head for the Tennessee River for a meeting of the Americas Great Loop Cruisers Assn. We will then take the boat to Huntsville, Alabama where we have a slip reserved in a marina. We are planning to leave the boat there while we rest and regroup and decide what we are going to do next.

This trip has been a blast. It was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more. I want to thank you for all your patience and instruction at Chapman's. I really don't think I could have done without you. A day doesn't go by that I don't use something that I learned from you. Thank you so much.
Floyd Walpole

All to soon, the party was dwindling down. Judy and Pat headed back to their time share place; Larry and Cindy boarded their BUCKET LIST with Linda and John for the short but very windy trip back to Grafton Marina; Bob and Ann headed back to NAUTIKALL to prepare for their return to St Louis. As Becky loaded her bags, Mom and Muriel began discussing with her how they were going shop their way back to Kansas on Tuesday. Floyd and I enjoyed another bowl of ice cream before collapsing. We sure hope everyone had as much fun as we did!!!

Even did a re-christening on the bow with warm beer...can I just say when I did that before leaving three years ago someone thought he might be with a crazy person...now he knows for sure! This time it was his idea!

Party time...We were ever so thrilled to be joined for our little celebration by Floyd's godmother, Judy Stanley and her husband, Pat; Ann and Bob Kallemeier and her mother, Esther; Larry and Cindy Kreissler and their friends Linda and John, Becky Bauman (crew for the finish), Muriel Walpole, and Maxine Wilson. Somehow Muriel managed to make her world famous home made vanilla ice cream. Even though the day was very windy and very cool, we thought everyone had plenty of good food and fun aboard the TUMBLEWEED. Sure wish we had taken a whole group photo but we didn't...another missed Kodak moment.

Posing before the party on Monday...with all our state flags flying high ( yes, we had one for every state we passed through), bold gold (we completed the loop) burgee on the front, and wearing our AGLCA (American Great Loop Cruisers Association) shirts. We felt like an advertisement for having a dream, overcoming obstacles, sticking to it, and completing the task! Definitely a proud accomplishment...and we did it together!

Followed shortly by Floyd's sister, Muriel, and my mom, Maxine. They'd driven over together from Kansas to join the celebration and provide transportation for Becky to return to Fredonia. Oh, and take us to the grocery store as we were in the middle of nowhere St Charles, Missouri. We also managed to go to a nice restaurant for supper that night. We were in the mood to celebrate! Imagine that!

We were still adjusting lines and plugging into shore power when we were greeted by one of our first boating friends, Bob Kallemeier...his boat NAUTIKALL was just two slips over...He and Ann had been awaiting our arrival and gifted us with champagne!!! What a treat!!

It wasn't long before familiar sights greeted us...the big Eagle statute and sign welcoming us back to Polestar...where we started in July 2008...we've learned just a few things about boating since then!!!!

We were ever so glad that Becky was aboard...she took an official H A P P Y couple photo!!!

Changing our beat up, faded, thread bare, stained and moldy ,once white Looper burgee flag for the bold gold (we completed the LOOP) burgee mid channel was a thrill for us all. Becky drove; Floyd changed the flags; I took pictures. Woo Hoo, we did it. They said that we could do it and indeed we did. Official time...930 AM, September 4, 2011.

We left Grafton Marina under cool and cloudy skies about 9 AM Sunday morning headed to cross our wake, get gas at port St Charles, and dock at Polestar Marina (where this loopy thing started. It had just quit raining and the Captain could not contain his excitement any longer...Let's getter done!!!!

Grafton Marina was a fun and busy place. Nice bar and restaurant upstairs. Becky and I did our bit to help them pay rent by shopping in their ship store downstairs. Cute cover up sparkle dresses and chocolate wine...who knew???? And the scenery wasn't too bad either...shark taxi and a pirate ship aren't really an everyday occurrence.