Breakfast With The AGLCA

The AGLCA is the American Great Loop Cruiser's Association. This is an organization of boaters--primarily power boaters---who have traveled all or part of the Great Loop. The Great Loop is the Intracoastal Waterway--starting wherever--It runs from Mobile Bay, around the Gulf (like we've been doing) down through Florida, around and back up the east coast of Florida, on up the east coast, through New York Harbor, up the Hudson River, through the Erie and other canals, through the Great Lakes, through Chicago and down the river system to end up again in Mobile Bay. There are variations along the way. It's mostly power boaters because of the bridge restrictions that require sailboaters to remove their masts.
We breakfasted with about 50 members, all about our age, mostly in power boats--some big trawlers. Very nice people. They clearly have a lot of fun together---We were recruited heavily.
But--after enjoying our FREE breakfast we set about refueling, doing laundry and other boat chores. As is the pattern, we will stay here in Port St Joe several nights as another monster weather event is about to unload 30 degree temps and 25 kt winds and rain--and possibly snow or ice.. Then it will be on to Apalachicola where we will plan our crossing of the "arm pit" to Tarpon Springs. Looking for a 3rd crewmember to help us with this crossing. (Any takers?????) It looks like a weather window will open next week-end. Once we get across this stretch of water we'll be back in the ICW and on our way south to warmer and bluer waters. I'm particularly anxious to get to Tarpon springs as we understand it is a town of great character--the sponge diving capital of the world--heavy Greek influence with lots of Greek restaurants in town. So far this trip has been great, even in spite of the weather--but it is only going to get better from here. We can't wait.