Tuesday, September 24th - We are now back at Hindson Marine getting the boat ready for lift out on Friday. We hardly know where to begin with cleaning and emptying the boat!

Our last week at anchor at Beausoleil Island was a nice finish to our trip. The weather was warm for the most part and we still swam most days. By Friday it had cooled off and rain was forecast. We met Frank and Debra, aboard Another Compromise, who are Platinum Loopers and enjoyed one last 'docktails' as we shared stories of their two loops in 2006 and 2008 and ours just finished.

On Saturday, the docks became busy with several power boats from all around the area. It reminded us of our early days at Fifty Point Marina before the rain shelter was built. They quickly stretched a large tarp over the fire pit and picnic area and settled in for the weekend, despite the rain. We were invited to join them, and spent much of Saturday afternoon and evening enjoying their fire as they asked questions about our trip.

So, this is it! We are heading home after 16 + months! On Friday, when the boat is lifted we will have been aboard for 502 continuous nights! We have travelled 7,156 nautical miles (8,235 statute miles). Our fuel costs were $3216.18 - less than our docking, groceries, eating out, 'beverages' and miscellaneous expenses. I'll add a more complete breakdown of costs later but the Great Loop was worth every penny spent and we are seriously wondering if we shouldn't have just kept going. We will have all winter to plan the next great adventure!