A Rough Arrival
Connecticut welcomed us with a little more excitement than planned. Somewhere in the East River we hit something submerged hard enough to bend a prop and shake the whole boat like a jackhammer. The vibration was instant and unmistakable — the kind that makes every boater’s stomach drop.
Running on one engine, we limped into Pilots Point Marina. The crew there didn’t hesitate — they got us into the haul‑out queue fast, even in peak season.
Pilots Point to the Rescue
Watching your home rise out of the water in the straps of a travel lift never stops being surreal, but the Pilots Point team handled it like pros.
They pulled the damaged prop, assessed the situation, and coordinated everything smoothly. Huge thanks to Jeff and Dave for their hard work and steady hands.
Hale Propeller: The One‑Day Miracle
The prop went straight to Hale Propeller in Old Saybrook — and they turned it around the next day. In the boating world, that’s unheard of. They restored it, balanced it, and had us ready to splash again almost immediately.
Birthday Week in Westbrook
Our stop in Westbrook lined up perfectly with my sister’s birthday and my own birthday, so the Pair of Jokers became party central.
Friends on the bow / Pair of Jokers banner Friends came by to celebrate, check out the boat, and enjoy the sunshine. Nothing beats sharing your Loop boat with people seeing it for the first time.
East Side Restaurant — Big Beers & Bigger Laughs
We made the pilgrimage to East Side Restaurant for the giant steins.
Big beer photo And of course…
TICKY TOCKY TICKY TOKY — OI OI OI!
Perfect birthday energy.
Cornhole Tournament Fun
Pilots Point hosted a Cornhole Tournament while we were there, and it was a blast.
Cornhole photos (Legion, outdoor shots, action shots) My daughter Jenn and I did very well — not bad for two people who only play once a year. Great turnout, great people, and money raised for great causes.
A Very Cool Birthday Gift
My kids surprised me with Meta glasses for the trip — and they’re awesome. Perfect for hands‑free photos and capturing Loop moments without digging for a phone.
Family Time in Norwalk
On our way back through Connecticut, we stopped in Norwalk to visit my son Matt and his family.
Family dinner photos It was one of those perfect family days — relaxed, sunny, and full of the moments you miss when you’re cruising.
Parker at the helm The highlight was my granddaughter Parker at the helm. She looked like a natural — future captain in the making.
Looking Back
Connecticut wasn’t part of the plan — at least not like this — but that’s the Great Loop. Unpredictable, humbling, and full of people who show up when you need them.
We came in on one engine. We left with two. And we carried with us birthdays celebrated, family visited, friends welcomed aboard, and memories that will last long after the Loop is done.