Why Seasons Matter More Than Schedules
The most dangerous thing on a boat isn’t weather, waves, or even mechanical failure.
It’s a schedule.
The Great Loop is a season-driven journey, not a calendar event.
The “Follow the Flowers” Strategy
Most Loopers move with the seasons:
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Spring: Leave Florida and head north
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Summer: Great Lakes and Canadian canals
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Fall: Rivers southbound
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Winter: Florida, Keys, or Bahamas
This timing:
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Avoids hurricanes
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Prevents freeze-ups
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Keeps locks open
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Reduces fatigue
This philosophy is explored deeply in our video: “The Most Dangerous Thing on a Boat Is a Schedule.”
Why Rigid Plans Fail
Weather delays:
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Compound fatigue
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Encourage bad decisions
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Lead to running when you shouldn’t
Loopers who succeed build margin, not deadlines.
Locks, Water Levels, and Reality
You’ll pass through 100+ locks. Each one:
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Operates on its own schedule
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Is affected by traffic and water levels
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Rewards patience
Preparation matters — but flexibility matters more.
Lock handling, preparation, and stress reduction are covered in our locking and river-running videos.
The Mental Side of the Loop
Life in 30–40 feet tests:
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Communication
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Patience
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Decision-making under fatigue
The Loop isn’t about miles per day — it’s about good days stacked together.
Bottom Line
Successful Loopers don’t ask:
“How fast can we get there?”
They ask:
“Is today a good day to go?”
That mindset changes everything.
Meet Captain Mike 
I’m Captain Mike — a lifelong boater and the voice behind the Good Time Adventures YouTube channel.
I created the channel to share what really happens out on the water — not just the highlights, but the decisions, mistakes, fixes, and lessons that don’t show up in glossy brochures. From Great Loop planning to comfort, safety, boat systems, and mindset, my goal is simple: help boaters be better prepared and less stressed when they cast off.
If you want to see these topics in action — along with real trips, real fixes, and real decisions — you can follow along on my YouTube channel here:
👉 [https://www.youtube.com/@CaptainMike1965]
