Alison Major 4/30/26 Alison Major 4/30/26

I'm Speaking at the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous — Here's What I'm Sharing

Two presentations, one rendezvous, and a course dropping on May 5. Here's what I'm sharing at the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous in Norfolk — and why it matters whether you're there or not.

Alison Major 4/16/26 Alison Major 4/16/26

Birding on the Loop: How We Use the Merlin App Underway

We didn't plan to become birders. Somewhere between the rivers and the Gulf coast, it just happened… and the Merlin app is a big part of why. Here's how we use it underway and why it adds something unexpected to life on the Loop.

Alison Major 4/9/26 Alison Major 4/9/26

What the Great Loop Actually Feels Like in the First Few Days

You've planned, prepped, and finally cast off. And then, somewhere in the first 48 hours, it hits you. Not the adventure you imagined. Something rawer, stranger, and ultimately more real than that.

Alison Major 3/31/26 Alison Major 3/31/26

One Year Later: What I Wish I Had Written Down on the Loop

I was so sure I'd remember all of it. The names, the faces, the feeling of that one anchorage at sunset. Some of it has faded. Here's what I'd go back and write down, and what I'd tell every Looper to capture before they lose it.

Alison Major 3/24/26 Alison Major 3/24/26

The Looper's Guide to Keeping a Captain's Log (Even When You're Tired)

You've tied off, cooked dinner, and your brain is done. The last thing you want to do is write. But five minutes tonight is worth a hundred regrets later. Here's how to make it easy.

Alison Major 3/3/26 Alison Major 3/3/26

5 Deeper Prompts to Capture the Heart of Your Great Loop Journey

Already logging marinas and miles? These five deeper journaling prompts help you capture how the Great Loop is changing you—not just where you went, but what it meant.

Alison Major 10/22/25 Alison Major 10/22/25

Winterizing on the Move: Cold-Weather Prep for Active Loopers

Cruising south late in the season? Here’s how to prepare your boat for chilly nights and freezing temps without fully winterizing… so you can keep moving safely and comfortably.

Alison Major 10/20/25 Alison Major 10/20/25

Boat Chores That Save You From Major Repairs Later

It’s the little things that keep a boat happy. Here are the regular maintenance tasks that prevent big, expensive surprises later… especially for those cruising the Great Loop full-time.

Alison Major 10/10/25 Alison Major 10/10/25

Reading the River: Navigating Bends, Currents, and Busy Waterways

Narrow bends, strong currents, and busy traffic can make rivers stressful. Learn how to read the water, anticipate challenges, and stay calm while cruising safely.

Alison Major 10/8/25 Alison Major 10/8/25

Etiquette and Unspoken Rules on the River

Rivers and narrow channels can get crowded, but a few unspoken rules keep everyone safer and happier. Learn the habits every Looper should know.

Alison Major 10/6/25 Alison Major 10/6/25

How to Make Yourself Seen and Heard on the Water

Being visible and audible on rivers and narrow channels keeps everyone safer. Learn the best ways to make sure other boats notice you before it’s too late.

Alison Major 10/3/25 Alison Major 10/3/25

Five Times We Threw Out the Plan (and What We Learned)

Every Looper learns early: no plan survives contact with the water. Here’s why flexibility is your best friend, and how unexpected changes can turn into some of the most memorable moments.

Alison Major 10/1/25 Alison Major 10/1/25

Why Cruising Plans Are Made to Change

Every Looper learns early: no plan survives contact with the water. Here’s why flexibility is your best friend, and how unexpected changes can turn into some of the most memorable moments.

Alison Major 9/29/25 Alison Major 9/29/25

The Looper’s Guide to Flexible Itineraries

The Great Loop is full of surprises: weather delays, mechanical hiccups, and opportunities you don’t want to miss. Here’s how to plan an itinerary that keeps you on track without boxing you in.

Alison Major 9/19/25 Alison Major 9/19/25

Learning from a Bump: Why Groundings Don’t Have to Be a Big Deal

Every cruiser dreads hearing that telltale “thunk,” but the truth is, running aground happens to almost everyone at some point. Instead of letting fear take over, you can treat it as a learning moment and come out more confident on the water.

Alison Major 9/17/25 Alison Major 9/17/25

When to Call for a Tow: A Cruiser’s Guide

Not every grounding needs a tow. Here’s how to know when you can self-rescue and when it’s smarter (and safer) to call TowBoatUS or Sea Tow.

Alison Major 9/15/25 Alison Major 9/15/25

5 Common Causes of Groundings (and How to Avoid Them)

Running aground happens to every cruiser eventually, but most groundings are preventable. Here are five of the most common causes, plus tips to help you steer clear.

Alison Major 8/15/25 Alison Major 8/15/25

The Ritual: Our “Anchor Watch” Hour and Why It Works

We don’t keep an anchor watch all night, but we do have one hour that we treat like a sacred ritual. Here’s why it works for us, how it keeps our boat (and sanity) safe, and why it might just be the most relaxing part of our cruising day.

Alison Major 8/13/25 Alison Major 8/13/25

How to Use an Anchor Alarm Without Losing Sleep

Anchor alarms can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and an all-night pacing session. Here’s how we set ours so it’s a quiet safety net — not a constant false alarm.