Playing the waiting game

Jeffrey Meyer

Everyone knows the old adage: the most dangerous thing on a boat is a schedule. Before I set out on the Loop, I told myself I’d avoid that trap—I’d cruise without deadlines or expectations. But now I realize: that’s just not possible. If you want to stay at a marina, you need a reservation—often nonrefundable. If your boat needs work, you book appointments weeks in advance. If you need parts or supplies shipped, you need a destination and a delivery window—and you need to be there when they arrive. In other words, schedules are unavoidable. And they’re often at odds with a mode of travel where so much is out of your control. Weather, mechanical issues, and—most maddening of all—lock delays can completely unravel the best-laid plans. Today was one of those days. We arrived at our first lock right at opening, only to find a wall of boats already waiting. That first delay set the tone for the day—long waits at nearly every lock became the norm. Our original plan evaporated before we even got started. We covered just 23 miles and made it through 8 locks, but it felt like a grind. Progress, yes—but hard-fought, and nowhere near what we’d hoped. And yet… in terms of natural beauty, today set a new high-water mark. Cruising through Clear Lake and Stony Lake was an experience I won’t forget. A maze of islands, channels, and winding turns surrounded us, each view more jaw-dropping than the last. Stunning cottages tucked into hidden coves only added to the magic. I felt a powerful urge to slow down, to stop and explore, to linger in this place that seems to exist just beyond the edge of a dream. But onward we must go. The schedule calls.

Boat & Crew

Big Wave

Meridian, 411

Jeffrey Meyer

Owner