December 2025 – The Great Loop Adventure on SeaDAN

A close-up view of a snake resting on a tree trunk with green foliage in the background.

A table set outside with an ashtray containing a cigar, a glass of whiskey, a pint of beer, and a glass of a light-colored beverage. The background shows empty chairs and a shop window.

A person standing at the helm of a boat, holding a mug, with a view of water and trees in the background.

A man standing on a dock at a marina, wearing a blue t-shirt and shorts, holding a drink with boats in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Scenic view of the St. Johns River featuring trees with autumn foliage and Spanish moss hanging from branches, reflecting on calm water under a clear blue sky.

An alligator resting on a log partially submerged in a river, surrounded by lush green vegetation and calm waters.

A brightly lit boat docked on a river at night, with colorful reflections in the water.

A brightly lit riverboat named The Barbara-Lee docked at night, with colorful holiday decorations and people gathered nearby.

A woman stands next to a large inflatable Grinch decoration wearing a Christmas hat, holding a candy cane, with festive lights and a Christmas tree in the background.

A nighttime scene at a marina with a decorated riverboat in the background. Several people in formal attire are walking by, with bright red umbrellas and festive lights enhancing the atmosphere.

A woman stands beside a bicycle in a festive outdoor setting, decorated with holiday trees and colorful ornaments.

A scenic view of a marina at sunset, with a variety of boats docked and a vibrant sky filled with shades of pink and purple reflecting on the calm water.

Sunset over a marina filled with boats, reflecting off calm water.

A view of the St. Johns River with a restaurant and seating area visible in the background, framed by trees and clear blue skies.

Close-up of a boat's polished stainless steel bow showing the anchor and flag against a bright blue sky.

A YETI tumbler engraved with 'Captain Chris' is sitting on a boat ledge with an American flag in the background, showcasing a calm river at sunset.

A crowded football stadium with a large scoreboard displaying a game, blue skies, and fluffy clouds above.

A woman in a white golf top and patterned shorts stands under a tree, pointing at the hanging Spanish moss while surrounded by a lush golf course landscape.

View of the World Golf Hall of Fame building, featuring a prominent sign and architectural details, surrounded by trees and grassy landscape.

A scenic view of a boat named SeaDan docked along the St. Johns River, surrounded by tall grass and trees, with a serene sunset in the background.

A person sitting on the bow of a boat, looking out over a calm river on a clear blue sky day.

Two bald eagles are standing near a calm water body, surrounded by green grass and natural scenery.

Sign welcoming visitors to the Ripley Boat Club, featuring nautical-themed decor and a message inviting them to return.

A scenic view of a large fountain spraying water in a circular pool, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky with wispy clouds. In the background, a tall building is visible.

A man standing in front of a seasonal decoration display featuring autumn leaves and Halloween-themed candy corn figures, with a sign for 'Sweet Pete's' in the background.

Sign for The Casbah, a café, cabaret, and hookah lounge, displayed on a tree-lined street.

Close-up view of a boat's propeller and rudder, showcasing a shiny yellow propeller and the underside of the hull, with support stands visible.

Elegant interior view of a grand staircase with carpeted steps and decorative railings, leading to an upper level in a well-lit building.

A colorful mural depicting a lively crowd watching a man diving into water, with two men swimming beneath a wooden dock.

A military ship with hull number 886 docked near a waterfront, surrounded by palm trees and a tall building in the background.

A couple stands on a golf course near a pond, smiling and posing for the photo. The landscape features lush green grass, trees in the background, and a cloudy blue sky.

A scenic view of a golf course with a large, elegant clubhouse in the background, surrounded by trees and a calm water feature.

A view of the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium, featuring the phrase 'HOME OF THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS' prominently displayed on the structure, with a tugboat moored in the foreground on the water.

A man preparing to swing a golf club in an indoor golf practice area, surrounded by various golf equipment and bags.

A man in a white t-shirt and cap holds a golf club in a fitting area, surrounded by golf equipment.

A person steering a boat, with the view of a green bridge in the distance and various navigation instruments visible in the cabin.

Aerial view of a mini-golf course featuring winding paths, water features, and lush greenery with a wooden structure in the background.

A charming wooden building with a steep roof and welcoming entrance, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant plants. A sign indicating 'Welcome' and 'Golf Cashier' is prominently displayed in the foreground.

St. Johns River, Sanford, and the Joy of Letting the Loop Wander

Hello friends — Chris and Deb checking in from SeaDan, where one week somehow managed to hold a boatyard victory lap, a jungle river adventure, and a brand-new place that already feels like home.

When we last checked in, SeaDan was on the hard in Jacksonville, getting some much-needed love after stress fractures showed up on the swim platform. A huge shout-out to Brooks and Thad at Huckins Yacht Corporation on the St. Johns River. Their craftsmanship, fiberglass work, and attention to detail were outstanding. Huckins has been around a long time, and it shows — not just in their skills, but in the pride they take in keeping boats right.

Jacksonville: Food, Fairways, and Football

Because the boat stayed put from August through early December, we had time to really settle into Jacksonville — and it surprised us in all the best ways.

We found favorites downtown like River & Post (and its St. Augustine sibling, Fort & Post), and spent a lot of time in Avondale, a historic neighborhood full of boutique shops, cobblestone streets, big Southern homes, and great food. Bluefish Restaurant, European Street Café, and even a hookah bar called Casbah Café made the rotation. No hookah for us, but excellent food and atmosphere.

Golf became a theme, too. TPC Sawgrass was the bucket-list highlight, but we also loved Bent Creek Golf Course and the World Golf Village courses — especially Slammer & Squire. There’s just something special about playing well-kept courses surrounded by history while moving slowly through the Loop.

And yes — we even caught a Jacksonville Jaguars game. We’re still Bengals fans at heart, but grabbing end-zone seats, soaking up a Duval crowd, and watching a jet flyover made for a memorable Sunday.

Fixing the Plane (Literally)

One lingering mystery from earlier in the trip was SeaDan’s reluctance to get up on plane. At Huckins, we tackled it head-on: new air filters, prop speed on all the running gear, and a thorough once-over. The result? Back on plane at 23–24 knots like she was meant to be. Problem solved — and a huge relief.

The Itch to Move Again

After Thanksgiving back home and a delayed but wonderful trip to Punta Cana with friends, we returned to Jacksonville in early December planning to wait until January before heading south on the St. Johns River.

But then we looked at the weather.

Clear forecasts. Calm winds. And that familiar Loop itch.

So we untied the lines on December 11 and pointed SeaDan inland.

The St. Johns River: Our Favorite Side Trip Yet

This river surprised us completely. Deep, wide, calm, and winding through swamps and old Florida landscapes, the St. Johns River felt wild and peaceful all at once. We meandered past manatees, spotted alligators, anchored under stars, and crossed Lake George on glass-smooth water with the channel markers guiding us straight through.

We stayed at a free dock near Palatka, anchored near Morrison Island, and then dropped the hook at Blue Spring State Park — a place that honestly felt like stepping into Jurassic Park. Jungle-thick shoreline. Absolute stillness. Manatees everywhere. While FaceTiming Nick, we spotted our first alligator lounging on the bank. Mission accomplished.

Blue Spring is also accessible by land, with boardwalks and observation decks overlooking crystal-clear, warm spring water that draws manatees all winter. It’s protected this time of year, and for good reason — there are so many manatees it’s hard to believe until you see it.

Sanford: A Place We Didn’t Expect to Love (But Do)

Our final leg brought us to Sanford Municipal Marina, just ahead of a strong north wind that arrived two hours after we tied up. Perfect timing.

From the moment we arrived, we knew Sanford, Florida was special. Luke and Cody met us at the dock, helped us settle in, and made us feel instantly welcome. Neighbors introduced themselves. Stories started flowing. One of those marinas where community shows up fast.

Sanford itself is a gem — historic brick buildings, cobblestone streets, breweries, theaters, antique shops, and a 17-mile paved riverwalk looping around Lake Monroe. We took the e-bikes to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens one day (small, charming, and heavy on reptiles — as it should be), then followed that with beers at Deviant Wolfe Brewing and Celery City Craft, housed in an old fire station and jail.

We also found Hollerbach’s German Restaurant — excellent Reubens, a full German market and bakery, and plenty of reasons to return.

A Little Pause Before the Next Chapter

SeaDan will stay here through January and February while we head home for the holidays — chasing our grandson Leon, maybe sneaking in some skiing, and enjoying time with family. Then it’s back south in early January to continue exploring the St. Johns River before turning north up the East Coast.

That’s the magic of the Loop. Plans exist — but the best moments come from listening to the weather, following curiosity, and letting the journey bend a little.

Thanks for following along. If you’re anywhere near the St. Johns, the East Coast, or the Great Lakes next year, let’s reconnect — dockside drink or round of golf encouraged.

Until next time,
Fair winds,
Chris & Deb

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Captain’s Log 13 | From the Hard to the Heart of Florida | 12/18/2025