I hope this comment finds you well and good, sir. I want to point out a couple things that may or may not be lost on you. First, keep your chin up. I know there are struggles along your journey but what is success without struggle? Every day you learn more about your capabilities and build on them, coming out of it stronger and wiser. We do not grow as human beings if we only live inside our comfort zone. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Second, you are doing something most of us will never have the chance to do. So turn your camera on, get your coffee every morning, take us out to see the sunrise and reflect on what you learned the previous day. We are here on this journey with you and we want to hear all about it. ❤❤

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Very wise words. Thanks.

@RogueBohemian

19 күн бұрын

@@MV_Checkmate You're very selective about listening to wise words of advice. Imagine that.lmao You're still fumbling your way along every day, waiting for the next disaster. Your ignorance is showing, son.

@MV_Checkmate

19 күн бұрын

@@RogueBohemian thanks Dad, love you too.

Microbursts have some of the most dangerous conditions. Im so glad you made it through and nobody, I think, can prepare for that, Cheers!!

Not sure where abouts you are now, but route planning will be your friend along with the sailor's tried and true 1st mate which is an anchor. Holding your boat at extended times with engine and thrusters solo with out a GPS positioner is a bit much. You will incur more spots like this even as you cross back over to US waters. Get used to the anchor being your friend. Practice emergancy anchor drops. Practice river anchoring and let the current keep you aligned. Can use rudder to assist on inboards, if its an I/O rhen that rudder technique doesn't work. Some comments here are more criticism than helpful. One of the things you may want to consider during the evenings, is watching Captain Chris's videos. A wealth of info there. Research and youtube your next destination of hazardous and go over your charts well. Stay safe out there.

Another great video. Thanks for sharing.

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I enjoyed each episode so far. Wonderful adventures. I downsided my boat from 25 feet to 17 feet. I had problems to handle the big boat alone, when I became older. So I am impressed seeing you handling your huge yacht alone.

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

I plan on downsizing when I get done with my Loop. This is way too much boat for me.

Im in my late fifties, i hope i have your courage and resilience when I'm 70.

@MV_Checkmate

23 күн бұрын

Thanks

Another great job .. Don’t quit. I’m inspired to get this done by watching your videos.

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

You can do it!

Love your videos! I'm living my dream of doing the loop through you!

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Go for it!

@MBarker397

24 күн бұрын

@MV_Checkmate only if the Boss, aka the wife, would ever let me!🤣🤣

Good Luck Brother! Wish you the best on your journey!!1

BTW, I wanted to say I really appreciate your approach to recording all events both positive and challenging. I am the same age and looking forward to hopefully starting the Loop with my wife) in Fall 2025. Please keep up the great running commentary and hopefully you have more good days than challenging days. Lee on MV Exhale

@MV_Checkmate

23 күн бұрын

I appreciate that!

I am really enjoying your videos each week. Keep them up! It seems like this week you were a little burnt out... no wonder after all those challenges. Don't be afraid to take a little time and find a good spot to spend a week or so, just to regroup. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, not a race! Florida will still be there when you get back. 😉

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Your right. I need to smell the roses and quit rushing. Thanks.

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

You’re right. Thanks.

Good job! That's what keeps the blood flowing...😎👍

@MV_Checkmate

23 күн бұрын

That’s for sure.

Always prep for both sides in locks!

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Yep, I do now. As you never know. I had to learn the hard way.

That was another very interesting video. I am glad you elected to take the Trent Severn route because I have been following several Loop blogs and I don't see too much about it. I guess maybe you are taking the more adventurous path back home. I would like to see some of your mundane or routine housekeeping chores and maintenance. Remember that what is routine to you may be exciting to someone who isn't having as an adventurous experience as you are. You are in a foreign country and things are very different. Enjoy each new thing you encounter. Have a safe trip.

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Thanks.

I think the #1 comment from loopers that I've heard that surprised them the most is how much work it is. Not a pleasure cruise for parts of it. And you have twice the work since you're single handing. Stick with it, you'll make it.

@MV_Checkmate

23 күн бұрын

Thanks

I see you've made it to Georgian Bay. Welcome to the Great Lakes. Time for big water fun. [evil grin]

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

So far it’s been calm winds. Fingers crossed. 😊

Aw the boating life isn't supposed to be that stressful . Relax and try enjoy it Eh...Just kidding You are the only one showing us the stress and parallels of boating. Keep up the great work.Cheers

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

So true!

The scenery when you get past Lake Simcoe will make every thing worth while

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Wow, you got that right. It’s stunning.

Sounds like you had a great time on the Trent/Severn canal. Canada must love you. =) =) I agree these are things that should be in the various Great Loop guides as well as in videos made by loopers but I've not noted any looper mention seeing commentary in any guide about "look out for this possibility here", and few make note of such things themselves. Though in the latter case it may just be that they don't encounter them. The only one I can think of is actually Scho and Jo, who I know you watched, who did make note of the same narrow section of canal and the potential issues with it although iirc they didn't have any issues themselves. Hang in there. Just like with the locks, once you've experienced these things you'll recognize the situation before hand next time and know how to deal with it. Might not be easier, but it'll be less stressful. Here's hoping the Mississippi flooding has gone down by the time you get there.

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Thanks for the comments.

I also was caught in a sudden summer squall on Rice Lake, not fun. You have made it past the weediest part of the TS and from Simcoe on up it is much better. At least you got through the railway bridge before it suffered issues and has been closed (not sure if its reopened yet or not).

I think that Balsam Lake is the highest point on earth that a boat starting at sea level can reach by canal. Since you started on the Hudson your boat has done it. ( 256.3 metres)

Ok , I’ll bite - CMG ? Lol ! I enjoy the stories of your difficulties, being alone ( as I will be someday ) cause me to not be overly confident in my lack of expierence, but Someday . ,

Rice lake is brutal I have been caught several times. No solution for the weeds.

not trying to troll but you inexperience shows. I commend you for trying as I have been watching the whole time. Good to see you finally are wearing a life jacket while in the locks. I hope the best but do worry about your saftey

@MV_Checkmate

23 күн бұрын

Thanks. I actually have a lifetime of boating experience, I’m just the kind of person that doesn’t stop and think before I jump at it regardless whether I know better or not. Have always been that way.

Remember, panic will make things worse and get you into more trouble. Agree that being alone and with a vessel thats not real easy to handle locks and docking, the upper helm does not help you for trying up. Keep your cool when it is stressful you'll get thru it.

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Thanks for the advice.

Great video as always... you think the lift lock was interesting. Wait until you get to Big Chute 😂😂

@MV_Checkmate

23 күн бұрын

Can't wait!

Meh... turn it around and realize your doing something unique that many wish they could, but never will. The mayhem is part of the fun and challenge. Accomplishment it only felt and realize with struggle. Personally, I would have been laughing during something like that. Just remember to operate the boat first. Don't worry what the wind is doing, focus on the task needed to deal with it. Your doing great! It'll only get better with more experience and time. By the time this is over, your going to be a skilled and proficient Yachtsman.

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Thanks for the inspiration.

The scariest is coming in to it form the top side bing up against the door it’s pretty tall and just a simple latch holding the door closed fun fact is the lock tub getting any heavier when boats are in it ? Or is the displacement of the boats removing the same weight of water

@MV_Checkmate

19 күн бұрын

@@adamsyclone7409 that’s a great question. I would think that the boat displacement is removing the same weight of water?

At ~8 minutes I’m wondering why I watch this. You have a very good delivery, and content is generally very comforting. However, this recent video is a complete waste of time. You are doing something very, very special. The Loop at your age… “and ALONE” is remarkable. Show us what you do everyday… Morning coffee is a hit, and you know this!

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Thanks

Be carful rice lake had a hidden rail track across it lots of people hit it and it’s a boat killer

I find the adversity rewarding when I beat it, stressful during but afterwards it’s a victory. Maybe look at it that way

@MV_Checkmate

23 күн бұрын

You are absolutely correct. The following day I was gung ho and ready to jump back in with both feet.

You're telling about these wild downpours and torrential rains and wind, Ummm, at 9:12 in your video, there's a WATERSPOUT a few hundred yards from you!!!!!😮😱😵😫 For those that don't know what a WATERSPOUT is, it's a tornado over the water that sucks the water up into the sky!!!!!

@marshallbowen8693

23 күн бұрын

I think that it is a fountain in Peterborough in the water: not a waterspout.

@scott8689

9 күн бұрын

hahahaha good one, water spout! or a fountain!

Hey Sledge. Drop another anchor😅😊😮

Have you made it to Georgian Bay yet?

@MV_Checkmate

19 күн бұрын

@@user-uw9rp9ow2e yep, finally.

Abord or aboard?

@Bob-bo8ik

24 күн бұрын

What is abord? Assault or something like that?

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

@@Bob-bo8ika 2x4 or a sheet of plywood.

@Tom123mike

24 күн бұрын

@@Bob-bo8ik it’s in his intro “Abord Checkmate”

Things are going to happen on the water! Down load the the NOAA App. You don't want to be another USS MINNOW.

Abord is on your intro, not Aboard

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Oops, thanks for catching that.

Should you be doing this? You seem close to tragedy often

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

When 6 bad things happen all within several miles it’s hard to keep a smile.

@markpowell762

24 күн бұрын

​@MV_Checkmate Instead of concentrating on bad things, laugh at them. We can't control some of those things, but we do have full control of if we have a bad day or an Awesome day. It is up to us. Remember, you are on a journey of a lifetime through gorgeous country. You have the opportunity of learning new skills everyday. Enjoy every moment!

Train ]s go slow because our tacks are all in bad shape they can’t go fast

@MV_Checkmate

24 күн бұрын

Thanks for the info.

Have you made it to Georgian Bay yet?

@MV_Checkmate

19 күн бұрын

Yep, finally.