On August 20, a former Linden family of five—and their two dogs—set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey: a 14-month, 6,000-mile boating adventure known as America’s Great Loop.
Lisa McGill, 45, and her husband Bryan, 47, are traveling with their daughters—Sienna (14), Hannah (12), and Tessa (7)—as well as their dogs, Bruce and Norman. The McGills are fulfilling a dream of living aboard a boat while traveling through one of North America’s most iconic waterway routes.
After a week on the water, they shattered a window, had rougher waters than anticipated, endured a minor, middle of Lake Michigan dinghy debacle, and they realized Bruce was not loving travel days; but Lisa said they acknowledge they are happy, healthy, and excited to be back in Ludington, Bryan’s hometown, for a few weeks.
Lisa and Bryan both lived in Linden. Lisa spent several years teaching at Fenton Middle School and Fenton High School, while Bryan worked remotely for BCD Travel for 20 years and is the vice president of program management. In 2021, Lisa felt a spiritual calling. “The Lord called us to travel,” she said.
The couple sold their home, bought a fifth-wheel RV, and hit the road. Over the next four-and-a-half years, they visited 47 national parks and homeschooled their daughters along the way.
Eventually, the family began searching for their next chapter. Bryan had long dreamed of completing the Great Loop, but Lisa was initially hesitant. “I said no way—on a boat, with kids?” she recalled with a laugh.
But about 18 months ago, during prayer, Lisa said she felt called to reconsider. When she brought the idea up again, the entire family discussed it seriously. “It had to be a full family decision. If one of us wasn’t on board, we weren’t going,” she said. “But we were all in. We’re super pumped.”
After months of prayer, research, and planning, the McGills purchased a 47-foot Carver yacht in Ontario, Canada. The boat features three staterooms and serves as their floating home. They began their journey in Cheboygan, at Duncan Bay Marina, which offers direct access to Lake Huron. The marina is also where they plan to end the journey—what Loopers call “crossing your wake.”
To prepare, the family trained with a licensed boat captain and planned a flexible itinerary. Unlike some who attempt the Great Loop quickly, the McGills are taking their time—about 14 months—to fully embrace the experience. A two-month stay in the Bahamas is part of their route.
“I feel really, really blessed,” Lisa said.
They know boat life will come with challenges—limited space, occasional tension, and time away from friends. Still, the family stays connected through Starlink, which enables them to keep in touch with loved ones and manage school and business remotely. Lisa shares their journey on social media and YouTube.
Drawing on her years of teaching, Lisa has tailored homeschool curricula to each daughter’s interests and strengths. “We believe our girls will learn more by experiencing the world firsthand than they ever could in a classroom,” she said.
Boat life requires careful planning, especially when it comes to food and supplies. Marinas along the route often have harbor hosts who assist with transportation or groceries. Walmart delivery will also help keep the pantry stocked.
Lisa said the family is eager to meet other “Loopers”—the affectionate term for those navigating the Great Loop. “We’ll definitely connect with others doing the same route,” she said.
While visiting with some friends in Cheboygan on their boat, Sienna said, “I’m really excited. I’m most excited about staying in the Bahamas, but I’m excited about everything.”
In addition to the Bahamas, next spring to early summer they will be cruising up the east coast, which will include cruising past the Statue of Liberty and catching a Broadway show in New York City. They plan to stay at a marina while visiting New York.
Sienna admits being away from her friends for a long time can be difficult; however, she said she has great friends and they visit her whenever they can. She will stay in touch through Facetime and texting. “I’m blessed,” she said.
When asked about her stateroom, Sienna said she and her younger sister will share the room and do their best to keep it clean.
Being a “big reader,” Sienna said, “I love to read and will sit on the bow, read and get a tan all at the same time.”
Looking forward to the next 14 months, Sienna offered tips to other teens who might have this same type of opportunity with their family. She said, “You won’t get this time back. It’s precious. Life has its ups and downs; it’s just life in a different environment.”
As they set off on this new chapter, Lisa added:
“We trust the good Lord to protect our family. We’re firm believers in experiences over things.”
If you’d like to follow the McGill family’s Great Loop adventure, follow their Instagram account at OurTrueNorthAdventures.
About the Great Loop
America’s Great Loop is a continuous system of waterways that recreational boaters navigate through the eastern United States and parts of Canada. Most Loopers travel counterclockwise to take advantage of river currents. The journey typically spans 5,000–7,500 miles and includes the Intracoastal Waterway, Great Lakes, inland rivers, and coastal routes.
To learn more, visit the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association at www.greatloop.org.
History was made
Robert Youens, 71, made history in July. The adventurer made history by completing the 6,000-mile Great Loop journey in record-breaking 19 days, 14 hours and 0 minutes. He completed the feat solo, navigating through the eastern half of the U.S. and parts of Canada in a 16-foot, single-motor, aluminum Jon boat. The cancer survivor has inspired many, earning him the nickname, “The Ageless Wanderer.”
The major sections of the Great Loop
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
Runs from Florida to New York Harbor along the Atlantic coast
Protected inland route with marinas, anchorages, and small towns
Hudson River to the Erie Canal (or alternative routes):
From New York City up the Hudson River, then west via the Erie Canal or north via the Champlain Canal into Canada
Great Lakes:
Usually through Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan
The Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario is a scenic and historic route
Inland Rivers:
From Chicago, boats go south through the Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Tombigbee Rivers, reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Coast and Florida:
After reaching the Gulf, loopers head east to Florida, completing the loop by heading back up the ICW.
