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Jordan and Emily Bohonek, of North Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Albert Lea, received their BaccaLOOPerate degree from America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA). The degree is given in recognition of completing one of the world’s most unique adventures, America’s Great Loop. Boaters doing the Great Loop are on a 6,000-mile journey that circumnavigates the eastern part of the U.S. and Canada, cruising up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, through the New York State Canals, into the Great Lakes, down the inland river system, across the Gulf of Mexico, and around the southern tip of Florida.

Jordan, Emily and their two chidren completed the Great Loop aboard their Silverton 453 power boat, Live the Dash. In addition to facing the challenges inherent to long-distance cruising, the family enjoyed unparalleled views of the U.S. and Canada from the distinct vantage point of the water’s edge. They had this to say about their adventure:

“When we pulled our kids (age 12 and 9) from public schools to embark on this trip, one of their teachers said, ‘They are about to learn more on this adventure than they could ever learn inside the four walls of this building.’ Well, how right she was!

“For Emily and I, it was a time to find out better communication styles and ways to not only further discover each other’s strengths but come to rely on them! We agree this was not a vacation at all, but an adventure.”

Approximately 150 boats complete the Great Loop each year, making it a feat more unique than swimming the English Channel or climbing Mount Everest. Throughout this trip of a lifetime, they relied on America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association to provide them with information and assistance vital to the successful completion of their journey.