The Motor Vessel "Once Around"

The Motor Vessel "Once Around"
The Motor Vessel "Once Around" in the Florida Keys

Friday, March 4, 2011

Why "Once Around"

Most folks will assume that the name of our boat, Once Around, signifies our plan to complete the Great Loop, and they will be partly right.

For Carrie and me, however, the Once Around theme goes back some twenty or more years to an offbeat comedy movie starring Richard Dreyfuss as a flamboyant and successful businessman, who believes that life is short and you only go around once.  Holly Hunter, who plays his small town traditionally raised wife, is pulled at first reluctantly, but soon willingly, into his whirlwind.  Hunter’s family, but primarily her Italian Father (played by Danny Aiello), are completely blown away by Dreyfuss’ penchant for living every day to its fullest and look on in something between disbelief and horror.  After her roller coaster of a marriage is cut short by her husband’s untimely death, Hunter, at his funeral, consoles her sister by telling her not to be sad for her because, “I just had the best time of my life”.  The first time we saw that movie all those years ago, I told Carrie if she could say that at my funeral I will have lived a happy life.  She (lucky for me) agreed, and we planned to try and always remember that you only go around once.

Our dream of travelling on America’s Great Loop is part of the fulfillment of that plan.  So, even if you think we are a little bit crazy for leaving the comfort of our family, friends and home and going on this ridiculous adventure, be happy for us as we go “Once Around”!

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