PALMETTO, Fla. — Sitting in their boat, which is now docked behind their Palmetto home, is the likely place you'll find Jody and Tom Goldman. 

  • Couple spent nearly a year sailing around America's Great Loop
  • The 6,500 mile journey took 9 months 
  • Couple left on April 2 and finished on December 12

The two just finished a nearly 9 month long voyage on December 12. They departed back on April 2 for a 6,500 mile journey around America's Great Loop. 

It's a trip that can be taken only by boat and includes heading north along the east coast, cutting through Canada, the Great Lakes, and even the Mississippi River, before cutting through the gulf. 

"We have a lot of confidence in our boat, more than I think in ourselves!" Jody said. 

They boated roughly 50 miles each day. Their 25-foot boat, named Braveheart, fared well during the trip that included high winds and bad weather at times. 

"We experienced trees and telephone polls in the Mississippi that we had to dodge," said Tom. 

It was also a learning experience for the couple, who have been married for 25 years. 

"Close quarters teaches you that you better sort it out, because there's no place to go," said Jody with a smile. 

Both Jody and Tom say they're already missing the long days on their boat. They're also looking forward to life's next big adventure.