Marina and I spent the evening working on charting our trip North from Florida. We plot the a course up the ICW (Intercoastal Waterway) for each day determining things like, two or more possible anc…

[John V. G. Mayton]

Marina and I spent the evening working on charting our trip North from Florida.  We plot the a course up the ICW (Intercoastal Waterway) for each day determining things like, two or more possible anchorages for a night’s stay (because we are not sure how much progress we will make each day partly from a lack of experience with the vessel as well as other unknowns like currents, weather, bridge opening delays, etc. because we don’t want to get caught trying to find a place drop the hook in the dark) fuel stops, river and sound crossings where the ICW disappears and the buoys change color along with marking danger areas such as shoaling or other hazards noted from consulting with Active Captain (https://activecaptain.com/index.php).   Marina has been putting together menus and supply lists for an estimated two week cruise.  Boat gear, books, and clothes for both warm and cold weather are getting packed and we are trying to get some sleep in spite of being so excited.  Merry Christmas to all ya’ all (as we say here in the South) and a Happy New Year.