Finally Back to Cruising

[Aria]

After three and a half years tied to the big yellow umbilical cord, barring disaster, it will be back to cruising this April. I had hoped to head south for the winter, but it takes a while to turn a floating apartment back into a cruising boat, as well as the skipper. So I opted to stay over for the winter and head north in the spring.

The plan, such as it is, is to bounce around Carolina for a few weeks and make sure boat and skipper are functioning properly. Then it's north to the Chesapeake. Got some scheduled meetups to attend in May and June, but after that I have no idea what I'll do. Whether I head further north, or just explore the Chessie, at least I'll be going SOMEWHERE!

I kinda feel like I'm starting from scratch, but with a whole lot more experience than when I first left Texas. From Galveston to Annapolis, I know what to expect, though there is still much left to explore. Now though, I know where I can find an anchorage, or good marinas for getting to the store or propane. As well as knowing which ones don't quite meet expectations. The same basic plan holds though. When it's hot, go north, when it turns cold, head south. The where doesn't matter, just the direction.

John

[Aria]

Can't say I care much for the ICW, except in Carolina. You can sail most of the time and there's lots of places to go. I generally go in between Florida and NC in a series of overnight hops outside. Keys to Miami, Miami to Ft Pierce, then St Augustine, then Hilton Head Island. Then either a 2 nighter to Beaufort Inlet, or an overnight to Georgetown, then to Beaufort.

Hope your trip is safe and comfortable, fair winds

[Marlene Anne Sassaman]

Maybe we'll pass in the night. On May 29 I expect to leave sunny Florida for a round trip cruise to New York Harbor. With fair winds I'll go offshore as I have already done the ICW up to the Chesapeake-Delaware Canala. Chesapeake City was a great stop with free municipal docking, a quaint town, and a decent bar/restaurant for lounging in. Be safe,,,,,