Ralph, you have definitely 'got' what cruising is all about: no schedule, be comfortable and safe, and make the best of (enjoy?) whatever comes your way. You will get to your destination, even if it isn't quite the same one as when you started out. I'm jealous!
Thanks Jim. We are hunkered down here at C-Quarters Marina, riding out this storm. Check our blog for the trip here, and a couple of photos of our favorite anchorage so far.
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/brogdon/
Man, that fog was a new experience for us. Everyday seems to offer some new challenge. So was trying to dock in a river with a strong current running. I knew from reading Active Captain this would be a challenge at the time we came in. Unfortunately, the fog had us apprehensive about leaving early so we could arrive at slack tide. I would have waited, but took my chances when we had a break in the fog. I didn't want to come in here "on instruments".
I guess it's fair to say, at least for me, cruisers deal with lots of firsts, gaining experience. We deal with what comes up, because we have no choice in some cases. I wish we had done a lot more things before we left our home port. I had never even anchored out overnight before we left. We didn't go out if the wind made it tough getting out of the slip. I did go out on Galveston Bay a time or two, when the wind was blowing like snot, but had a crew. My wife, however was not along on those days. We should have done much more, just the two of us. So, I guess I'm saying to get as prepared as possible. But heck, if we can go with as little experience as we have, so can just about anybody.
I still don't have an autopilot, but it sure would change things if we did. Other than some type of navigation software, and a Honda generator, you really don't need much. Please don't let lack of equipment stop you. Toys are really nice, but totally not necessary. Do invest in good ground tackle! We love our Mansone Supreme (35#). I have 100' of 3/16 HT chain, but wish I had another 100'. No windlass, and I'm 5'6", and 130 lbs. ALL MUSCLE!
We have 3 Group 27 batteries, which are inexpensive. We do have an Isotherm unit for refrigeration, and it sucks the batteries down. It is by far the single biggest energy hog. I probably wouldn't even need the Honda generator if we didn't have a refer. If you keep your energy needs low, it sure keeps thing from getting out of hand, expense-wise.
With some planning and thought, you can easily do without another very expensive toy. Davits. We use a halyard for our 9' dink, and 6HP outboard.
One expense that we almost skipped, but sure glad now that we didn't. A smartphone. In our case, a Samsung Galaxie phone with an AT&T plan. We use the phone as a hotspot for internet. So far, we have never not had it work for us. Great for getting weater at anchorage. Or, for posting on forums, like now. The marina says it has wifi, but it doesn't actually work so far. Oh, and we have Navionics on the phone (cost $10.00). It has worked as a chartplotter at the helm for us a time or two. Also, quick and easy to get tide info on the program.
Sorry for the long post. Just sitting here rocking and rolling in a slip with about 30 knots of wind. Not feeling motivated to do much until things calm down.
Ralph