Decision

[Roger Long]

I didn’t sleep very well last night because of the uncertainty about what I would decide to do. I still didn’t know at breakfast and I realized that I was having so much trouble making up my mind because I really don’t want to go further south. There has been an awful lot of narrow channel running in the past few months. It’s been the best trip of my life but getting back, when it won’t be new and exciting exploration anymore, is starting to seem a bit intimidating. I want time to do it with no pressure and substitute exploring in detail for exploring the new. I also want to get back to the Chesapeake in time to make a road trip before the nice spring weather gets to the bay.

However, all my friends are urging me to keep going south and my public is demanding it. So I am bowing to the pressure and I want each and every one of you to know that I am making this sacrifice just for you. So, when I get down to the ICW crossing of the Saint John, I’ll be turning right. I’ll grin and bear it and see what nice and interesting things I can find to report on. Maybe I’ll also be able to provide a first hand account about potty enforcement in Volusia county.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Now that's a real goal - potty training.

 

[Roger Long]

Now that's a real goal - potty training.

In case that one went over anyone's head:

http://cruisersnet.net/important-bo...between-new-smyrna-beach-and-mosquito-lagoon/

 

[Bill1565]

Man, that is dissapointing. When I go cruising, the only public I bow to is the Admiral. Don't let us talk you into enjoying Florida.

 

[Jimm]

Roger - Take your time, do it for you and the rest of us be damned! Looking forward to having you back in the Chesapeake - when you're ready. I'll meet you in Norfolk!
See you're in St Augustine - hope it lives up to the billling........

 

[shemandr]

you do what you gotta do

 

[Roger Long]

See you're in St Augustine - hope it lives up to the billling........

It sure does. I think it may be the coolest place I've been yet. I've been ashore for a walk around and dinner and had planned to spend a couple days. I'm moving right on though because I just learned that my friend who built the Yawldory http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1666880372308.69083.1846284215 just arrived in Titusville today. He has a powerboat but it's the same size and speed as Strider so we've decided to do some cruising together. He's got a couple days of work to do on the boat so there is time for me to catch up with him.

Very nice run down today. I had the tide with me most of the day for 7+ knot SOG and got to sail several miles. There are some surprisingly nice wild sections and my friend say I haven't seen anything yet.

It's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it.

 

[sailormanbigd]

oh Roger my heart aches for you and your indecission. Sounds like life is hard, so hard. Lets see.....head back north at a leisurly pace and explore in more detail previous waters and places (might have more time to see if you can run aground yet) or turn south and exsplore new waters and places and warmer temps, hmm. Think that I would'nt have a heart attack with this dillemma! Everybody "aaawwwww". I wanna nock you in the head and take your spot at the helm. You are certainly in "cruiser mode" if this is the thing you are stressing most!!!!! Careful now, if you head south you might get lost. Patrick

 

[Ian McColgin]

Getting back is easier. Just go outside and enjoy the run. It's more comforting to have a second person aboard but still it's just a few day's run up to where you'd be willing to go back inside again. Or get a crew that feels like a good jump and just go straight to Maine. Maybe stop at the Vineyard if your crew gets tired of sailing.

 

[gandalf]

Remember heading North it is possible to hit the stream and go offshore if you watch the weather. In the spring there will be constant t shower threats but you will sort that out with help from cruisers you have hooked up with by then.

The friends I have hung with or headed out with are the best part of cruising for me. Well except I am still in Maine and you are oh Gee where it is warmer. Weatherwise I had the same thing you are having for two of my four years of cruising. Calling home to New England and finding out it was nice weather. It is still nicer there. And if you do it again you will find us up to our ears in snow another year.

I always want to spend more time in Chesapeake Bay but in Spring end up with the urge to get back Downeast. Hope the Sirens are less strong for you. Peace.

 

[Wanderer138]

Very nice run down today. I had the tide with me most of the day for 7+ knot SOG and got to sail several miles. There are some surprisingly nice wild sections and my friend say I haven't seen anything yet.

It's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it.

Hi Roger:

I agree with your friend 100%. The Indian River Lagoon is the best part of the ICW. If you liked Cumberland Island, I think you'll enjoy the Canaveral National Seashore.

 

[Alansails]

"Live Like you Mean it"