Living in Alabama we see the snowbirds with their motor homes and trailers every winter heading south. But they have to stop when the land ends. When I lived in SC I used to watch the parade of boats every spring and fall. Being an Air Force A1C all I could afford was a Laser. But it seems that many on this board have large boats and are retired. Where do you go for the winter?? If you stay put and suffer,why??? Motoring down the ditch would provide some relief from winter but farther south it is still summer. I 've heard a lot about Isla Mujeres in Mexico and it would seem logical from Mobile. Any other destinations to keep that tan??
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Tom, I have a perfectly lovely brick house
with central heat. Winter is to be enjoyed as a chance to take a slower approach to life. Make good soup, read a few books, work when I have the desire, stay in when the weather gets mean. Spring equinox is but 44 days hence and the daffodils will be blooming, the geese while start their annual trip north to the nesting grounds and the boaters will start their annual migration to the boat yards. I lived for a brief time on the gulf coast. From February to Novenber as I recall. The salt water mosquitos were big enough to skin and cook.
with central heat. Winter is to be enjoyed as a chance to take a slower approach to life. Make good soup, read a few books, work when I have the desire, stay in when the weather gets mean. Spring equinox is but 44 days hence and the daffodils will be blooming, the geese while start their annual trip north to the nesting grounds and the boaters will start their annual migration to the boat yards. I lived for a brief time on the gulf coast. From February to Novenber as I recall. The salt water mosquitos were big enough to skin and cook.
Not much suffering up here in the PNW
This winter has been worse than any in recent memory with record amounts of rainfall, severe windstorms knocking out our power and cold spells that may leave a layer of frost on the dock. We still get those golden opportunities in the middle of winter when the storms subside and the sun pokes through. My first one of the year came thursday with a sail to Port Townsend to spend the night in the marina and then motorboat home during the next mornings calm. I had the full crew on board including the Admiral along with both the main and the auxiliary dogs. A good time was had by all and we are now recharged and ready to face a few more rainstorms. They started this morning.
This winter has been worse than any in recent memory with record amounts of rainfall, severe windstorms knocking out our power and cold spells that may leave a layer of frost on the dock. We still get those golden opportunities in the middle of winter when the storms subside and the sun pokes through. My first one of the year came thursday with a sail to Port Townsend to spend the night in the marina and then motorboat home during the next mornings calm. I had the full crew on board including the Admiral along with both the main and the auxiliary dogs. A good time was had by all and we are now recharged and ready to face a few more rainstorms. They started this morning.
Oh, the horror......
Well, it’s warmed up here to only -28 and my boat’s been on the hard since mid October. My only winter hobby is waiting for spring. A reasonable expectation for ice-out will be early May. Tired of reading…. Tired of writing…. Sick to death of TV since November…. Out of indoor boat related projects…. Have tied more flies than I can use in my lifetime….. To answer the question, YEAH!! I suffer in winter…. Later, eh! Ferg
Well, it’s warmed up here to only -28 and my boat’s been on the hard since mid October. My only winter hobby is waiting for spring. A reasonable expectation for ice-out will be early May. Tired of reading…. Tired of writing…. Sick to death of TV since November…. Out of indoor boat related projects…. Have tied more flies than I can use in my lifetime….. To answer the question, YEAH!! I suffer in winter…. Later, eh! Ferg
Frozen water falls
winter sports can be great. I like skiing bothdown hill and cross country. I also enjoy hiking on the coldest days to see frozen waterfalls. BUT given the choice of hiking to frozen waterfalls or snorkling in crystal clear warm water the water wins. Given the choice between windsurfing off a white beach on warm water or cross country skiing I'd take windsurfing. I guess the logistics of going far enough south to avoid the chill holds some back. But so far it seems like a significant number of sailers like their boats on the hard covered in snow. BTW normally the biting bugs aren't too bad on the gulf coast. Flies give me more trouble especially out in the gulf. But the worst(possiblly ) mosquitos that I've ever met were in Minnesota. Apple valley tobe more precise. Visiting up there we almost ran to get back indoors after suffering many bites. On Wheeler Lake most of the time biting bugs haven't been a problem. Though we carry bug spray it is usually not required. But I remember watching an alligator at WNWR and the bugs getting so bad that I had to get back in the truck... But this was back in a swamp not the open lake. maybe the people who flee winter are out walking on the beach or windsurfing and not at their computer right now. I will be bundling up and taking my lab for a walk soon. I'm sure there will be some ice on the creek but he likes cold and will go swimming gleefully in icy water. I'm not so hardy.
winter sports can be great. I like skiing bothdown hill and cross country. I also enjoy hiking on the coldest days to see frozen waterfalls. BUT given the choice of hiking to frozen waterfalls or snorkling in crystal clear warm water the water wins. Given the choice between windsurfing off a white beach on warm water or cross country skiing I'd take windsurfing. I guess the logistics of going far enough south to avoid the chill holds some back. But so far it seems like a significant number of sailers like their boats on the hard covered in snow. BTW normally the biting bugs aren't too bad on the gulf coast. Flies give me more trouble especially out in the gulf. But the worst(possiblly ) mosquitos that I've ever met were in Minnesota. Apple valley tobe more precise. Visiting up there we almost ran to get back indoors after suffering many bites. On Wheeler Lake most of the time biting bugs haven't been a problem. Though we carry bug spray it is usually not required. But I remember watching an alligator at WNWR and the bugs getting so bad that I had to get back in the truck... But this was back in a swamp not the open lake. maybe the people who flee winter are out walking on the beach or windsurfing and not at their computer right now. I will be bundling up and taking my lab for a walk soon. I'm sure there will be some ice on the creek but he likes cold and will go swimming gleefully in icy water. I'm not so hardy.
Do I Suffer?
I've been married almost 30 years...some would say yes, but not just in the winter. ;-) JUST KIDDING HONEY! I dream up more projects for the boat when the weather will allow it, and save up the money I will need for them. However, the most suffering occurs after the boat show(which was this last week in Tulsa.) We looked at some new sailboats and fell in love with the Catalina 270, but if we bought one brand new we could end up suffering more. The best thing I ever did was convince the Admiral to go into the cabin. Now I will be looking for a bigger boat than our C25. Come to think of it, I love winter. ;-)
I've been married almost 30 years...some would say yes, but not just in the winter. ;-) JUST KIDDING HONEY! I dream up more projects for the boat when the weather will allow it, and save up the money I will need for them. However, the most suffering occurs after the boat show(which was this last week in Tulsa.) We looked at some new sailboats and fell in love with the Catalina 270, but if we bought one brand new we could end up suffering more. The best thing I ever did was convince the Admiral to go into the cabin. Now I will be looking for a bigger boat than our C25. Come to think of it, I love winter. ;-)
SoCal...68d, Blue Skies..going to catch a whale..
..leaving for the channel islands in a little bit..now winter here. abe
..leaving for the channel islands in a little bit..now winter here. abe
Winter is hell.
Tom. Winter is just pure hell. I live in Maine and winter in Florida. The problem with that is, my OD25 is in Maine. I'am setting here looking out the window wondering what i would be doing on the boat if i were home now.I go to West Marine in Tampa about once a week and day drema for about two hours.I spent last week in Marathon Key, while i was sun bathing a friend e-mailed me and said it was -17 at home. I guess i'am just going to have to suffer it through.
Tom. Winter is just pure hell. I live in Maine and winter in Florida. The problem with that is, my OD25 is in Maine. I'am setting here looking out the window wondering what i would be doing on the boat if i were home now.I go to West Marine in Tampa about once a week and day drema for about two hours.I spent last week in Marathon Key, while i was sun bathing a friend e-mailed me and said it was -17 at home. I guess i'am just going to have to suffer it through.
I wish I was Retired!!!
I am stuck here in Virginia for the winter. I intend to head south, down the ditch, to Flordia when I retire in about 20 years. Oh well, such is life.
I am stuck here in Virginia for the winter. I intend to head south, down the ditch, to Flordia when I retire in about 20 years. Oh well, such is life.
Hey Bad, I've been laid up since late December
with some medical issues. Being retired doesn't have much to offer. After you have gotten your pet projects done and recognized that your pension doesn't allow complete freedom of spending and have read a dozen or so novels, you start looking for something useful to be doing. Spring is coming and Bietzpadlin goes back where she belongs and the balance of life continues. All will be right with the world.
with some medical issues. Being retired doesn't have much to offer. After you have gotten your pet projects done and recognized that your pension doesn't allow complete freedom of spending and have read a dozen or so novels, you start looking for something useful to be doing. Spring is coming and Bietzpadlin goes back where she belongs and the balance of life continues. All will be right with the world.
I got lucky
and found a 2 week reprieve helping deliver a boat to Cozmel. The charter I have planned in March will help too. BUT I HATE WINTER! Maybe it's seasonal affective disorder but it's worse every year. Ice is for drinks. The thought of retireing and summering in Maine, spring and fall in the Chesapeake, and winter in a lattitude below N26 sounds like heaven. Don't know if I'll be able to hold off on the 5 year plan, may have to go with a 2 if I can hold out that long. PS: Isle Majores has a nice anchorage and a new fuel dock just up the inlet, but man were they and Cozmel hammered by the hurricane 3 years ago.
and found a 2 week reprieve helping deliver a boat to Cozmel. The charter I have planned in March will help too. BUT I HATE WINTER! Maybe it's seasonal affective disorder but it's worse every year. Ice is for drinks. The thought of retireing and summering in Maine, spring and fall in the Chesapeake, and winter in a lattitude below N26 sounds like heaven. Don't know if I'll be able to hold off on the 5 year plan, may have to go with a 2 if I can hold out that long. PS: Isle Majores has a nice anchorage and a new fuel dock just up the inlet, but man were they and Cozmel hammered by the hurricane 3 years ago.
It's Still Cold
I moved my boat to a new marina on saturday and it was cold!!! I wanted to sail but was alone and cold and it was late in the day. Motoring I used the autopilot so that I could hide behind the dodger. It is supposed to be cold this weekend also but we may go sailing anyway. Sometimes we prefer to kayak in winter to better see all of the birds at the wildlife refuge. Winter sailing can be great!!! But if I ever retire and have the boat and money I'll forgo the pleasures of winter sailing and be somewhere where the winds are warm and the water is warm. I've spent one yeaer in the tropics and didn't miss winter at all. Swimming and playing tennis is January and febuary were not hardships for me. I do believe in enjoying where ever you are located. If I lived in MN I'd own an iceboat.
I moved my boat to a new marina on saturday and it was cold!!! I wanted to sail but was alone and cold and it was late in the day. Motoring I used the autopilot so that I could hide behind the dodger. It is supposed to be cold this weekend also but we may go sailing anyway. Sometimes we prefer to kayak in winter to better see all of the birds at the wildlife refuge. Winter sailing can be great!!! But if I ever retire and have the boat and money I'll forgo the pleasures of winter sailing and be somewhere where the winds are warm and the water is warm. I've spent one yeaer in the tropics and didn't miss winter at all. Swimming and playing tennis is January and febuary were not hardships for me. I do believe in enjoying where ever you are located. If I lived in MN I'd own an iceboat.
Suffer!
Suffer isn't the word. It's pure hell. I'm to young to retire and am stuck in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin for the winter. The only thing that gets me through the winter is the Chicago Strictly Sail Show. It's too cold to work on the boat, and reading about sailboats only goes so far. I get 5 sailing magazines, and they are read cover to cover in less than 48 hours. So that covers 10 days out of the month. I picked up a pile of brochures at the boat show and will sift through them for the next couple of weeks. I'm seriously considering chartering a boat for a week or two next year to help with the winter blues. If you don't live up here, you don't have any idea on what it's like not being able to sail for months.
Suffer isn't the word. It's pure hell. I'm to young to retire and am stuck in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin for the winter. The only thing that gets me through the winter is the Chicago Strictly Sail Show. It's too cold to work on the boat, and reading about sailboats only goes so far. I get 5 sailing magazines, and they are read cover to cover in less than 48 hours. So that covers 10 days out of the month. I picked up a pile of brochures at the boat show and will sift through them for the next couple of weeks. I'm seriously considering chartering a boat for a week or two next year to help with the winter blues. If you don't live up here, you don't have any idea on what it's like not being able to sail for months.
winter hobby
Now I am fortunate to live in the PNW where we can sail all year round if you own enough warm clothes so I can't claim to feel your pain especially since the last time I had my C350 out for a sail was two days ago and also the day before that. I do however think I may have a solution for those of you up in the frozen areas. You sound like you are all in need of a new winter hobby to get you through those months when your boat is on the hard. I don't know much about you except that you are all apparently into sailing so I think a new toy that I recently purchased might be right up your alley. Check out the link that I attached and watch some of the action videos, it might just get your blood pumping again and give you some inspiration regarding how to spend your winter.
Now I am fortunate to live in the PNW where we can sail all year round if you own enough warm clothes so I can't claim to feel your pain especially since the last time I had my C350 out for a sail was two days ago and also the day before that. I do however think I may have a solution for those of you up in the frozen areas. You sound like you are all in need of a new winter hobby to get you through those months when your boat is on the hard. I don't know much about you except that you are all apparently into sailing so I think a new toy that I recently purchased might be right up your alley. Check out the link that I attached and watch some of the action videos, it might just get your blood pumping again and give you some inspiration regarding how to spend your winter.
franklin I lived in San Antonio
I lived in San antonio and it was nice even in winter. Did the riverwalk around Christmas in a Tee shirt. Windsurfing in March without a wetrsuit. Corpus Christi is on my list of good places to live. But 1200 miles or so up I35 is MN and it's a whole nuther world!!! Somewhere in Missouri the ponds freeze solid. South Texas doesn't really have a winter as such. Windsurfingdoesn't get muchbetter than the backside of Mustang island. You can't really talk about suffering through winter if you live in south Texas. Heck people in SA have Banana plants!!!! Bananas don't tolerate winter!!! Winter is where you are afraid to pee outside!!!! Winter is where your moustache freezes solid. I love south Texas but it's not south enough for my dreams. I deam of where winter is where it gets down to 75 at night. Winter is where it gets dark at 530 instead of 6. That is the only bummer of the tropics...year round 12 hour days. It would be nice to have some longer days to enjoy.
I lived in San antonio and it was nice even in winter. Did the riverwalk around Christmas in a Tee shirt. Windsurfing in March without a wetrsuit. Corpus Christi is on my list of good places to live. But 1200 miles or so up I35 is MN and it's a whole nuther world!!! Somewhere in Missouri the ponds freeze solid. South Texas doesn't really have a winter as such. Windsurfingdoesn't get muchbetter than the backside of Mustang island. You can't really talk about suffering through winter if you live in south Texas. Heck people in SA have Banana plants!!!! Bananas don't tolerate winter!!! Winter is where you are afraid to pee outside!!!! Winter is where your moustache freezes solid. I love south Texas but it's not south enough for my dreams. I deam of where winter is where it gets down to 75 at night. Winter is where it gets dark at 530 instead of 6. That is the only bummer of the tropics...year round 12 hour days. It would be nice to have some longer days to enjoy.
THE SHACKLETON SERIES
Down here in TN, just outside of Chattanooga, we sail all winter. We even have a winter series. It does get cold, and sometimes it rains, but we sail no matter conditions (we did have some ice once). As it works out, the wind is much better in the winter around here than in the summer, so we go when we can. Later, as we are all drifting around on 100 degree days, we'll look back and long for the winter --- kinda. check out the link. - Chuck D
Down here in TN, just outside of Chattanooga, we sail all winter. We even have a winter series. It does get cold, and sometimes it rains, but we sail no matter conditions (we did have some ice once). As it works out, the wind is much better in the winter around here than in the summer, so we go when we can. Later, as we are all drifting around on 100 degree days, we'll look back and long for the winter --- kinda. check out the link. - Chuck D
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