Now in Florida

[sailaway78]

Hi all, sorry no posts for a while, but Sprint pulled the plug on the back door system I was using to get online with the cell phone. So no access, unless I can find a wireless somewhere to piggy back onto. We are in Amelia Island, Florida, just barely across the state line, but Florida none the less. Weather is getting better and better, but right now waiting out a front coming through. Heard it was really snotty in Texas and Louisiana past day or two, and it's here now. All is going well, boat is doing fine, and we are getting warmer. Couldn't ask for much more. Talk to Tony B on the phone from time to time, and he will post up any updates for us along the way.

 

[tom]

What Next Phil??

Are you going around the long way to Key west?? Cut across at the 7 mile bridge near Marathon or Lake Okechobee(sp)?? Will you hug the west coast, motor the ditch or strike out straight across the gulf??? I guess it's obvious that the shortest distance is straight across but that would mean 4-5 days at sea. I know several people that sailed from Panama City to Key west and 4 days is what it took most of them. Of course a left turn and a couple of months in the Bahamas or farther south would be the preferred course.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Tom !!!

Phillips plans are uncertain at the moment as whether he goes around the 'horn' or through the canal into the Gulf. I may be part of that problem. My contract is supposed to end on Sat. night. If it does, then me and GF will rent a car one way and meet up with Phillip and Lois and help them get their boat back. I'm keeping ny fingers crossed that I actually can bust loose on Sat night. It will take us 2 days just to drive their from south Tx. We are getting older and need our sleep. We all are hopeing that we can go to the Keys and the Dry Tortugas on the way back to Phillips house. I have wireless internet with Cingular, hopefully then Phillip can get on here more often. I plan on calling him this evening. Any messages anyone wants to relay ?

 

[tom]

SailortonyB/phil

I am working but might be able to get some time off. I might be able to crew part of the way if you need help. I've sailed a lot from St Joe to Mobile. I'd like to get a few days of sailing other than at Wheeler lake. We moved our boat up the TN-Tom from Panama city in April and I miss the salt. Birmingham puts a lot of the gulf coast within a 5-6 hour drive.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

TOM !!!!

e-mail me your tel. number and I will give it to Phillip. It might work out well incase i have to get back to work earlier than expected.My e-mail addy is sailortonyb@yahoo.com. In the subject box, write in sailboat guy from Bham. That way i wont delete it by accident. Thanks and I'm sure Phillip will also appreciate your offer.

 

[Benny]

If you are considering

Cutting across the Okeechobe verify that your boat does not exceed the vertical clearance at the lift bridge in Port Mayaca of 49'. Higher water levels in the system will further reduce this clearance. A call to the Army Corps of Engineers (832) 983-8101 will ascertain the water levels for you and also will advise if there are any locks closed for repairs. The controlling project depth is 8' subject to water levels. The marina at Indiantown May help you heel your boat with 55 gal drums to clear that bridge. Other bridges and electrical cables are at a minimum of 55'.The alternative would be to continue down the "Ditch" or head offshore (weather permitting) down to Elliot Key or Byscaine Bay where you can get on Hawcks Channel all the way to Marathon and Key West. As you know Hawcks channel is inside the reef and thus protected from them Atlantic swells. In this area the Gulfstream passes close to shore and you do not want to be caught in it with northerly winds opposing the current. Talk about "the Horn".I'm sure your trip has taken longer than perhaps anticipated but the early winter weather this year has been out of the ordinary. If you have time to go to Key West and the Dry Tortugas by all means do so if not cut across the 7 mile bridge and hug the West coast of FL up to Cleawater before heading across. That loop current in the eastern gulf can get pretty strong this time of the year.

 

[soling42]

Overhead clearance isn't the only issue

We were thinking of relocating the boat to the big lake because of our intermitent red tide issue but the levels were way down due to an excessive lake drain plan this summer. They were anticipating another ragin' hurricane season that thankfully didn't happen. Lower than normal levels and poor channel maintenance may be an issue to check on too.Just a thought.Michael and KelliSarasota, Fl

 

[John]

Florida

Where are you in Amelia Island, the town dock or the Amelia Island Yacht Basin?I keep my 356 at the yacht basin on G-dockEvery Friday night we have an Amelia Island Sailing Club weekend dock partyIf you are at the Yacht Basin, look for us on G Dock tomorrow night after 6:30There are two 356's on the dock. look for the one furthest out "Mast Confusion"