Well it has been an uneventful few weeks. I’ve completed a number of small projects, such as installing my compost toilet and replacing the anchor light at the top of my mast. I’ve gone sailing a few times with moderate success. I ran over a crab trap once and got stuck on it. I had to don my mask and snorkel to swim under the boat and free the trap from my rudder, which was not a great experience.
I’ve caught a few fish, including a nice catfish which I fried up and made into a catfish bacon sandwich. Not the healthiest but it was so good.
I’ve also caught several eels, a crab and a stingray, but they were so small I released them.
One day a goose came by and I was bored so I threw it some pieces of bread. I don’t usually do this.
I even took a little video.
But as the country seems to be opening up again after the lock down I am planning to leave the marina at the end of May and head north for the summer. I will be following the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a 3,000-mile (4,800 km) inland waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the United States, running from Boston, Massachusetts, southward along the Atlantic Seaboard and around the southern tip of Florida, then following the Gulf Coast to Brownsville, Texas. Some sections of the waterway consist of natural inlets, saltwater rivers, bays, and sounds, while others are artificial canals. It provides a navigable route along its length without many of the hazards of travel on the open sea.
Here is a map and view of the ICW.
I do plan on leaving the ICW and sailing in the ocean from time to time, if I have the courage and the weather is good. Stay tuned.
I advise that you tie a line to your ankle when you come below the hull of the boat. Any number of things can happen when underwater. Sorry we didn’t get to see you on the way home. Hope we will see in this summer somewhere. Don Sr.
Don, Yes this pandemic has messed up everybody’s life. Thanks for the idea of a rope while under the boat. It’s a bit scary down there. I’ll be headed up the east coast this summer but then back to the Keys in the fall/winter, so perhaps we can meet up next time you are in Florida. I hope to sail to Copper Harbor summer 2021.
Hi Kev –
Well, you must be glad things have opened up enough for you to hit the road — I mean water — after all the work you’ve been doing on the boat! How are you feeling about your first solo long distance voyage? A little nervous? The ICW sounds like a good way to start this next adventure. Will you drop anchor at night along the way, or reserve a slip at marinas as you go? Both?
I’m sure it will be a great summer trip. What do you plan to do in fall and winter? Sail somewhere where the weather is warm? I do hope your sailing instruction included a few swimming lessons, just in case! Then again, you seem to have an angel on your shoulder that’s stayed with you on all your adventures so far. Keep posting! Bon Voyage!
Hey Deb, frankly, I am scared to death. It seems so simple but there are a thousand things to keep in mind and that could potentially go wrong. That’s why I am staying in the ICW for the first part of the trip. I’ll go into the ocean eventually of course.
My budget does not allow for much marina time, so I will be anchoring in the ICW almost every night. I hope to make it to Chesapeake Bay by summer then turn around and head south to Florida or the Bahamas for the fall/winter. My biggest fear for the next few months? Hurricanes.