ICW South to Florida, Bahamas

[Dolce_Vita]

Well, the time has nearly arrived!

In just 12 short days, on Oct 1, we will head out on our six month trip, down the Atlantic ICW to Florida, then over to the Bahamas for the winter, returning north on the ICW in the spring!

I've started a blog for the trip at http://sv-dolce-vita.blogspot.com

Meanwhile, I'm quietly going nuts trying to do the final provisioning in the last two weeks. In particular, I'm all over the map on spares and tools to bring, as there's very little extra storage on the Pearson 323.

Would love to hear specifics from people who have made this trip.

[rbrtfeld]

Ed,
Have a great trip. Will be looking forward to your blog and pictures.

[Frayed Knot]

Ed,  I plan to make this trip in the near future.  Can't wait to read your blog.  I live in Myrtle Beach, SC.  If you need anything while going by here please don't hesitate to ask.  Anchorage, dockage, supplies, tools, ect. don't hesitate.
Dick Martin

[Rusty Pelican]

Lucky you.
Fair winds & safe sailing.
Will follow your blog.
How about some YouTube videos?

BobG

[Dolce_Vita]

Ed,  I plan to make this trip in the near future.  Can't wait to read your blog.  I live in Myrtle Beach, SC.  If you need anything while going by here please don't hesitate to ask.  Anchorage, dockage, supplies, tools, ect. don't hesitate.
Dick Martin

Dick,

  Thank you for this generous offer.  I may well take you up on it.  I'm sure we'll find all kinds of stuff we've forgotten after we leave, and I'll need a forward point to ship it to. Plus, I never miss the oportunity to look at another 323 and compare notes!

[Dolce_Vita]

Well, with three solid days of rain in the forecast, we've decided to
postpone our departure until Monday Oct 3. This will give us
one clear day (Sunday) to do the final loading of the boat.

There's no point in starting out with everything soaked!

At last check this morning, the Dismal Swamp Canal was still closed due to high water, although the Army Corp of Engineers did manage to get out the four boats that were trapped there since the closing.

http://www.waterwayguide.com/nav-alert/4-6549/dismal-swamp-canal-and-atlantic-intracoastal-south-of-great-bridge-closed-due-to-high-water-update

[rbrtfeld]

Fair winds and have a great time. We all will be following your trip.

Bob

[Frayed Knot]

Ed,   let me know if you got the message.

[Alma]

Have a great trip Ed!

[Dolce_Vita]

Due to hurricane Matthew, we have postponed our departure.  Details on the Oct 2 post on the blog:

http://sv-dolce-vita.blogspot.com/


EDIT:

I just noticed that my trip blog didn't have the "Follow by Email" gadget on it.  No wonder my stats kept showing 0 followers! :eek:

I think I've fixed the template now and added the correct gadget.

[Alma]

I didn't want to be a Jinx but I'm glad you had the sense to hunker down. Very smart. Here's me with a couple buddys who overruled me in a Crealock 37 (I wished I was in ALMA!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aiq7jgPZczU

[Rusty Pelican]

Looks like a big mistake.

[Frayed Knot]

I think (know) I would stay put till after Matthew is over.  I spent all day yesterday taking down sails, dodger, bimini ect.  Packed up the dink and motor and took it home.  Put out a lot of extra fenders and dock lines.  We will just wait and hope for the best. I wounder whats going to be left of the Bahamas...   

[Dolce_Vita]

Yes, staying put was definitely the right call.  The projected track keeps getting worse and worse.  Just minutes ago, the NHC showed it now likely to come up the coast slightly inland, crossing the southern portion of the Chesapeake.  Essentially following the ICW northward!  Looks like we'll be removing sails & bimini soon, as closest-point-of-approach for us looks to be midday Saturday.

[rnebergall]

Good luck and best wishes for you guys, and everyone on the east coast.