ICW

[southernman]

Ahoy, Wife and I making preperations to do the ICW this coming late summer from Chesapeake to down south. Looking to spend the winter in the warmer weather next year possiblg GA. or Jacksonville, FL. Have been looking at other messages posted on this issue as well as in the archives.
Seems to be enough to get us on our way but am looking for any additional info. other sailors who have done this trek can offer.

Thanks in advance.
Ray & Joanne
Dream Catcher

[WHOOSH]

R&J:

It''s all a matter of personal preference, of course, but GA or Jax are not ''warmer weather'' for those of us further south. It gets COLD up there! <g>

Regardless, don''t pass up Cumberland Is. just N of the St. Mary''s River at the GA/FL border. Anchor up near the Nat''l Park HQ bldg, enjoy their hospitality and free tours (the nature tours are wonderful...) and savor the 19 miles of bare barrier beach + wild horses. Best of all, sip on a sundowner as the day boat pulls out, taking 99% of the small group of visitors back to St. Mary''s City while you enjoy the evening as tho'' it were a 100 years ago.

Jack

[Nereus32]

My wife and I are also contemplating at trip down the ditch. I''d also be interested in other tidbits and words of wisdom. Am particularly interested in pther interesting placed to visit along the way (as far south as Key West).

[pmills42255]

Merry Christmas!
My son and I are headed the same route in early March. I am wondering too, about the ICW. One question I have is how much sailing can we do vs motoring?
I ordered a cruising book that if the same as others (BVI for example) will be invaluable. Once in FL, we would like to find a marina with moorings. Slips seem expensive. Any ideas, considering the Datona area? Boy, the National park sounds great!

[mrfinny]

slips can be expensive.
Vero has moorings and ammenities so I hear,
but some places you can anchor and pay a
fee for showers, laundry etc.
Fernandina, St Augustine, Titusville all
do this.

[gjhinc]

I always head to FL for the winter (NY in the summer). What can I say about the ICW that hasn''t been said before? I love it AND I hate it. I usually single hand about half the trip. Not an adventurer or hero... just no available crew that I can stand for that long of a time! For planning... you do know about http://www.cruiseguides.com/iwfg/ ... if not, have a look.

Personally, I never stop moving south until Miami... preferably the Keys. As far as slips being "expensive"... that''s a relative term. If you like "city life" and easy airport access, Miami. Slips $11/ft (more or less) see http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/parks/marinas.htm.

Again, I prefer the Keys. Specifically, Key Largo Harbor see http://www.cruiseguides.com/iwfg/marinas/pages/Marinatemplate.asp?id=FG000052 ... 305-451-0045 (Key Largo Harbor Marina, Chris or Tamy)... Now I''m gettin'' carried away.

See you on the ditch!
Paris
New York, NY
gary...

[GordMay]

An EXCELLENT cruisers'' guide to the ICW is "Tom Dove Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) Page" at:
www.toad.net/~tdove/icw.html
Enjoy!!!
Gord@Boatpro.zzn.com

[southernman]

To all who responded with info. related to the topic thanks and good sailing in the new year.

Ray & Joanne
Dream Catcher