On the Water ChartGuides: Bon Voyage
For nearly thirty years, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle have been providing low cost, “almost free” professional grade navigation guides and SSECN is sorry to see them leave the business. Mark and Diana have been good partners in the effort to keep boaters well-informed and safe. We wish them the very best on their quest to see more of the world – at least more of the drier parts!
`If words can describe where you are … keep going.’
We love that quote, and after nearly 30 years it turns out that Mark and I can describe the ICW pretty well ‘¦ so we figure it’s time to keep going.
In Cuba this winter we talked daily about building a plan for our next ten years. The result is that m/v Semi-Local is for sale, we’ve bought another RV, and we’re prepping some long hikes and looking forward to lots of international travel!
First, we want to thank everyone for all of the friendship and support you’ve offered as we’ve stumbled through this self-publishing obstacle course together.
Second, we want to wish each of you success and happiness in chasing your own dreams ‘¦ on whatever magic carpet you choose.
Many will ask, `Why shut down On the Water ChartGuides?’ The reason is pretty simple and we think you’ll understand and respect our decision.
Our books, and our reputation, were built upon really-really being there. We were current, accurate, and detailed. And that will no longer be possible. So rather than milk the cash cow and sell stale info, or worse yet, become yet another of today’s armchair-cruising Google-researching guide publishers, we’re shutting down our Apple iBook Store and selling off the remaining print inventory from our website.
We’re water dogs, so we’ll undoubtedly see many of you again. And as more and more of you travel to places away from shore ‘¦ well, who knows?
All National Parks are on our bucket list. So is RVing New Zealand, hiking Kilimanjaro, and riding a camel at the Great Pyramid!
We’re ready for that new plan ‘¦ it’s called, `Other People’s Guides.’ (wink)
Best,
Diana and Mark
Mark and Diana Doyle | On the Water ChartGuides | Cruising Guides + Electronic Charting | www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.org | authors@semi-local.com
Comments from Cruisers (1)
We did the same thing two years ago. Amazing how similar land cruising is to boat cruising. John still blows the conch every night. Hope to see you bout here. Look for the SSCA burgee flying from our RV.