Jeff has been acting on an older Cruisers’ Net posting re compressed natural gas. If you can direct Jeff to a source for CNG , let us hear from you!
Unfortunately, it seems this is a dead end. I have called the number above and getting no answer and a voicemail box that is full. I feel like I’m the only one that has CNG on my boat. No one seems to know where or how to get these refilled. If anyone has any updated information about this, please let me know.. Thanks Jeff Sawyer
This dredging operation is west of the Pensacola Beach Bridge, Pensacola, FL.
FL – GIWW – SANTA ROSA SOUND – Dredge Operation Continuing until further notice, the Dredge KELLY L will be conducting dredging operations to remove shoaling in an area between GIWW, mile 179.0, EHL and GIWW, mile 180.0, EHL. Dredge material will be disposed into an upland disposal area located just south of the channel utilizing floating and submerged pipelines. All vessels will be lighted in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard Safety Regulations. The Dredge KELLY L will be monitoring VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16. Mariners are urged to exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart 11378 11383 LNM 18/18
We recently spent time in Spanish Wells. While there we stumbled on a unique radio station. It’s on 89.9 FM and is very low power so you can only listen in the immediate Spanish Wells area. This is no normal commercial radio station. It is the most ecletic station that I’ve found. In one set you can hear Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Glenn Campbell, Depeche Mode, Bruno Mars, and the list goes on. The breadth of the playlist is truly amazing and entertaining. The “station” is run out of the back of the liquor store on the north road. While there check out the ultra-light in the front yard.
Chris, the owner of the station is wonderful! He also built an ultra light and you can see his video of his plane and learn more about it on his you tube site -just google Chris Weed Hopper 2018. Chris is multitalented and full of personality and love of life! We enjoyed meeting him this week.
Our thanks to Great Loopers, Jan and David Irons, for sharing their very attractive blog with our readers. The Waterway photography is exceptional! See The Rock Pile for Claiborne Young’s take on this unusual stretch south of Myrtle Beach.
The “Rock Pile” is a man-made canal-like section of the AICW, officially known as the Pine Island Cut, running between Little River and Waccamaw River. The canal is narrow and lined with submerged rocks and a rock shelf, just a foot or two below the water’s surface.
When the USACOE was building this portion of the AICW in the 1930’s they encountered a sold shelf of granite. The Corps simply blasted through this obstruction, but, over the years, the soft silt above and below these rocky outcropping has washed away, making the canal now appear wider than it really is. Also, over the years, many portions of the rock shelf have broken off, and left all sort of underwater rocks waiting to trap keels and underwater hardware. Cruisers are urged to hold as close to the mid-width of the Pine Island Cut as possible, and announce their presence on VHF in case large commercial traffic is approaching, which could force you out of the channel’s mid-line and onto the “rocks,” especially at high tide when the rocks are fully submerged. Our suggestion is to keep a sharp lookout for rocks and IDIOTS!
Cruising the Carolinas, Great Loopers encounter long stretches of ICW lined with cypress swamps & a few scary spots with names like Lockwood Folly & The Rock Pile waiting to snare unexpecting Loopers. Don’t miss Bald Head Island to climb Old Baldy or the Mile Hammock Anchorage where, if you’re lucky, you might see Marines training to protect our freedom. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
The entrance to Cape Coral Bimini Basin is on the north shore of the Caloosahatchee River from Waterway marker 86 off Piney Point. These arrest allegations are unconfirmed at this time. See Bimini Basin Anchorage by Claiborne Young from a kinder, gentler time.
Bimini Basin in Cape Coral is a sheltered, convenient anchorage on the Caloosahatchee River (Florida Cross Waterway-Okeechobee waterway). The news has reported that the city fathers have decided that ANYONE THAT DINGHIES ASHORE WILL BE ARRESTED! August Trometer
Bad behavior has been an issue in Bimini Basin for some time:
What law is being broken? First- we are all for the mooring field. This place needs to be cleaned up. We anchor there for 3 days max to provision. We have a huge holding tank so that’s not an issue but there are too many unscrupulous dregs that ruin it for the rest of us responsible sailors a bad name. It’s a safe harbor for us and we use it as such. We’d rather be sailing the rumbline trust me. Fishbowls we no like.
There has been a growing collection of boats anchored in Bimini Basin. The majority are sailboats that appear abandoned or poorly maintained. There have been a few very nice boats that are occupied and this is what is generating issues with water quality since there are no pumpouts and those folks are not holding it until they go ashore to some facility. The basin is tidal and surrounded by high density housing therefor it is not certain that some or all of the pollution is from anchored boats. Many smaller powerboats pass through the basin everyday. There have been no arrests that I am aware of. There are two concrete docking piers for dingies.
I am in the Turks and Caicos and was surprised to have this message displayed when I clicked on the above link: “Forbidden – Visitors from your country are not permitted to browse this site.†???
Georgetown, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is home to Harborwalk Marina, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food, and shopping!
Port of Call – Georgetown, South Carolina There is a town, whose location astride the confluence of several rivers caught the attention of our nations earliest explorers, as early as 1526 when the Spanish recognized its natural resourcefulness and tried but failed to settle successfully. Then in 1729 the English actually laid out the town; its natural shipping port qualities provided an important role in our fight for independence during the Revolutionary War, and it was virtually unscathed during the Civil War, thriving to its prominence today. You don’t want to miss visiting historic and exciting, Georgetown, South Carolina, a delightful escape form 21st century hustle with its southern charm and hospitality. Sitting where several rivers, the scenic and mysterious Waccamaw, the Great Pee Dee, the Black, and Sampit rivers all yawn lazily into vastness of Winyah Bay, Georgetown constantly calls to mind its rich and storied past. For many years it was South Carolina’s most important port north of Charleston, this jewel of a coastal town retains its character of years ago while a new spirit of success sustains its future. Skippers and Captains who make Georgetown a “port of call” will be greeted with the warm hospitality of this quiet, historic town.
Georgetown County Museum
The heritage of the remarkable rice and indigo eras is important to fully appreciate Georgetown and its surrounding rivers and streams. Anyone who takes the time to examine their charts, will find that Georgetown is perfectly suited to take advantage of waterborne commerce. These same deep and easily navigable streams, today present a multitude of exploration opportunities for pleasure cruises. As you move quietly through these streams they gradually reveal one or more of the fabulous plantation houses that have survived hundreds of years. As you enter Georgetown’s harbor on the Sampit River, the first marina is Hazzard Marine, which you will see on your starboard side. Located a little further from the historical and dining areas, you are still with in a nice easy walk to the towns central area. Hazzard Marine is a full-service marina and boat yard with transient dockage on floating docks, 30/50-amp power, fuel, and pump-outs. Internet link: www.hazzardmarine.com
Further into the harbor on starboard, is Harborwalk Marina. It is on the boardwalk in the heart of Georgetown’s historic district, shopping, and dining areas. Harborwalk Marina has fuel, pump outs, laundry, lounge, showers, and ships store, along with floating and fixed docks with power services for 30/50/100-amp services. I must say, at Harborwalk you are right in the heart of town, right on Front Street where you are just a few enjoyable steps to 16 restaurants, 23 stores, 5 museums, and more all downtown. We strongly suggest that you first stop by the Georgetown Chamber which is on the same grounds as Harborwalk Marina. Pick up a town and tour pamphlet. A little planning can help you get much more accomplished and everyone highly recommends one of the many tour excursions. Ask about the light in the window story surrounding the Heriot-Tarbox House. Ghosts? You will have to see for yourself. Do a quick check to see what is going on in the Francis Marion Park, where there is often “Music In The Park” concerts and be sure to see what the “Swamp Fox Players” are up to. Could be very entertaining. You will easily spot the Clock Tower of the Old Market Building which houses the Rice Museum, a most interesting treasure of the community that helps one understand how Georgetown’s rice and indigo production was a good for some, but there was a sad side also. None-the-less, the town has survived many economic ups and downs and serious disasters. See the story of an African-American, born into slavery and later in life became the first African-American elected to the US House of Representatives. Next door and part of the exhibits is the oldest recovered vessel of colonial times; built around 1730, the Browns Ferry Vessel, a general-purpose freighter in its day, used on the local rivers. It was discovered on the bottom of the Black River in 1974 and has been carefully treated and reconstructed for display. Don’t miss the South Carolina Maritime Museum in the heart of Georgetown’s Historic District. The SC Maritime Museum is the creation of the “Harbor Historical Association” to help celebrate the maritime history of South Carolina and Georgetown, the states second largest port. On exhibit there is the Fresnel lens from the North Island lighthouse; enjoy the museums many programs and events that tell of South Carolina’s storied maritime history. It is also a perfect place to find that unique nautical gift.
Kids at the Museum
Dining is really fun and a treat in Georgetown, with the local “Lowcountry cooking,” casual waterfront dining, to the finer upscale restaurants. Almost every skipper I’ve spoken to has enjoyed “Thomas’s Café” for either breakfast of lunch as well The River Room, or Atlantic House Restaurant, or Beef O’Brady’s, (all my Irish friends), you name it Georgetown has it, from international specialties to local specialties, you will not be without something special to please your appetite. Shopping right in the heart of town is fun, no big box stores, most are owned and operated by local citizens, how refreshing. From antiques to local artisans’ crafts, to coastal boutiques for men and women, there is something for everyone. A great place to find that special birthday, Mother or Father’s Day, Christmas, or personal gift for someone special. If you need to take a night or two off from the live-aboard routine, and that is highly recommended, go get pampered; historic Georgetown is ready to accommodate with a host of fine bed-and-breakfasts inns and motels. Be sure when staying in one of the historic inns to check for the resident ghosts, that so loved Georgetown after their lives here, they have stayed in town. Georgetown once visited, will always be a part of you. Wonderful memories will be created and the warm hospitality will pull you back someday. Stop by, for at least several days or more in this coastal port-of-call. Georgetown’s southern charm is calling you.
Our thanks to Monty Lewis of Explorer Charts, long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, for this update on SVRS in the Bahamas.
SVRS will be replaced by CBP ROAM app Published April 28, 2018 | By Marc-Juno The U.S. Customs CBP ROAM app allows pleasure boaters to report their arrival using their smartphone. After submitting a report of arrival using the app a video chat with a Customs officer will begin.
I called U.S. Customs. The CBP ROAM app is available for use in Florida. In addition, the SVRS – Small Vessel Reporting System – Local Boater Option will be discontinued at some time in the future, if not soon. They are encouraging everyone, including SVRS members, to use the App now.
The exact app name is: CBP ROAM Available for Android and Apple
Larry and Kathryn Byrd request recent information on the Okeechobee Rim Route, so let us hear from you! The Indiantown Bridge restrictions, ending June 12, are the most recent issue Cruisers’ Net has posted.
Has any cruiser run the OWW rim route lately. Any advice is appreciated. Larry & Kathryn Byrd – Aboard SLO M’OCEAN
May be a bit out of date but in late February there was an electric cable across channel by Torry Island road bridge at about 30 feet. Its supposed to be being lifted to 50ft plus but have not heard any updates since. Sorry I have no further info.
Comments from Cruisers (3)
For CNG in Norfolk contact Tom Rumly at Virginia Natural Gas 757-466-5444.
Steve Butkus
Additionall, here is a map of fueling stations throughout the state of FL…
http://floridagas.org/ForVehicles/FuelStationMap.aspx
Attached is a map of fueling centers for CNG in Broward County…
http://www.broward.org/EnvironmentAndGrowth/EnvironmentalProgramsResources/Publications/Documents/CNGGISMap.pdf