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    • Log of the Ideath, Captain Randy Mims, May 19, 2016

      You only have to spend a short time talking with Randy Mims to know that he has the soul of a true sailor. Randy not only built his 27ft gaff-rigged cutter, Ideath, but each year he single-hands the cutter from North Carolina to the Northern Gulf Coast and back again. “Ideath” is pronounced Idea-th and loosely translates as “house of ideas”. Randy stops along the way to visit maritime museums and, indulging his passion for music, he volunteers to sing in church choirs along the way. He also takes time to share his travels with his friends and has agreed to allow SSECN to post his emails. For more photos and more on Randy, go to http://towndock.net/shippingnews/ideath?pg=1 from TownDock.net in Oriental. See previous installment: /156499.

      Dear Friends,
      Well, it has been nine days since saying goodby to my North Carolina friends and the gang at Duck Creek Boatyard. Today finds me in Charleston, SC. I had been hoping that I would be sailing from Beaufort Inlet to here but the wind seems to be nailed to the southwest which is of course exactly the direction that I have been traveling down the waterway for the last week. Two nights ago I was anchored in Bull Creek where I made one of my Youtube videos. This time it was far less tranquil than it was on the night of the video. Within half an hour of anchoring there was a thunder storm raging. During a storm I instinctively find myself counting “Thousand one, thousand two…” after the flash of lightning to figure out how far away the strike was. Twice the snap and the boom happened at exactly the same time or at least so close together that you can’t keep the adrenaline from dumping into your stomach and your heart from pounding. Anchored there brought me to reflect on so much that has happened to me since I was last there. From sailing and having fun on the sounds and rivers of coastal North Caroling to the untold hours of hard but rewarding work getting “Ideath” into better than just launched condition, life has been a fun but challenging whorl of activity. Many of my friends have commented on my love of travel. Of course everything can be taken too the extreme. After getting the boat back in the water the plan was to take the the van back to Apalachicola, ride the bus back and begin the trip back to Florida and close the loop on the year long voyage. Leaving New Bern I drove to Greensboro for one last visit with Dad and family. I then drove to Apalachicola. It turned out to be the “last visit” as my Dad passed away at the age of 92. So I spent a day in a car at 70 miles an hour to get back for the funeral then turned around and made a hurried trip back to Florida. Arriving there I met up with old friends and helped them drive their trawler across the Gulf of Mexico to Clearwater. That night I was on a 17 hour bus marathon back to NC and “Ideath”. In less that a week and a half I had traveled twenty seven hundred and sixty miles. In the past nine days I have covered two hundred seventy-four. I am so glad to be going four knots again. It is certainly a better speed to live my life. I hope your lives are going at the right speed and you are all well.
      Love and Peace to you all,
      Randy

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    • Tryon Palace Museum near New Bern Grand Marina, Trent River, New Bern, NC


      NewBernGrandMarina650x650pxBorder_v2 The Tryon Palace Museum is another good reason to visit New Bern and be hosted by the ideally located New Bern Grand Marina! One of our newest SPONSORS, New Bern Grand Marina is on the northern shore of the Trent River between the two bridges near the intersection of the Trent and Neuse Rivers.

      Tryon Palace Museum

      Tryon Palace Museum

      Hot day? Cool off with Pepsi’s new 1893 Original Cola or Ginger Cola made with Fair Trade Certified sugar and now on sale in the Tryon Palace Museum Store! unnamed (6)

      CLICK HERE  for their Facebook Page.

       

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina

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    • Ridley Report: St. Augustine Municipal Marina, AICW Statute Mile 778


      Charlie and Jackie continue their reports with as visit to St. Augustine City Marina which overlooks the western shoreline of the Waterway, just south of the Bridge of Lions.

      5-8-16 Now at St Augustine Municipal Marina. At MM777. We like it here since it’s in the middle of everything. Had AC problems here but called Dometic and they recommended Hansen Marine. Chris came out the very next day- even tho they VERY slammed– and not only fixed but also cleared 2 other problems. Charge was VERY reasonable and on top of the Chris is a pretty nice guy. Use him if need AC work there. Ate at AIA like everyone else but in the bar and was great!! A walk around is necessary in the town. Careful docking!!! Listen to dock hands. Current can exceed 5kts!! Showers are very clean and laundry is largest I’ve seen. Money change machine!
      Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For St. Augustine City Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine City Marina

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    • Ridley Report: Fernandina Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 716


      The log of Traveler takes us to Fernandina Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, that puts you right in the heart of the many wonderful things to do and see in this special port.

      5-7-16 Now at Fernandina Harbor Marina. On inside of breakwater (face dock) where anyone would want to be unless too big. Joshua, dock hand, very good—LISTEN to him as the current can be interesting– especially at fuel dock. Saw a nice crash between 2 60+’ boats even after the negligent one was warned off. But again, one of my top 5 places to stop. If u have bicycles, then in for a treat. So many things to see and do here. Fresh seafood store right on the docks and the restaurant there is great!!! Marg’s even better than Coastal Kitchen at St Simons! One of the busiest marinas we’ve seen– in a nice way. Lot of foot traffic on the docks and the historic town is right across the railroad tracks for anything– especially lot of wonderful places to eat– or ice cream!! Only concern was that we came in fairly close to low and the south end of the breakwater- where you have to enter- is very shallow. Stay very close to the south end of the breakwater. Wifi not good at all but we were warned about that.
      Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina

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    • Ridley Report: Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles, AICW near Statute Mile 676


      Charlie and Jackie make another entry in their log with this report from Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles which lies along the southern reaches of the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge.

      5-4-16 Now at Morningstar Marina at St Simons. At MM590. One of my favorites. Restaurant at top of docks is very good- under new management and got liquor license last Thursday. Great app’s and a great margarita!! Make res’s as very busy. Mitch- dock hand- is the beat. Current can be very bad and combined with wind can make docking no fun. Listen to Mitch (or Chick) and he’ll get you in safely. Showers are very nice and laundry also. If on south end of face dock, long walk to take out dog, go to Coastal Kitchen or borrow the loaner car (but we need the exercise!!) A very nice CRV loaner. 1 hour limit. Of course best things are the muffins and newspaper delivered to your boat every morning– best muffins anywhere!!! one of our favorite marinas!! Almost forgot– if need diesel mechanic that I think is not only good but honest– ask for Wayne. He impressed me and that is not easy!!
      Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Golden Isles Marina

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    • Ridley Report: Isle of Hope Marina, Savannah, GA, AICW Statute Mile 590


      The Ridleys continue their log with a report on Isle of Hope Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! which lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of Waterway marker #46A. And in case you missed their FOCUS ON, see /150925.

      5-3-16 Now at Isle of Hope Marina at MM590. Went to fuel dock first– $2.09/gal. Dock (34′) and 30 amp for $75.00. great place to walk around old homes, etc. cable not work but pulled several channels off antennae. Put us on very northern end and very weak wifi. OK for email but not much else. Loaner car and bicycles available and a reasonable ships store. Strong Verizon. Really a great place to stop.
      Jackie and Charlie on Traveler.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Isle of Hope Marina

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    • Ridley Report: Bull Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 565.5


      Charlie and Jackie continue their journey north with a report on these two anchorages, southern and northern upstream, on the waters of Bull Creek, south of Calibogue Sound and Hilton Head Island, east of the Waterway’s flashing daybeacon #34.

      5-2-16 Now anchored in one of our favorites– Bull Crk east off ICW just south of MM565. Anchored in front of house where water not so deep. Good holding and usual tidal current. Good verizon. Look out over Calibogue Sound and Hilton Head island. Nice.
      Charlie and Jackie on Traveler

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Bull Creek Anchorages

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bull Creek

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    • Ridley Report from Tom Point Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 495.5


      Skippers Charlie and Jackie Ridley have submitted several reports documenting their voyage north on the Waterway, beginning with Tom Point Creek anchorage, one of the best south of Charleston, as a number of you have commented.

      5-1-16 Anchored in Tom Point Creek just past MM 495. Easy in and out. In about 8′, good holding and plenty room for other boats, but were none. 3-4 bars on Verizon–great views!! Tide current usual.
      Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.

      5-14-16 Anchored in Big Tom Creek about ½ mile in from MM613, Wide channel and easy in and out of creek. Anchor set first try. Decent Verizon. Beautiful sunset!! will stop here again.
      Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Tom Point Creek Anchorages

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tom Point Creek

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    • Bahamas Chatter: “Mapping Issues/Help” plus 1 more

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas
      Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

      Bahamas Chatter: “Mapping Issues/Help” plus 1 more
      Mapping Issues/Help
      Posted: 17 May 2016 02:33 PM PDT
      This weekend I was in West End fishing and noticed that my map was off by quite some distance. I am using a Garmin 7212 and the map source is from Lewis Offshore, explorer charts. When I was offshore West End the map was showing I was in 50ft of water but my depth sounder was recording about 600ft. It seemed to happen all the way along the coast of Grand Bahama up to White Sand ridge. Near Memory rock where the water is super clear, I could tell we were very deep (dark blue color) while the mapping program was stating we were in shallow 60 ft, depth sounds reading 800 ft or so. While I am back in the states, this does not happen as the maps seem very close to the depth sounder and even bottom contour. My question is, was I doing something wrong? or are the maps that far off over in the near Bahamas on the garmin chartplotters?

      Explorer Charts
      Posted: 17 May 2016 02:30 PM PDT
      Garmin Chartplotters come with preloaded maps for all U.S. coastal areas and the Bahamas. The current release (February 2015) does NOT have Explorer Bahamas data for the Little Bahama Bank, most of Grand Bahama, the Abacos, Great Inagua, and the Turks and Caicos.

      I ordered Garmin V2 charts, does it have Explorer information, if not will an App help bridge the information I might need?

      Thanks

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    • Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission: Safe Boating Saves Lives

      fwc
      FWC: safe boating saves lives
      Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 05/17/2016 01:15 PM EDT
      For immediate release: May 17, 2016
      Media contact: Rob Klepper, 850-617-9666 or Robert.Klepper@MyFWC.com

      FWC: safe boating saves lives

      Although Florida’s boating season never really ends, the traditional start is marked by National Safe Boating Week, May 21–27. The week is a time for boaters to focus on simple and effective steps that make boating safer. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants all boaters to remember to boat safely. As the boating capital of the world, Florida leads the nation with nearly 1 million registered vessels across the state and is known as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors. Each year, FWC officers respond to far too many tragic and preventable boating accidents.

      CLICK HERE for the full article.

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