I. Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Resumes FULL Fuel  Price Reporting Service EARLY
I know this headline is going to come as an unexpected shock to the cruising community, but fuel prices are "on the rise." [Grin!]. Actually, this situation is NO laughing matter, and it is going to be a real concern as those who have wintered in Florida contemplate the spring migration north on the AICW. And, these same fuel prices are also just as much a concern for those who cruise year round on their respective southeastern coastlines.
For this reason, we have chosen to immediately begin our weekly updated fuel price reports for ALL coastal waters, from North Carolina to Western Florida. As many of you know, we typically cease our fuel price reporting from December through March for North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
 Well, this year that cessation is now a thing of the past. You can follow the links below for immediate access to fuel prices. And, before someone asks, we typically update prices on Wednesdays.
Coupled with our new Fuel Price Comparison Service, which we announced only two weeks ago, we are going to do all we can to help cruisers find the most inexpensive fuel possible!
You can help in this effort! If someone comes across a really GREAT fuel price while cruising, PLEASE e-mail us at [email protected]. We'll get that info up within a few hours at most!
Happy bargin hunting!!!!
VA to NC Fuel Prices:
North Carolina Fuel Prices:
South Carolina Fuel Prices:
Georgia Fuel Prices:
St. Johns River Fuel Prices:
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II. Captain Charmaine Is Back With Full Info on  Anchoring in Boot Key Harbor (Marathon, FL)
The Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net is proud and honored to welcome back Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, as our regular Florida Keys SSECN Correspondent. Some two years ago, Charmine did some sterling work for us, but then health and other factors caused us to part company for awhile. Now. SHE'S BACK, and we could not be happier.
Few know more about Florida Keys waters and ports of call than Captain Charmine. Look for her reports here on the Cruisers' Net several times a month.
 On a personal note, Captain Charmaine is just one of the "neatest" members of the cruising community I've ever come across. She is witty, loveable, and, on the other hand, her life has been tempered by more than its share of tragedy. Take a look at her web site:
http://www.SeptemberSea.com
and her Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/charmaine.smithladd
WELCOME BACK ABOARD CAPTAIN CHARMAINE!
Charmaine's first story for the Cruisers' Net under her new tenure consists of an in-depth look at anchoring in Marathon's Boot Key Harbor, the single most popular anchorage - mooring field, in the Florida Keys.
And, notice I said "anchoring" not picking up a mooring. Intrigued, then run, don't  walk to:
http://www.CruisersNet.net/anchoring-in-boot-key-harbor-florida-keys-marathon-fl-captain-charmaine-reports
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III. Another Grounding Reported on the  AICW/Cumberland Dividings (near Staute Mile 704, Southern Georgia)
Between shoaling and mischarting, the so-called, Cumberland Dividings section of the southern Georgia AICW is about to rival Jekyll Creek and Little Mud River as the very worst that the Waterway has to offer. Only two days ago, we posted a message from Captain Pete Peterson about yet another grounding along this section. If you will be traversing these waters anytime with the next six month, we urge you to go to:  http://www.CruisersNet.net/another-grounding-in-cumberland-dividingsbrickhill-river-intersection-aicw-statute-mile-704
Be SURE to follow the link at the bottom of this article to check out our entry for the Cumberland Dividings in the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net's "AICW Problem Stretches Directory." |
IV. SSECN - Waterway Guide Fire Relief Fund A Success!
We are very pleased to report, that, working closely with our parnter in relief, "Waterway Guide," the SSECN has distributed almost $6,000.00 in contributed funds to those who lost, or suffered heavy damage to, their vessels in the tragic January, 2011 fire at McCotters Marina in Washington, North Carolina.
This past week, we mailed a second and final round of checks to the 24 beneficiaries of our fund, plus a share to McCotters Marina. Several recipients have already e-mailed or written to thank the SSECN, Waterway Guide and ALL those who so generously contributed to the Fire Relief Fund.
 All moneys have now been distributed, and the Fire Relief Fund has been closed out after a short, but very successful life!
Waterway Guide joins with me in thanking the entire cruising community for their support and generosity during this fund raising effort. We particularly want to thank one and all who made contributions to the Fire Relief fund. All those who contributed are named on a special "Thanks" page at:
http://cruisersnet.net/our-thanks-to-the-ssecn-waterway-guide-mccotters-fire-relief-fund-contributors/
It just goes to show two things! First, cruisers are some of most generous souls the  good Lord ever put on this earth, and, working together, the cruising community can accomplish some amazing things.
Once again, THANKS, to one and all!
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V. Walking Tour of Historic St. Petersburg Set for  3/12/11 (Tampa Bay)
Here's an item of interest for those who are berthed at the St. Petersburg Muncipal Marina. And, by the way, this SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, remains one of the very best, larger city marinas that this writer has ever reviewed. Anyway, if you, like this guy, hunger after interesting and  colorful history, then be sure to take advantage of a "Historic Walking Tour" held in downtown St. Petersburg this coming weekend. For more details, go to: http://www.CruisersNet.net/walking-tour-of-historic-st-petersburg-set-for-31211-tampa-bay
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VI. Watch Out For Johns Pass Channel Closures March  7-13 (Western Florida, near St. M. 122)
Our eagle eyed SSECN Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, has unearthed a tid-bit in the Western Florida Local Notice To Mariners. The channel to Johns Pass Inlet may be closed during certain unnamed times this week, due to bridge work. Johns Pass Inlet lies directly off the Western Florida ICW between Tampa Bay and Clearwater. If you will be in this area within the next few days, check out the full story at: http://www.CruisersNet.net/johns-pass-bridge-work-will-prompt-channel-closures-during-the-second-week-of-march-2011-near-st-m-122 
Well, that's all for now. Good luck and good cruising to all! Claiborne S. Young Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net http://www.CruisersNet.net [email protected] |
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