 I. Definitive Info on Little Mud River, Georgia AICW Problem Stretch (near Statute Mile 655)
It is almost universally acknowledged that the Little Mud River section of the AICW, some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia, is the single worst stretch of the "ditch" between Norfolk, VA and Miami, Florida. Well, Captains Chuck and Susan's observations below certainly tend to bear out that theory.  As you may recall from other recent postings on the Net, Captain Chuck Baier and Captain Susan Landry are the former general manager and editor, respectively, of Waterway Guide. They are now cruising south on the AICW on their way to a new home in Fort Myers, Florida. Chuck and Susan are being kind enough to forward very detailed reports to the Cruisers' Net about concerns they encounter, particularly AICW Problem Stretches.
Their latest installment concerns the aforementioned Little Mud River section of the AICW. And, it is well worth reading. This is one of the most in-depth reports we've had on this AICW Problem Stretch in many a day. So, run,  don't walk, to:
http://www.CruisersNet.net/important-definitive-info-on-little-mud-river-georgia-aicw-problem-stretch-near-statute-mile-655 |
 II. Captain Charmaine's Florida Key Navigational "Conundrum" Solved
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 III. Lock Operation on Okeechobee Waterway Severely Restricted
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IV. Please Remember to THANK Our Sponsors
I get up on my soapbox about this issue every couple of months, but now, with fuel prices being what they are, it's more important than ever. All the many services and newsy articles contained in the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net are possible ONLY through the support of our sponsors. Without them, the SSECN web site would simply cease to exist.
 So, when you dock at a marina, take on fuel, dine ashore, or have your boat repaired at one of our SSECN sponsors, PLEASE take a moment to thank them for their support of the cruising community through their support of the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net, and tell them you saw their sponsorship panel. This simple practice would be a great service to us.
And, if are so inclined, and find yourself docked at marina or doing business with some other nautically related enterprise that is not yet an SSECN sponsor, please take a moment to mention how they can very inexpensively expose their operation to a wide cross section of the Southeastern USA cruising community. If they should express an interest in becoming an SSECN sponsor, just have them call us here at  336-266-1369!
Thanks so much in advance for helping us stay close to those who so vitally support what we are trying to do here at the Cruisers' Net!
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V. Semi-sunken Vessel Reported Near Boca Grand Pass (Western Florida Coastline)
While "cherry picking" through the Local Notice to Mariners, we came across a notice about a semi-sunken vessel located southeast of popular Boca Grande Pass. For those of you not familiar with Western Florida geography, this vital inlet lies between Gasparilla Island to the north and Cayo Costa (a Florida State Park) to the south.
 Back to the sunken vessel - this derelict is a genuine concern for cruisers approaching Boca Grand Pass from the south, or those heading south from the pass. If this describes you, check out:
http://www.CruisersNet.net/partially-sunken-vessel-reported-near-southwestern-tip-of-boca-grande-pass-channel-western-florida
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VI. Boat/US Publishes Updated Summary of Florida Anchoring Rights
Our good friends at Boat/US have asked the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net to help get the word out that they have just released an updated statement of Florida Anchoring Right. This document is specifically designed for the use of cruisers, while they are underway. Boat/US has rendered the Cruising  Community a GREAT service by formulating this document. May we humbly suggest that one and all make as much use of it as possible!
You can read the entire text at:
http://www.CruisersNet.net/can-local-governments-restrict-me-from-anchoring
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VII. Local Cruiser Encountering Anchoring "Hassles" at Edgewater Lake (Port Charlotte, Florida - near Charlotte Harbor and Peace River)
And speaking of the Florida anchoring issue, may we be so bold as call the cruising community's attention to an interesting exchange of messages on the Cruisers' Net, concerning the possible harrassment of a local captain, whose well maintained and often used vessel is anchored on the waters of Edgewater Lake. This body of water is  accessed directly from upper Charlotte Harbor, lower Peace River via a canal, and lies directly across from the Punta Gorda waterfront. This is a more complex issue than it might appear to be at first glance, and you will discover the different points of view expressed in this exchange of messages to be quite thought provoking. If you are at all interested in the subject of Florida anchoring  rights, check out: http://www.CruisersNet.net/anchoring-hassles-in-port-charlotte-off-peace-river-in-edgewater-lake |
VIII. Centerville Turnpike Bridge Restrictions Lifted, AICW Statute Mile 15.2
Boy, it's nice to report for a change on temporary bridge opening restrictions which have been REMOVED!!!! Well, that's just the case with the Centerville Turnpike Bridge which crosses the AICW some fifteen miles south of Norfolk, VA. Those cruising north on the Waterway, or year round Southeastern USA  mariners who are heading to or from the Chesapeake this summer, will want the full details at:
http://www.CruisersNet.net/restricted-operation-centerville-turnpike-bridge-aicw-statute-mile-15-2
That's all for now. Good luck and good cruising to all!
Claiborne Young
Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net
CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com
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