In This Issue
|
I. Northeastern Florida Marina Data Updated By Way of Personal Visits
|
II. The "Hinckley Experience" at Boca Grande Marina, 1/30/14 to 2/2/14 (Statute Mile 28.5, Western Florida ICW)
|
III. Severe Grounding and Shoaling at AICW/Mason Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 280
|
IV. Reports from Little Shark River, South of Marco Island, SW Florida Coastline
|
V. Stock Island Marina Village Now Officially Open, Key West, FL
|
VI. Come One, Come All to Punta Gorda on Tuesday, February 11, 2014
|
VII. More on Alternate Route to Avoid Straying Near Marker #32 in St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statute Mile 690
|
VIII. Increased Shoaling and Local Advice on Big Sarasota Pass, Sarasota, FL
|
IX. High Praise for Spoon River Restaurant, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136
|
X. Proof of Pumpout to be Required in Key West, FL
|
XI. Good Food Is Where You Find It, Not Always Where You Expect It
|
XII. Nautical Rummage Sale, February 1, Orange Park, FL, Doctors Inlet, St. Johns River
|
XIII. Alternative to AICW/Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff Tested, off Statute Mile 517
|
XIV. Florida's Continuing Image Problem Within the Cruising Community
|
|
|
|
|
Eastern Florida
I. Northeastern Florida Marina Data Updated By Way of Personal Visits
The Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net is pleased to report that all prices, service information and other data about virtually every marina between Fernandina Beach and Palm Coast, Florida, has just been updated as a result of on-site visits by yours truly. I have just returned from a week-long research/speaking tour of NE Florida, and it was a very successful sojourn indeed.
In addition to visiting several dozen marinas, I had the honor of making a presentation to a LIVELY bunch known as the St. Augustine Cruisers' Net (https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/). I think I can speak for everyone who attended when I say we all had a GREAT time discussing the Florida anchoring situation, the state of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and recent improvements to the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net. There followed a lengthy, and vigorous, question and answer session, at which I learned as much good info as I gave out.
This was one of the most "fun" presentations I've had the good fortune to give in some time. THANKS to Captain Michelle Bennett and Captain Kate for organizing this event, and thanks to everyone who attended. I hope to be back with you all again very soon!
And, a special thanks to Captain Sandy Flowers who was generous enough to put me up for the week in her beautiful guest carriage house, complete with deep water dockage! Sandy would love to host more cruisers! Give her a call at 904-429-5045, or send e-mail to [email protected].
But, back to the marina data. Personal visits such as these are why we say all the SSECN's "Reference Content" (marinas, anchorages, bridges, AICW Problem Stretches) are composed of "professionally" researched data. There's nothing like an on-site visit to really learn what's happening (and, in some cases, "not" happening) at a marina.
All this fresh info has already been keyed into the various NE Florida marinas listed in our site's "Eastern Florida Marina Directory." Visit it for yourself and see at:
http://cruisersnet.net/category/east-fl-marinas/
|
Western Florida
II. The "Hinckley Experience" at Boca Grande Marina, 1/30/14 to 2/2/14 (Statute Mile 28.5, Western Florida ICW)
Boca Grande Marina, our NEWEST SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, is found on the recently dredged channel entering Boca Grand Bayou's southern branch (on Gasparilla Island). The entrance cut leaves the Western Florida ICW near Waterway marker #2, hard by the northern tip of Pine Island Sound. An earlier announcement here on the SSECN showcased this fine facility's newly improved depths and rebuilt docks (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=119163). And, talk about a way to kick off these newly improved features and services, how about a "Hinckley Boat Show." If only it was one week later, I could attend myself. Oh well, maybe next year for me, BUT if you are anywhere near Gasparilla Island or the charming village of Boca Grande, don't dare miss this unique opportunity! Learn LOTS more about the "Hinckley Experience" at:http://cruisersnet.net/?p=134834
|
North Carolina
III. Severe Grounding and Shoaling at AICW/Mason Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 280
We may have a candidate, I'm sorry to report, for a new, perennial "AICW Problem Stretch." The SSECN has had a "Navigation Alert" posted for the intersection of the AICW and Mason Inlet (north of Wrightsville Beach, NC) since August 5, 2013, and a warning has appeared concerning these waters in a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=120325). We have also had several additional reports of shoaling on these troubled waters since our Nav. Alert was issued (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=127818). In the below linked report, however, you will discover what we consider to be the most serious warning yet of shoaling and severe navigational problems at this intersection. This report was originally posted on 1/25/14, and several year-round North Carolina cruisers have already chimed in with their own warnings about these waters. We URGE all "snowbirds" who will, believe it or else, be pointing their bows north within the next two to three months, and resident NC cruisers, to follow the link below and learn all there is to know about these very troubled waters. Please visit: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=134413
|
Western Florida
IV. Reports from Little Shark River, South of Marco Island, SW Florida Coastline
Little Shark River is an interesting, but sometimes very buggy overnight stop that lies well south of Everglades City and a short hop north of Cape Sable. In fact, this stream offers the first real possibility for securely dropping the hook overnight, north of Cape Sable. Little Shark River is one of the most backwater cruising possibilities in all of Florida, and the stream is part of the Everglades National Park. Dropping your hook here will land you in the middle of an unforgettable array of natural, well wooden shores, contrasting, farther upstream, with the seas of grass for which the Everglades are famous. The SSECN recommends three Little Shark River anchorages in our Western Florida Anchorage Directory, but there are actually several dozen spots you might choose to drop the hook. Linked below, we present two just published reports on Little Shark River from fellow cruisers. Southwestern Florida cruisers, as well as anyone bound to or from the Florida Keys, will want to spare no effort to check out: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=133994
|
Florida Keys
V. Stock Island Marina Village Now Officially Open, Key West, FL
Although Stock Island Marina has been operating for some time, the completed marina village has just had its official grand opening. The marina, along Shrimp Road, occupies the westerly shores of Stock Island's "Safe Harbor," north of marker #5. Full details at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=134447
|
Western Florida
VI. Come One, Come All to Punta Gorda on Tuesday, February 11, 2014
As many of you know, I will be undertaking a speaking tour along the Western Florida coastline the week of Feb. 10-15. I am really looking forward to this trip, with a different yacht club scheduled every night, and, most days, at lunch as well.
All but one of these presentations are being made to private clubs, and, obviously, are not open to the general public. One fortunate exception is a meeting which will take place at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 11 at Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association building (2001 Shreve Street), sponsored by the PG Islanders Boat Club!
These good people have generously agreed to allow everyone to be a part of this get-together. After a brief introduction, we are going to vicariously travel from Fort Pierce, to Key West. Afterwards, there will be a question and answer period, at which I will be glad to field inquiries not only about southeastern Florida and the Florida Keys, but any of the other Southeastern USA coastlines covered by the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net. So, come one, come all, and hope to see many fellow cruisers on Feb. 11!
For more details, you can call me at 336-266-1369 or e-mail [email protected].
|
Georgia
VII. More on Alternate Route to Avoid Straying Near Marker #32 in St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statute Mile 690
I speak with no fear of inaccuracy when I state that the most discussed Georgia portion of the AICW for the last year (at least), is not Little Mud River nor Jekyll Creek, but the Waterway's passage across St. Andrew Sound, south of Jekyll Island. If you have never before made this run, your vessel must almost pass out into the briny blue, IF you follow the official AICW route. And, our fellow cruisers have reported all sorts of potential navigational difficulties near AICW marker #32.
There is an "official" alternate route around this difficult section, which follows Umbrulla Creek and Floyd River, BUT the northerly portion of this passage is shallow at low tide. And so, fellow cruisers have suggested at least two other routes which help to avoid the most seaward parts of the official AICW track.
In the below linked report, Captains Chris and Janet are responding to a another recent posting relating a very rough passage that adhered strictly to the magenta line (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=130811). And, Chris and Janet have thoughtfully provided a detailed chart showing their suggested track to avoid these difficulties.
As part of the original posting, we asked to hear from other cruiser who might have made a similar cut close to Horseshoe Shoal to the west of marker #32. AS you will see, by following the link below, quite a collection of captains have chimed in with their own take on these waters.
So, if your keel will be passing through St. Andrew Sound anytime within the next year or so, may we heartily suggest visiting:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=130975
|
Western Florida
VIII. Increased Shoaling and Local Advice on Big Sarasota Pass, Sarasota, FL - Western Florida Coastline
Neither of Sarasotas inlets, Big Pass or New Pass, will ever win a "navigatinally easy" award. In fact, at times, both inlets can be downright dangerous. I have personally photographed a sailcraft that foundered and was lost on the shoals of New Pass.
In the spring of 2013, the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net presented a lengthy discussion on Big Sarasota Pass, ( see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=111868). Now in the below liked report, Captain Ray brings us valuable local knowledge and up-to-date information on Big Pass inlet. ALL Western Florida cruisers will want to run, not walk, to :
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=133989
|
North Carolina
IX. High Praise for Spoon River Restaurant, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136
It is seldom that we publish an article in January about a great, new restaurant on the North Carolina coastline. HOWEVER, Spoon River, in the charming river village of Belhaven, is clearly an exception. This story just saw the light of day less than 48 hours ago, and already two fellow cruisers have chimed in and agreed that this is a "not to be missed" dining attraction!
Read all about it at:
|
Florida Keys
X. Proof of Pumpout to be Required in Key West, FL
Captain Susan Landry's report, linked below, is in response to an article by Gwen Filosa that appeared January 16, 2014 in KeyNews.com, Florida Keys and Key West's Daily Online News. While the search for cleaner waters is admirable, proof of pumpout is often difficult to provide. The new regulation does specify "liveaboards" and may not affect transients.
Since we published Susan's story on 1/19/14, two other fellow cruisers have added their thoughts to this posting.
For the full scoop, please visit:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=133955
|
Eastern Florida/St. Johns River
XI. Good Food Is Where You Find It, Not Always Where You Expect It
Never would I have suspected that the "best crabcakes" I've ever enjoyed were to be found in a small, nondescript mom and pop restaurant in the tiny village of Welaka, on the St. Johns River. Well, it just goes to show you never know what you are going to find until you look. Last week, during my NE Florida research trip, I visited several marinas on the St. Johns River, south of Palatka, FL. After meeting the good folks at Acosta Creek Marina, I drove south through the small village of Welaka, on the way to Georgetown Marina. It was lunchtime, and I spotted a little place called (no kidding), Shrimp R Us (386) 467-7111. What caught my attention were the host of (obviously) local cars parked around the restaurant, almost always a sure sign of good food. So, I stopped, and I'm glad I did. Shrimp R Us's interior has all the charm of a 1950's motel room, but don't let that stop you. The food is simply wonderful. My crabcakes were composed of about 95% pure, white crabmeat, cooked just right and spiced perfectly - not too bland nor too potent. In short, they were heavenly, and the piece of key lime pie I splurged on for dessert was nothing to sneeze at either. Conversations with several cruisers in the area have since led me to understand that this dining attraction is a local secret, and some area residents may not be happy with me for letting the cat out of the bag. Even better for cruisers, Welaka features a FREE city dock, flanking the eastern shores of the St. Johns, south of marker #48. So, if your plans call for a cruise of the fabulous St. Johns River, don't miss Welaka and Shrimp R Us. You'll thank me for this one! Click Here to Open an SSECN Chart View Page Centered on Welaka
|
Eastern Florida/St. Johns River XII. Nautical Rummage Sale, February 1, Orange Park, FL, Doctors Inlet, St. Johns River
Here's your chance to unload those items that no longer fill the bill, and also to find that piece of equipment too costly to purchase new. The North Florida Cruising Club is sponsoring a "nautical rummage sale" tomorrow, 2/1/14, at Fleming Island Marina. This facility lies on the southern shore of Doctors Inlet, southwest of St. Johns River marker #11, upstream (south) of Jacksonville Learn lots more details at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=134352
|
South Carolina
XIII. Alternative to AICW/Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff Tested, off Statute Mile 517
In reponse to an earlier SSECN posting concerning a possible alternate route around the troubled Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff AICW Problem Stretch (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=120938), Captain Mullins and crew took the Round-your-elbow route into St. Helena Sound to avoid the Cutoff and did so successfully. Read the full account of this passage at:http://cruisersnet.net/?p=134342
|
|
|
|