Bill and BobbyWithin 2.5 hours, we are tied-up at Holiday Harbor Marina (first marina in Florida on the GIWW, and the first with water, fuel, electricity and a pump-out since we left Clear Lake, Texas). Bill Davis manages the place, and is a retired Army buddy of ours.
Jenny's parents are arriving Tuesday to attend at VA-25 Squadron Reunion at the Pensacola Naval Air Station this coming weekend. Another reason we are stopping over here.
Chris and Robin head out by car to return to the Sarasota as they have friends coming in for a visit. Chris will return o/a 13 Nov. Then we will head offshore to cross the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota, Florida.
Burt (the cat) is enjoying being off the leash and free to come and go as he pleases.
Recommendations and considerations for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway:
1. AIS was very valuable to see tows/ships and their names for contact on the VHF to arrange passing.
2. Most of the GIWW is narrow with no place to anchor out of the way if you have trouble. Traveling with another vessel provides the opportunity of a hip-tow to keep moving while the issue is worked out. Especially between Houston and New Orleans.
3. Have a 50 amp/250 volt splitter for shore power connections on the GIWW. Most docks and marinas are set up for this connector.
4. Even during the day, it helps to have 2 people on watch. Would only recommend traveling during daylight. Plan your day hops to anchor out or dock at night.
5. Fuel sources are still sparse, and pump-out stations are rare.
6. Skipper Bob's "Cruising the Gulf Coast" is the best guide for the GIWW.
Jenny's parents are arriving Tuesday to attend at VA-25 Squadron Reunion at the Pensacola Naval Air Station this coming weekend. Another reason we are stopping over here.
Chris and Robin head out by car to return to the Sarasota as they have friends coming in for a visit. Chris will return o/a 13 Nov. Then we will head offshore to cross the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota, Florida.
Burt (the cat) is enjoying being off the leash and free to come and go as he pleases.
Recommendations and considerations for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway:
1. AIS was very valuable to see tows/ships and their names for contact on the VHF to arrange passing.
2. Most of the GIWW is narrow with no place to anchor out of the way if you have trouble. Traveling with another vessel provides the opportunity of a hip-tow to keep moving while the issue is worked out. Especially between Houston and New Orleans.
3. Have a 50 amp/250 volt splitter for shore power connections on the GIWW. Most docks and marinas are set up for this connector.
4. Even during the day, it helps to have 2 people on watch. Would only recommend traveling during daylight. Plan your day hops to anchor out or dock at night.
5. Fuel sources are still sparse, and pump-out stations are rare.
6. Skipper Bob's "Cruising the Gulf Coast" is the best guide for the GIWW.
