winter

[Jim23]

We've had the warmest Fall I have experienced since moving to the mountains. The ski resort is struggling to open but I'm not complaining. I've managed to accumulate a ridiculous amount of winter equipment between the kids, my wife and I. Sleds, downhill skis, nordic skis, snowshoes. So far I've managed to avoid snowmobile ownership. I grew up riding motorcycles but have grown to dislike motorized hobbies and all the engine maintenance they provide.

Sent the main out to Sailcare for the first time so we'll see how that goes.

[brackish]

We have a partial interest in a house in Mexico Beach, FL that has an outside shower.  In forty some years of going down there 3 times a year, mostly in the Spring and Fall, I think I've had to shower once inside and I resented that cold day.

However, Winter has arrived in the Gulf South, I spent last weekend in Delacroix, LA which is kinda at the end of the world, and overnight lows hit the mid thirties, with winds gusting to thirty with nothing but marsh grass to block it.  Now that probably doesn't seem cold to many of you, but when you are trying to put a shrimp on a hook and your hands are numb, well, sometimes the hook catches human flesh.  At least you can't feel it.

[Mas]

Spent part of last week up in the mountains, snow on the ground, temps never getting out of the 30's and Sunday we came back to sea level to finish winterizing Interlude. Golly, it is no where as cold here as the mountains, but the wind and dampness makes simply being outside no fun! My hats off to you guys who sail year round in these latitudes, or even just winter over on the coast here.

[Potcake boy]

Heave Too,

I kind of miss sailing the Chesapeake, lot's of fond memories upon her waters.  I remember when I lived in Maryland and always knew it was really cold when I spotted a teenager actually wearing his/her coat.

Sailing Florida waters is just the next step up, but of course, there are the unique problems that plague this area, usually related to people. Seems there is a battle between boaters anchoring near expensive homes, and owners of those expensive homes being of the opinion that they bought the view along with the house, and for some reason find the sight of sailboats unpalatable. So there is always a struggle between the different governing groups as to who has authority over these waters. It's been escalated to the level of one wealthy individual buying a Florida legislator from the other side of the state and not representing any area on the water, to propose legislation to make it illegal to anchor in his backyard.

Fortunately, we sailors all know the secret to get away from all the insanity and we have the means to do so.

Spring will be here before you can wear out your snow shovel.

[HeaveToo]

Every place has its charms and its harms!

Here is a very cool documentary about the Chesapeake Bay and the iconic Skipjacks.  I love the history of the Chesapeake Bay.
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-twentieth-century-the-sailing-oystermen/

[Potcake boy]

Heave Too,

Thanks so much for that. I have always been a true fan/admirer of Chesapeake history. Especially interesting to me is the conversation the men had about the future of the island's youth - some things never really change.

I once worked with a woman who's family owned and operated a Chesapeake Bay boat that hauled mostly lumber up and down the Bay. The family lived aboard the boat where she was born. She shared with me a book she had with a photo of her family's old boat. There were also photos of the great ice storm in Baltimore harbor.

I once found an old book in the library describing the geological history of the Chesapeake. To read about the early times of the Chesapeake (before Europeans) and how the water was so pure brought tears to my eyes. I was witness to the very positive impact on the Bay by the new (many years ago) sewage treatment plant at Blue Plains in D.C.. You can easily recognize the difference in water quality and aquatic life once you are south of the Potomac. Many of the really great places to visit under sail also lie in Virginia.

Walter Cronkite was not only one of our sailing brethren but one of the giants of journalism and left us this great gift - Thanks again.

[HeaveToo]

My one comment to that is today's media lacks true journalism.  Most of them chase a story instead of the facts.  They allow politics or other factors to influence the story so you rarely get the truth.  I miss those days when they looked for the truth and reported stories ethically.

I worked on the Bay for a summer on a charter boat.  The captain was a salty guy that had been around forever.  It was a very unique experience.

Hopefully we will see a few of you all make it down to the Bay this year.  Maybe we can even get together at some point!

[Mas]

Well, said goodbye to Interlude, as she is now tucked in for the winter. We had two sunny days and two fit for ducks only weather days. Spent one of those yucky days at the Delatville Maritime Museum. Have been there more than once and it is a wonderful place to visit. If ever in the area it is a must. Who knows maybe we can get some of the CBMWG 2.0 folks to visit. We used to sail out that creek decades ago with our first little Compac 16!

http://www.deltavillemuseum.com

Heave, with your interest in the Chesapeake if you haven't been plan to carve some time at CBMWG to visit. Well worth it.

Going skiing next week, come on winter!

[HeaveToo]

I may have to.  I have visited Deltaville several times and never been there.

You have to go up to Saint Michaels and see the Maritime Museum there.  It is amazing!

[Mas]

I may have to.  I have visited Deltaville several times and never been there.

You have to go up to Saint Michaels and see the Maritime Museum there.  It is amazing!

I've heard nice things about that museum as well and will definitely make it there. Maybe you can convince your wife to attend this years event, meet the rest of the lady folks, spend the night at a nice place and hit the museum the next day with a lunch at Merrior. Susan and I will be glad to help with such an endeavor! Gunna work on Bob and Kevin to bring Linda and Lesa as well.    It's winter and such events warm the mind and body while our craft sit waiting for spring.

Meanwhile got snow on the brain!