[Rhodes22-list] Bill's Bahama Adventure

Bill Effros bill at effros.com
Tue Jun 20 08:41:22 EDT 2006


Keep it coming, Bill,

The off the top of your head thoughts are great.  You can fill in the 
blanks when you have the time, but not if you can't remember everything 
you wanted to say.

Think of this as your rough notes that you are sharing with us.

Thanks,

Bill Effros

William E. Wickman wrote:
> Sorry its taken some time to post to the list, but I have scarcely had time
> to look a the pictures since my return.  I am working diligently on
> recording the events of this trip before my memory fades.  I would love to
> be able to post the pdf format like Chris did for his Baja trip, but I
> don't have the software to create pdf files....yet.
>
> While sitting on an airplane this morning I jotted down some of the things
> I learned on this trip.  Here they are listed in no particular order:
>
> +  The built-in ice chest easily holds 30 lbs. of ice, but lasts only 3
> days (I wish it had been block ice).
> +  I can motor for 12+ hours at or near hull speed on one tank of gas (6.6
> gals).
> +  The autopilot was worth its weight in gold.
> +  The remote control for the autopilot was “nice to have” but
> non-essential.
> +  Wiring the autopilot to my GPS was worth the effort.
> +  Dead reckoning is an essential skill and fun to practice, but a mapping
> GPS sure is wonderful.
> +  Even with a mapping GPS, you can still run aground.
> +  It is true that you should NOT rely solely on a GPS.  It should be
> augmented with good paper charts; or rather the paper charts should be
> augmented with a GPS.
> +  Color coded “sippy” cups were a good idea.  It was the little things
> that made the trip so much more enjoyable.
> +  The fewer dishes and utensils you take, the fewer you have to clean, but
> it is very nice to have the right pot or pan or utensil for the job.
> +  Joy baths really do work.
> +  Thunderstorms in the open water are scary.
> +  Don’t trifle with the Gulf Stream.  It is to be respected.
> +  The ocean is a really big place.
> +  Planning pays, but be prepared to deviate from those plans…..and just
> plain be prepared.
> +  There is nothing quite so nice as an ice cold "beverage" after being
> away from civilization with no ice for 9 days.
> +  The basic law of sailing/cruising that you have heard about is in fact
> true:  the wind almost always blows from the direction in which you want to
> go.
> +  Whenever you impose a “schedule”, that is when sh&@ happens.
> +  Whenever you impose a “schedule”, that is when the weather will turn to
> sh*%
> +  You really get to know someone when you live together on a 22 foot
> sailboat.
> +  Fishing is not like it looks on those sportsman TV shows.
> +  A protected calm anchorage at the end of a long day is a blessing.
> +  Mosquito netting is worth more than its weight in gold when it gets
> buggy.
> +  A good anchor is essential for a good nights sleep.  Make that two good
> anchors.
> +  Did I say that a thunderstorm with gusty winds and ground (that is
> water) strike lightening is scary?
> +  No air conditioning, rolly anchorages, windless buggy nights, dinner
> from a can after failing to catch a fish, warm drinking water, long boring
> open water passages interrupted by short periods of terror…..Yes, it was
> worth it!!!
>
> There are many more tid bits, but these happen to be the first ones to pop
> into my head.
>
> Stay tuned.....
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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