[Rhodes22-list] Bill's Bahama Adventure

[Chris Geankoplis]

Bill,
    Thanks for the apertizers!  I use activepdf, it was either a free
download on the net or cost $20.  Pretty simple to use.

Chris G
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "William E. Wickman" <wewickman at duke-energy.com>
To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 10:13 PM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Bill's Bahama Adventure


> 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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