GL: dropping out

[Randy Pickelmann]

Fred, Sterling and All,

For the last year I have been doing what I characterize as "dropping
out...slowly".  We have cruised about two weeks at a time, stopping so I can
fly home to tend to business.  Although we have no ambitions to do the Loop, I
don't see why it would not be compatible with this routine.  Last spring we
left the boat in Jacksonville, FL for two weeks before heading up the ICW to
New Bern.  After a two week break for business, I returned and we made our way
to Solomon's Is, MD.  We had a slip at Calvert Marina for the summer.  I flew
back and forth out of BWI to Tampa every two weeks while we explored
Chesapeake Bay.  My wife elected to spend the summer aboard although she did
make one trip home mid-summer.  In the fall we came back south to New Bern,
where we left the boat for the winter. The key, for me, was to find marinas
which had good airport access.  Start out by identifying which airports you
would be able to fly in and out of easily, then start looking for a marina
which will accommodate your needs.  Airport shuttles, taxis and rental cars
are available in most places.

Cruising this way isn't cheap.  I would certainly prefer to be cruising full
time but I can't.  I'd rather do it in small bites than not do it at all!

Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR
lying in New Bern
www.morningstar.talkspot.com