GL: Leaving Chicago October First

[Sailmaker13 at aol.com]

Hi AGLCA,
 
We are new members, Great Lake sailors, and have completed  the east coast 
part of the  great circle trip several years ago. Now we are  getting ready for 
an October first departure from Lake Michigan. We have all the  charts for our 
trip from Chicago to Mobile. I am writing for information from  the sail boat 
point of view.  Mariposa  42, our faithful sailing  vessel will have a 
powerboat configuration above the water when we step or  ship her mast. But we are 
still concerned about the depth. She draws 5  feet 6 inches.
 
We would appreciate any information based on current experience.  Please feel 
free to respond to any of these questions from this following list.  We have 
read the archives but most are dated 2007. Maybe we are in the wrong web  page 
areas?
 
Any thoughts or first hand information about shipping the mast by  truck?
 
Where is the best place to step the mast in the Chicago area?
 
Where is the best place to step the mast in the Mobile area?
 
It seems that anchorage information is very scarce, is that because most  
people use marinas?
 
Beyond Quimby's what cruising guide did you find most helpful for the  
Chicago to Mobile part of the trip?
 
Is there a cruising net for VHF? How about single side band?
 
What  wireless net carrier gets the most reception?
 
Has anyone had problems with diesel fuel?
 
Again thanks for any current facts that  are shared.
 
S/V Mariposa
John Shaul and Shirley Jetter
 



**************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, 
plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.      
(http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)