T&T: Atlantic ICW

[Ron Trossbach]

Georgs,

I have a couple of points to add about the ICW experience for your
consideration.
We haven't done the trip recently, so listees reading this might want to
update these points.
  a.. Navigation.  Life became much easier when we converted to computer aided
navigation.  A notebook powered by a pocket inverter using raster charts
enabled us to see our 'little red ship' following the magenta line.  We also
used the NOAA small craft charts which are the exact charts shown on the
computer.  Key to all of this is to mark your location frequently so you
always know where you are.  Some do this with a clothes pin, others by marking
the chart with a pencil.  Understanding the ICW marking system, which is
explained in most Waterway Guides is also vital.
  b.. Parties.  Find out where they are and try to be there!  Thanksgiving in
Vero Beach used to be the best one.  SSCA has a Gam that is worth visiting and
Halloween is more fun in some places.
  c.. History.  The areas you will be going through have a rich past.  It
takes some research but it is fun to follow some of the story lines as you
travel the ICW.  We recommend that people start with "The Boy, Me and the Cat"
by Henry Plummer which is a story about a 1912 ICW trip.  One of our
highlights was meeting the 'boy' in his late eighties not too many years ago.
Ron Trossbach
ashore for the winter