Posted by: admin
on Jun 1, 2009
Posted by: admin
on Jun 1, 2009
This site showed up over on the TSBB, and we thought you might enjoy it. We wish fair winds to Captain and crew of this fine small vessel.—SH
Posted by: admin
on Jun 1, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Posted by: admin
on May 31, 2009
On the morning of May 29th, Old Geezer left Wright Basin and moved north along the Blackwater River, off the charts, and mysteriously, off GPS coverage. But our intrepid Potter and Potterer pressed on, exploring false channels. Dan was surprised to find white beaches way up in the fresh water, but find them he did. Anchoring for the night, he found some suspenseful moments, too.
Just off the river in a wide spot, 'Geezer was settled in for the night. About 1 a.m. a boat blasted out of the night, and passed close aboard, rocking the Potter with its wake. It turned and made another pass, running without lights, and, though 'Geezer was showing an anchor light, rocked her smartly again.
Once past, the powerboat, its engine running rough, turned back toward 'Geezer, who's crew was now at battle stations. When the intruder went silent close aboard, Dan prepared to repell boarders. Fortunately, the interloper went away and did not return.
Morning found our dashing defenders is less water than before, and with an anchor which did not want to come up. But anchor, chain, and rode all made it back aboard, and EF-1 turned south, more or less. It turns out that there are many channels upriver, and getting where you want to go can be tricky without local knowledge.
Squinting at the sun and using a compass, our friends got back toward Milton, which seemed to be the jet ski and bass boat capital of the world. Dan met the operator of the 100 year old railroad bridge, who sympathized, but was not anxious to swing the bridge when he realized Dan had the mast down.
What the bridge operator had not witnessed was Dan's high speed mast stepping dance, choreographed between stinkpot wakes. Timing this routine is critical, and not as much fun as it sounds.
The operator told Dan about a place below the bridge where he could tie up securely to get the mast back up without dancing and dodging, and 'Geezer was soon on her way. They resumed getting bottom samples as they got out into Blackwater Bay and on toward Pensacola.
The combat rudder does not enjoy a following sea, and with winds around ten knots, an attentive helm was required. Soon enough, Dan hove to and reefed, and the working jib and reefed main proved a more comfortable combination.
Conditions were interesting, and 'Geezer surfed under the bridge and into a different world. The water was nearly flat, with less wind and more heat. The friendly folks at Palafox Marina welcomed him back.
After topping off his fuel supply and cleaning up, Dan hiked about 40 minutes to Old Town, for supper, where the good folks at Outback provided him with a cooler and ice to take back to the boat.
Dan was relaxing aboard when a southern belle smiled and waved. "Baby, I love that boat!", she said. Alas, she pointed out that she was staying aboard a nearby yacht with her husband.
As we spoke, Dan was on a park bench in the shade, looking down on 'Geezer. I got the impression that he will not go far today.
But he has plans for tommorrow.—Steve Haines
Posted by: admin
on May 30, 2009
Some interesting results in
this radar reflector test with kayaks.
—Eds
Posted by: admin
on May 29, 2009
Yesterday morning, Old Geezer and Dan made their way past Garcon Point, and by 11:10 had passed Escribano Point and entered Blackwater Bay. The day was hot and humid, with little wind and contrary tide, but the sky was clear and beautiful.
By 1245, our expedition passed under Interstate 10, which some panhandle natives think of as the Mason-Dixon Line. At 1310, Dan thought his GPS had led him astray when it showed him in Bagdad. It had not, and we are pleased to report that Bagdad, Florida is more cracker than shiite. But getting there required getting a railroad bridge with 9' clearance to move out of the way for just a moment.
By 1345, Dan arrived in Milton, where he resupplied with bananas, tonic, and a giant bag of ice, which was much lighter by the time he carried it the half mile or so back to the boat. He was under way straightaway, but by 1530 was delayed by a low fixed bridge. The mast was unstepped, and he continued to a freshwater lagoon just off the river known as Wright Basin.
He is anchored in about ten feet of water on the southwest side of the basin, which is uninhabited. This lake is about a mile east to west, and almost double that north and south. There are homes and docks across the water, but his anchorage is secluded.
Dan put the mast back up and was about to deploy the boom tent. A good thing, as there was thunder while we spoke, and violent weather to the northwest, with winds to 60 mph, hail, and no fun.
Today Dan will move upriver, exploring an area of cypress and tupelo. There are upland pine forests and peat bogs there, all dressed up with pitcher plants. Much of the land there is in the Blackwater Preserve, the largest state owned preservation tract, mostly empty and beautiful.
I forgot to tell Dan about the bears, but will remind him tonight, if he is within range. I'm not worried, though. I think the alligators will keep them away. —Steve Haines
Dan left the bridge at the NW corner of the bay, went ENE, then N, under I-10 and the next highway. He is in the lake N of there.
EF-1 is anchored in the intersection of the "L" above the entrance to the Basin. They'll come out and head upstream today.
Posted by: admin
on May 29, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Hi All,
Finally have all sizes of our Gunkhole logo t-shirt back in stock. Thanks! —Eds
Posted by: admin
on May 28, 2009
Because of damage at Seville, Dan moved slightly northwest, to Palafox Marina, where he was well sheltered and treated very well. He was able to explore nearby eateries, although we're not sure how many, since he was only there a couple of days.
His other shoreside adventures included a trip to town aboard an MG-TD replica, which seems somehow fitting. Dan also reports that he has advised boat people along his route to stay alert for B. Frank, who sometimes follows him.
This morning, Dan left the good people of Palafox and motored north, since there was no wind at all. He'll be up toward the Blackwater today, where he promises to stay on the boat, and examine all animals with his telephoto lens.
We'll keep you posted. —Steve Haines
Posted by: admin
on May 28, 2009
Just received a couple of new books for our SCA book store. Click on the book or title if you're interested in ordering a copy. Thanks! —Eds
The Complete Trailer Sailor
Regular Small Craft Advisor contributor, Brian Gilbert's long-awaited trailersailing text has finally arrived in 2009. Full of specific information on inspecting, buying, maintaining and equipping a small boat—as well as how-to sections on trailering, sailing, navigating, and cruising. Beautifully illustrated, this 266-page book covers galleys and heads, safety gear, anchors, and much more. There's even a nice buyer's guide covering many popular trailersailers. The book makes reference to ComPacs, Hunters, Catalinas, Seawards, Sea Pearls, Nordicas, ODays, Tanzers, Potters, and many other designs.
Small Trimarans: An Introduction
Here's a VERY small-boat specific title you won't find many other places. Author Joe Farinaccio sits down with experts from all over the sailing world and talk small trimarans. Interviews inlude: Russel Brown, Dick Newick, Chris Ostlind, Chuck Leinweber, Gary Dierking and many others. Boats discussed include: Magnum, Windrider, Rave, Weta, Tremolino and many others.
Posted by: admin
on May 27, 2009
April 13, Dan, Long Green, and Old Geezer left northern California, arriving in Panama City on the 19th. After some weather and refreshment delays, the trio made it to Carrabelle to get started on the wet part of the trip. Since then, Long Green has rested back in Panama city, while the other two thirds of the Expeditionary Force has been meandering.
The Expeditionary Force has sampled beverages and taken bottom samples from Apalachicola, Lake Wimico, Port St. Joe and St. Andrews Bay, missing few spots in between. On May 5, after another weather delay, Dan headed west, across St. Andrews Bay, into the ditch and points west. He sailed the Florida 120, and his log records having a blast.
After the 120, weather compelled a tactical withdrawal into Wolf Bay Marina, where Dan was adopted by locals. But while the hospitality was fine, the weather was foul indeed, with plenty of rain, lightning, and waves crashing over the seawall for added effect.
The weather was consistently lousy, resulting in a Hotel California theme, since Dan had checked in, but could never leave. To be clear, though, this was not Valley Forge, as there was plenty to eat and drink, including fresh bananas, and a book exchange. There were excursions inland, too, including one to the Naval Aviation Museum with a retired crop duster from northern Alabama.
The people at the marina were offering Dan work, and the last straw came when they offered him a paying job. A man of principle, Dan set out yesterday after breakfast, and ventured toward the Pensacola bridge.
Armed with much local knowledge and plenty of wind, Dan overnighted at Seville Harbor, and will explore that area for a day or so. Plans are to head toward the Blackwater River, an area of spectacular beauty and a colorful array of animal life, much of it green and reptilian. He will stay on the boat.
The weather for the next few days should be fine, and we'll keep you posted on the Expedition as new adventures unfold. —Steve Haines
