That is awesome. Wish we were going to still be in the Miami area when you make it up this way, but we will be also traveling up the East Coast, so perhaps if our paths should cross somehow, we can share a glass of wine somewhere. We have some connections and resources in a few places along the way as well, so I'll message you my info on FB in case you have any questions along the way. Yay for you guys!
Sounds like so much fun!
WTH!
That's 1500 miles not 2500 miles you said earlier!
Anyway, I beg you to visit Turks and Caicos since you will be right there. Guarantee you that you will never see water and beaches like that anywhere else on the planet.
Taru - you need to come up the Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis. Lovely town and you'll like the people. We'll be glad to show you around when you get here. You also should stop in Charleston which is a neat place in the South.
Safe travels with fair winds and following seas.
Bob
s/v Comocean
If it was only 1500 miles to New England that would make it all much easier! This map shows only our first stop as I mention.
Tough route going the wrong way through Drake's passage. Good luck with that.
I thought Drake's passage was either in the Virgin islands or down South by Antarctica? We are not going to any of those.
Congrats on your new plan! Definitely consider a stop in Turks and Caicos. You may not want to leave. The water color and blindingly white sand are glorious.
You should consider the west coast of fla. you can come up through Naples, Venice, and St. Pete/Tampa (gorgeous and tons of great art, bistros, and marinas), then motor across the state on the inland waterway and head north. Much. Nicer. Than. Miami. The West coast of FLA- More fun, less guns!
Hit the Gulf Stream and keep coming to Nova Scotia....don't stop until you get here. Cheap boat storage for the winter. I'll put the kettle on. Great cruising....food and people
http://www.lryc.ca/
cheers
scott
As much as I'm a little disappointed that you'll be turning away from the pacific (esp since you were sooo close) I'm also excited that you will get a chance to explore my homeland. You will love New York and Boston when you get there, there is simply no other places quite like them. I look forward to reading your accounts of them. Are you still planning on heading back down to the pacific one day when the time is right?
Yes of course, Pacific is still on, right after Cuba early next year. At least that is the plan.
hey I said 2500 miles to Nova Scotia with a stop off at Boston because of your friend. I guess in the closest!!
WHAT DID I WIN? WHAT'S MY PRIZE?
Good Plan!
Port Antonio is suposed to be a very special place in Jamaicia, although I didn't make it there. If you find yourself headed on the next leg by well devoloped trade winds, consider using the land breeze effect from Cuba to make your easterly.
Fair winds,
ps If your road trip takes you to Jackson Hole WY, give me a shout.
Road Trip! Drive to Colorado!
How awesome! Super excited for you guys and your new travels. That's the beauty about this life that you're living, you can do as you please without having to stick to a set plan or guideline. Looking forward to reading all about it!
xo Erica
Awww we'll just be missing each other in Miami I think! If you pass through North Carolina let me know!!!
PS I agree with what everyone said about the T&C! My husband and I just returned from there last week where we celebrated our anniversary (blogging about it now if you want info) and we LOVED it!!!!
Why don't you try Mexico on your way back? Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Chetumal, Merida... Everything is beautiful around Yucatan and Quintana Roo.
Cheers!
I'm so excited for you guys and I hope our paths will cross now. We should be hitting the East Coast within 2-3 months. Our boats look so much alike that I'm sure we'll be able to find each other!
Deb
S/V Kintala
www.theretirementproject.blogspot.com
You might want to save your boat projects until you're in a US jurisdiction, and then buy from Defender. You won't find a better price pretty much anywhere else in the world. Actually if you're going to New England you might want to hang out in Connecticut and shop directly at their warehouse.
I had been wondering, while watching your boat work in Antigua, why you didn't go to an American jurisdiction where you could order stuff via UPS for a fraction of the normal island price. I assumed it was personal reasons, to be honest.
Another protip about boatwork in the US: Try to open an account at the big industrial supply houses, like Grainger or McMaster-Carr. They don't have specialized boat gear obviously, but they do have tools, electrical equipment, stainless and bronze fittings and fasteners, fiberglass supplies, etc. at prices that make even Defender look expensive.
I think you will be the only boat heading north during hurricane season. Not a good move to sail north at this time. you may be ok sailing north but to leave the boat in the paths of a hurricane is not the smartest move. Sail to Grenada and leave eh boat there in a safe place. Then fly north and have no worries.
You're better off sailing to the places you want if you have all the time in the world. It's better to do it now then have to come all the way back from the Pacific if you feel you missed out on something :-)
You will LOVE the USA EAST COAST. We have sailed it many times. If you want to study the trip, take a look at our last two years of Google Maps:
MD to Fl to MD
http://tinyurl.com/icw2011
MD to FL to Bahamas to FL
http://tinyurl.com/icw2012
Hayden & Radeen on Island Spirit
I meant the passage between the East tip of Cuba and Haiti. I probably have the name wrong, but it is against the trades there. Went through going the other direction in the Pineapple Cup.
I just read your post and I got supper excited to see that Nova Scotia was on your list of stops! Nova Scotia is beautiful and there is definitely so much to see. However my opinion may be slightly biased since I have been living in Halifax, NS for years now haha :)
Make the 4-5 day trip from East Coast across to Bermuda!
I am SO jealous that you're (eventually) on your way to Manhattan. It's a magical place, and we were tempted to turn our boat around from the Caribbean where we are now and head back there for the summer.
On your way up Florida, I'd stop into St. Augustine for a day or two. First settled by the Spanish in the 1500s, it still has a lot of influence on their architecture (or as close as you'll get to it in the US). Get drinks or dinner at Casa Monica, I think it would totally be your style.
I think Charleston, SC would also be a city that you would enjoy, there is a great upscale night life on East Bay street. Also great architecture there, so many beautiful buildings.
A road trip across the states sounds amazing, I think you're going to be SO happy to do it. Do you know if you'll go a north or south route? I may be biased, but if you're going north make sure you check out the Great Lakes. The NW part of Michigan has an area called the Sleeping Bear Dunes which has stunning views and great areas for hiking if you're into that.
Enjoy your adventure!
Hello
Long-time reader but away for a while...I've looked through the blog and comments and don't see any mention of why the change in plans! They may be private, of course, but as I've not even seen it by readers asked think I must have overlooked it. The US is far from perfect, but there are so many wonderful places you will enjoy on your way up the East Coast and then crossing the country. Welcome!