It's hell getting older

[DrRalph]

Yesterday we had an ugly experience running Ponce Inlet here in Central Florida. The outer mark is called the "Sea Buoy," it's about a mile or so from the mouth of the inlet. For the past twenty years we have been scattering the ashes of our deceased relatives at the buoy, they have all requested that. My father recently passed away, and Monday we took him out for the ceremony.

This time of year we get a 10-20 kt SE wind in the afternoon, and it usually doesn't lay down until about midnight. In the morning there are still sizable swells, and if there is an easterly on a brisk outgoing tide, it makes for a nasty inlet. That is exactly what happened to us yesterday, there were standing 4-6 footers in the inlet, and they were tight. I buried the bow twice, at a speed of 4-5 kts. When we finally exited the inlet and detoured around the tide rip, the seas were still running 3-4 ft, and we got knocked around on our way out.

We haven't taken the boat to Abaco since '03, for a number of reasons we've been flying over and renting a boat. I have to tell you, I'm about over dealing with hours of head seas. We usually run to Ft. Pierce on Day 1, then on into Spanish Cay or GTC on Day 2, which makes for an 8-10 hour day if you have a headwind. When we were younger we could tough it out, but we're at the stage where it's just too physically demanding.

Last year we left Daytona on Vintage at 7:45, flew to MHH, stopped at Solomon's and grocery-shopped, caught the Hope Town ferry, picked up an Albury 23 at Island Marine, moved into our cottage at Seaspray, and were drinking rum at Tahiti Beach by 2 PM. It's just too easy! I'm not sure we'll ever do the two-day flog again. And, we don't have to take narcotics to get to sleep the first two nights from back pain, etc.

[PattyB]

I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad. Sincerest condolences to you and your family. Sorry about the bad day on the water too.

[hank and louise]

Ralph; so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. We send our Sincerest condolences.and we hope your doing ok.
Hank and louise

[SamFamAustin]

My condolences, too.

But when you get older sometimes you get wiser and leave the hard work for the kids ... isn't the flying and ferry cool? And then those Albury rental boats are a piece of art by themselves. You take care, young fella, and have a bunch of fun. :)

[BahamaAngie]

My condolences also. My husband feels the same way you do about boating. I miss it! I only seem to get my "fix" when we rent a boat in Abaco or I go on my friends 31' Silverton. When you are younger, we seem to be more daring. But you aren't that old yet!

[Eva]

Sorry for your loss.

But on a brighter note, don't forget that there is an option that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: chartering! And yes (as you probably know), you can charter motor and sail in Abaco. You don't have to worry about the trip over, but once you're in Abaco, you can hop on the boat of your choice and enjoy the liveaboard life. I've loved Abaco as a land-based visitor, but by sea, it's the ultimate!

[Abacoparrott]

to hear about your dad Ralph......I hope that he had a good, long life. My mom and dad passed away over 20 yrs ago and I still think of them often.........you will too.

As for boating options.....here's one more.....take "Attitude" over to Marsh Harbour and leave her there......fly back and forth.......she would look good motoring on the sea of abaco........ken

[South Pause]

Sorry to hear about your father, Dr. Ralph. I lost my father about 3 years ago and I miss him every day.

[floridaskater]

Truly sorry to hear about your loss. With the price of fuel running back and forth across the Gulf Stream does not make a lot of sense (IMHO) unless you have a reason to be out there, i.e. fishing along the way. We leave our boat in Abaco, it's less expensive to leave it in dry storage for an entire year than it is to make a round trip crossing. Plus it give me a great excuse to go out there more often.

[Henz]

I was woundering why Attitude hasent bee nin the Abacos in awhile! I know that you have been having engine troubles but I thought that for someone who really likes his boat and being in the Abacos it was taking alot longer than I would expect to get her ship-shape! You are correct, its a h_ll of alot easier flying and actually spending more time once your are there! I do like parrotts idea however then you would be left with nothing for your daily use in florida.

[it'lldo]

I know what you mean Dr. Ralph. The first time I went to Abaco back in 1986 It was by boat, a 28ft. sailboat. (cape dory) We (3 of us) left Lighthouse Point Marina @ 6:30 in the evening and it took 13 hours to get to West End. It was an awesome trip and it changed my life (because I found Abaco) but when I look back at it now I would never do it again. Just that first day @ West End waiting for customs in the boiling hot marina was something that would set me back 2 days now.Getting old is indeed hell.So sorry for your loss.

[South Pause]

We crossed over once in our boat, about 3 years ago. Were lucky to have flat calm seas almost the entire way...however, the West End customs fiasco both coming and going, and the psychological stress of having your own boat definitely did not offset any advantages. Flying and renting has been our first choice before that crossing and after it. (Not to mention the cost of gas!)
In the best world, we would like to have a boat over there and one here.
Maybe one day...

[Charlotte Couple]

Ralph, we're very sorry to hear about your dad. That's a nice tradition your family has developed. Sorry it was so rough for you on Monday.

A couple weeks ago we were halibut fishing in Alaska, bottom fishing in 200 feet of water, with 8-foot seas. We got knocked around pretty hard, but caught our limit and got out of there quickly. Haven't done a Gulf Stream crossing, but reading some of your and Jaime's experiences, I know it can be rough going unless conditions are perfect.

[floridaskater]

How's this for a glimpse of the Gulf Stream. One of my favorite artists Winslow Homer's "Gulf Stream". http://www.artchive.com/artchive/h/homer/gulf_stream.jpg

I don't know how to resize pics so maybe someone else will tell me or do it.

[patw]

Here you go!

[Jerry S]

Thanks Pat, we can always count on you for the great pics, and right now is very good timing!

[patw]

Here is one for a good laugh. Sidney is a thorn between two roses! Actually, Elizabeth was up there too. Guess I better post one of her too!

[cool breeze]

What a lovely tradition with the ashes Ralph. Sad news about your father.

[lynnmor]

Dr. Ralph,
So sorry for the loss of your father. He must have been a very special man judging from how generous and kind you are. My sympathy.

[DaGoose]

Dr.Ralph, Sorry to hear about your Dad. You must miss him very much.

I really can relate to this thread. Rick and I just got back from a 4 day trip to Catalina Island on our 24 foot Skipjack. Boy are my arms tired (and that's not from catching fish) and everything else! We were fortunate to get a mooring ball for the whole time in a pretty little cove but because we don't have a dinghy, we never got off the boat except to take a swim. After trolling for Marlin & Dorado all day long (to no avail, darn it) and the last day getting beat up in some pretty lumpy seas, I just don't think my 50 year old body can take too many more years of it. Told Rick we NEED a bigger boat but since he's only 46 he can't really relate...yet! All that being said, I wouldn't trade the experience. We had a blast. There's nothing like being on a boat to cruise an island. That's why Abaco is so great! Just fly in and rent a boat, what could be better than that?