10/25-10/27 Apalachicola Gulf Coast Gathering 2013

flrockytop · Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 5:16 pm Post subject:

Hello Marc,

C-Lover out of mothballs. Getting trailer overhauled next week. MaryJo and I have it on the calendar. See you soon.

Roger

stlof · Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:51 am Post subject: Gulf

This from the Salty Southeast Cruisersnet:

Northern Gulf/Florida Panhandle

I. Continuing Problems on Northern Gulf ICW Between Panama City and Choctawhatchee Bay (near Statute Mile 265)

New Smyrna Beach Marina Back in July, we reported that a narrow, canal-like section of the Northern Gulf ICW (a. k. a. the Gulf Coast Intracoastal Waterway), between Panama City, Florida and Choctawhatchee Bay, had been closed, due to the collapse of a dike, following torrential rains, and tons of mud and sand had been washed into the channel. Then, on 8/24/13, we published an article that dredging had partially reopened the channel, but budgetary restrictions had kept the ACOE from widening the channel to its original breadth (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=119741).

Cammachee Cove Marina Now, in the below linked report, we hear from Captain Rich Gano, in Panama City, (who sent us the original report of the Waterway closing) that more rains have worsened the situation, and moneys are still not available for a full fix. Sounds like there may be hope though!

FULL details at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=121823

thataway · Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 1:55 pm Post subject: Re: Gulf

stlof · Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:09 pm Post subject: GC

Hey, Doc. Just passing it along. Don't shoot the messenger.

damason · Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:20 pm Post subject: GCIW Closing

I just picked this up on the web. It looks like the GCIW will be fixed and open by the time of our gathering.
I am recovering from surgery or I would put a boat in the water and go have a look.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WEST BAY — The disruption of a coastal waterway connection system is causing some headaches for the Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard and some local businesses.

A section of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which stretches from Carrabelle to Brownsville , Texas , was shut down after flooding damaged a dike between Choctawhatchee Bay and West Bay during last week’s flooding rains, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

“There was just so much water going through it, it just blew it out,” said Pat Robbins, spokesman for the Army Corps.

About 80 percent of the dike may have to be replaced, said Robbins, who gave a tentative reopening date of July 20.

“The dredger has to be brought up from New Orleans , and depending on the weather it could be a couple of weeks before it is repaired,” U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Stanley Tarrant said.

thataway · Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 2:26 pm Post subject:

Dave, what you posted was from a July 9 article. The information that Alan and I posted is from August 22. The ICW is currently open at Mile 265, but limited to small craft traffic one way thru the shoal area.

cdory25 · Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 6:07 am Post subject: "The list"

How does one sign up for the event? Any slips left at the host hotel? And their phone number please. Are cruisers getting rooms or staying in their boats?

What's the Weather like down there at that time of year. Our boating season runs from January to may. We're in WV for the summer and fall but will make the 1000+ mile trip for another adventure on the water only minus first dog Darius who is now on the Rainbow bridge doggy heaven.

Also looking for a good source for an weight distributing hitch (inexpensive) Can anyone do better than $300 at JC Whitney? Although my Silverado is tow rated and 9400lb it still feels like the tail wagging the dog sometimes. She just brings so much stuff we could cross the Atlantic

Mark Help!
tlantic
TIA
John and Karen
Blue Ccruiser

cdory25 · Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 6:09 am Post subject: "The list"

How does one sign up for the event? Any slips left at the host hotel? And their phone number please. Are cruisers getting rooms or staying in their boats?

What's the Weather like down there at that time of year. Our boating season runs from January to may. We're in WV for the summer and fall but will make the 1000+ mile trip for another adventure on the water only minus first dog Darius who is now on the Rainbow bridge doggy heaven.

Also looking for a good source for an weight distributing hitch (inexpensive) Can anyone do better than $300 at JC Whitney? Although my Silverado is tow rated and 9400lb it still feels like the tail wagging the dog sometimes. She just brings so much stuff we could cross the Atlantic

Mark Help!

TIA
John and Karen
Blue Ccruiser

thataway · Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 1:01 pm Post subject:

At the top of the page is "events sign up" Click on that, it will show the Apalachicola gathering in the Membership events. If it is not there, then click the up-down button to bring it up. Sign up there.

$300 is a good price--but you want to be sure it will work with surge brakes unless you have electric over hydraulic. I still have the unit I used with my C Dory 25 and it has the pole tongue adaptor which you will need, along with an adjustable hitch, because you want the trailer frame level. I will part with the whole rig for $300. If you want it, i'll bring to the gathering.

Weather in Oct--can be cool at night--long sleeve shirt--occasionally a fleece in the AM--have used the air conditioner on a few days--but normally not necessary. This is still in hurricane season, and so far we have been lucky. One gathering, I had to dodge water spouts on the way--and we had a small tornado in Pensacola. Thunder storms can occur. Occasionally rain--but for the most part our gatherings have had good weather--shorts and short sleeves in the daytime.

Wefings · Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:19 pm Post subject:

John , just saw your post . If you have torsion axles , do not use a weight distributing hitch . I would make sure you have adequate tongue weight . That will be the first thing to cause "wagging" . 5-7% is fine , 10% is borderline too much on a boat . Remember its a boat, not an RV.
For slips call 850.653.3700 [Water Street Hotel] and speak with Leigh. She will take care of you . They have nice clean bathrooms and are a great location in relationship to the Rivercrest location .Scipio Creek Marina is right up the creek [literally] from Water Street Hotel . Its is another alternative to Water Street with gas , "Papa Joes" restaurant and useable but not "posh" bathrooms/showers . Power and water there too.
We start the Tampa Show this coming week , but Ill be monitoring the thread for more questions .
Marc
Marc

cdory25 · Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:39 pm Post subject:

Dan & Judy · Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 7:03 pm Post subject: sign up

How do we go about signing up for this get-to-gather?
And getting directions to where it is held.

Wefings · Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 8:57 pm Post subject:

No particular signup except on the site here , Ill pm you later with ideas of where to stay and such .
Marc

fom earlier post
"The Town is Apalachicola 32320 .
The location of the fun is Here
If you need lodging or slip info ,let me know .
Marc"

Dan & Judy · Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 9:25 pm Post subject: Get-to-gather in October

Yes we need that information. Are people staying on their boats or Motels?

Wefings · Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 10:19 pm Post subject:

Folks are doing both . the Water Street Hotel 850.653.3700 has some slips and rooms reserved for "Wefings C Dory Gathering" Ask for Leigh and she will take care of you .They will dissapear [rooms] in a few days as they have a wedding coming that weekend
Alternantly, there is a a spot that can fit 6 or 8 boats with no power , but porta pottis at the Rivercrest locaction . Some folks stay there .
There is the City Marina and Scipio Creek Marina . Both have power and water . The Gibson and Apalachicola River Inn are walking distance from Battery Park City Marina .
If you read the previous posts you will garner some info .
Marc