03/06 - 03/08 St. John's River Florida CBGT

I was thinking this year that instead of all the fun stuff Dr. Bob mentioned, is to instead hold a boat waxing and detailing clinic.
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Oh, that's good to know, as I didn't get time to get a lot of wax on Midnight Flyer at the end of last season due to coming back from the Snake and Columbia Rivers when it was already below freezing here at home! I'll put Midnight Flyer up as representative of the 22 footers for you or Bob to demonstrate proper technique in waxing and detailing a C-Dory! :mrgreen: :xnaughty :xnaughty
 
I think those who are under 80 years of age, should wax the boats of those are over 80 years of age! (hopefully the sub octogenarians should outnumber the octogenarians!)
 
I think we should lower that age to 60. :mrgreen: Something tells me we're going to have more fun this year. :xtongue Counting the days. This years cold sucks! Colby
 
hardee":1fwe3wdx said:
it is only 3,055 miles one way from here

Harvey
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Harvey,

You must know a short cut. I just looked it up and got 3,176 (48 hours on the road) Dewatto to St. John's. That's cutting across WY and NE, where I'm not sure I want to be towing in early March. Going I-5 through LA and southern states is 3,567 (54 hours). If it was only 3,055 miles one way, I'd go in a heart beat.

What is all this talk about boats and wax? Is it a Florida requirement? How do you apply it to the bottom? Is it like a bikini wax?

Mark
 
Thanks for the input on the St John's from Jacksonville. I'm planning on three days to make the trip, and looking forward to seeing everyone there.
 
Having just driven 2300 miles across the USA--I can vouch that a "29 hour drive" according to Mr Garmin,--is closer to 4 to 5 days---sure did I it in 35 hours yours about 60 years ago! (without freeways)...

What is all this talk about boats and wax? Is it a Florida requirement? How do you apply it to the bottom? Is it like a bikini wax?
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It has to do with something called "sunshine"...abundant in supply in Florida..,
 
Alright....everyone must wax or polyglow their own boat. Bottom waxing will be optional and not required if you have bottom paint. For anyone who has never waxed the bottom of their hull I recommend waterproof wax applied by a mermaid. You mite be able to find one at Weeki Wachee State Park here in Florida. The Sun down here can turn a new boat into a very old looking boat in no time at all. Wax on wax off....Tom
 
Marco Flamingo":1r9c2jpy said:
hardee":1r9c2jpy said:
it is only 3,055 miles one way from here

Harvey
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Harvey,

You must know a short cut. I just looked it up and got 3,176 (48 hours on the road) Dewatto to St. John's. That's cutting across WY and NE, where I'm not sure I want to be towing in early March. Going I-5 through LA and southern states is 3,567 (54 hours). If it was only 3,055 miles one way, I'd go in a heart beat.

What is all this talk about boats and wax? Is it a Florida requirement? How do you apply it to the bottom? Is it like a bikini wax?

Mark
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Mark, I figured from Sequim. That extra 125 miles you are looking at is just getting out of Seattle I'm sure. :shock: :?

See, no problem, just come over to Sequim and we can leave from here :wink:

Or maybe it was a Google typo:oops:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Colby, Hontoon is on my list bot not this year. It is not the 2237 miles but the snow and ice to get the C-Dory out and the possible road conditions getting there. I have a lot of practice at that driving but are completely done with WORK. My cat claw may be out in April for Fort Peck then to the Chippewa Flowage for the end of May. Beginning of June to Apostle Islands ( depending on weather). Yellowstone Lake and Blaine and Bellingham in Aug. Lake Powell ??? in Sept. If something really, really interesting comes up (like the 2017 Snake Columbia River trip) situations can and will change Lew
 
Lew, still not sure if my Alaska trip is going to pan out this summer or not. If not, let me know when you are going to do the Apostle Islands. If I'm not in Alaska, I'd be happy to join you. Also, Tom & Joyce off the C-Otter (doing this event) may be planning Isle Royal again, this time right after Independence Day. I'm also planning on doing Lake Powell towards the end of September for the gathering being planned there. And probably the Mississippi gathering in early September. First this event in March, then Friday Harbor in May. I'll pretty much need to make up my mind by April rather I'm doing Alaska this summer or not. Colby
 
Tom,

I am a previous C-Dory 22 owner, still a C-Brat. I had my 22 from 2007 to early 2017. I attended quite a few CBGT at Lake Powell and a couple at Yellowstone Lake when I lived in Colorado. I know live in South Carolina and now have a Ranger Tug R-23, I drove out and picked up in Seattle last summer. I have never been to the St. Johns River and would sure like to attend this years CBGT and be able to share in your's and everyone elses knowledge and experiences with what looks like a fantastic cruising area. So if it is alright with you, I will sign up and start planning to be there in March.

Bill Roche
 
Hi Bill
Of course you're welcome to signup for the CBGT at Hontoon Island. Once a C-Brat always a C-Brat. So far the number signed up has not exceeded capacity. I'm sure you will love exploring the St. Johns and its tributaries. It will be interesting to see a R-23.

ALL...If anyone needs to camp with an RV, there is a newer KOA campground down river next to Ed Stone Park.

The tent area and cabins at Hontoon Island will be open again in March. All state park campground reservations are done through ReserveAmerica. The marina slips are first come first served....no problem as we are midweek.

Everyone remember the silent auction that the Clow's run. Clean out your boat and shed's and bring your goodies that you no longer need. All proceeds go to Hontoon Island State Park to improve the park. Its a special place.

Everyone be sure to signup for the gathering on this site and also signup on the link below setup by Ken Elliot.

https://form.jotform.com/60634279765163

Colby....Yes...The C-Otter plans to go to Isle Royal on Lake Superior right after the 4th of July. All set up for Lake Trout fishing. More work than "begging" at the dock for fish.....although that worked well last year!

Till next time....Tom
 
Today Penny was given the OK to attend the St Johns River Gathering after passing her one-month check-up following by-pass surgery. Now it’s just a few minor logistical challenges for us to resolve. Our route from Northern Idaho will not take the shortest route of 2,757 miles & 41 hours over Lolo Pass to Missoula and then the I-90 ice skating route across the plains. Instead, we go south on US 95 & I-82 to Salt Lake. If the weather is good we cross southern Utah to Albuquerque, then Texas and east for 2,907 miles or 45 driving hours. If the weather forces us to go south from Salt Lake to ‘Vegas, thru Phoenix & Tucson to the I-10 route it then becomes 3,462 miles and 52 driving hours. As Bob pointed out, that’s a few days, especially as Google thinks we drive at the speed limit and I don’t like to tow much over 60 mph so I’m adding 25% or a probable 60 hours shortest route & 70 hours of driving for the long route. We’ll be lucky to manage 8 hrs / day as the Doctors instructions are for Penny to get out every hour and walk a bit.

Harvey, stop fussing and just meet us at the Walmart in Ontario, Oregon and we’ll caravan down. If any other westerners want to join us and caravan along it should be fun.

Lew, take the Banana Belt route down I-15 and meet Harvey and I in Salt Lake. It will get your year started early and right. From Florida you can follow the frost north rather than sitting around in the frost waiting for it to leave.

We need to be on the road by Feb 24 to allow for weather delays. We’re going to have to motel it rather than our past practices of “Boater-homing” as I’m a bit nervous of Penny climbing in and out of the boat with that wonderful new zipper chest decoration (no, she is not going to wear a bikini so you can see it).
Our plans are to enjoy the gathering and remain in Florida until it gets hot or the bugs become too vicious, (mid–April or May?) then start migrating north-west, so our plans are very flexible. After some extra time on the St. John I thought about 1) the Keys -after the winter hoards have left? 2) the coastal islands west of Ft Myers, or 3) heading up the intercoastal ditch until we reached our limit. Other thoughts, suggestions and or buddy boats would be appreciated.

Water-Bill, we’ll still talk to you even if you’ve gone over to a real stink pot diesel.

On the way home we’ll cut off some miles as we need to stop in Hamilton, Missouri to meet Penny’s quilting fix. By that time the I-90 ice-rink will have melted – I hope.

Chuck
 
Chuck, Thank you for the invite, and I will consider it. Glad to hear Penny is cleared for take off. By that time in February, going south out of SLC is still iffy for sure, but if it has been dry, and there is a pretty good chance of that, you really only have the climb up to Soldier Summit and then Price Canyon that would be challenging. From there, the road on down to ABQ is cake.

Again, I would really like to be able to join this trip but I will have to see how the prep for a long MC ride is affected.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Chuck,

Glad to hear Penny is recovering from her surgery and is doing well enough to do some traveling and cruising again. It would be great to see you two again. I didn't switch to a diesel. What helped with my decision to switch to the Ranger brand was being able to stick with an outboard motor. The R-23 came out with a 200 hp Yamaha option. I spent over 3 weeks poking around the San Juan Islands and 3 weeks at Yellowstone Lake this past summer and really like how the boat fits my cruising style. I have been using it regularly since then on Lake Keowee where I live now.


jbdba01

My plans right now are to trailer down To the St. Johns River on Saturday March 3rd and stay on the river until at least Saturday March 17th. After this cruise I am hoping to head back home restock the boat and around April 1st take a slow trip down the Tennessee River starting near Knoxville and up the Cumberland River to Gainesboro, TN for about a month. Would enjoy the company if anyone has interest in this cruise.


Lew,

Think about Chuck's suggestion. I would sure enjoy cruising with you again. You would definitely enjoy the warmer weather after wintering in Montana.

Bill
 
Chuck and Penny, I look forward to seeing you guys again, and introducing my wife and vice versa. Lew, Harvey, I understand, but it is a great gathering if you can make it. Guess I can't whine about the ice and stuff just coming my short 1500 miles. Oh wait, Yes I can, you guys will wimp out coming down the southern route. I'd take the south route too, but no matter how I cut it, I have to get out of Wisconsin and several ice storm prone states first! :shock: Colby
 
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