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

So good to hear that Penny is doing well, and both of you will be coming to Hontoon...Missed you guys for a couple of years (and your wide ranging excursions...! I have the greatest respect for you and Colby from the frozen North coming all of the way to the various C Brat gatherings in the land of the Sun!

jbdba01 We like to hang out with Joyce and Tom both before and after the gathering, although we did the Econlockhatchee River (Econ for short) 2 years ago with "Molly Brown". There is the possibility of doing the Econ again this year if the water is high enough, and I strongly recommend it as a different experience from the main St. John's. Several great anchorages, as well as dinner in Sanford on this trip, After the gathering.

There are so many great places on the St. John's and each is fun. The hurricane may have made some changes--so we will have to see what is available.
 
If you're heading home by way of Missouri and Penny needs an additional quilting fix, plan to stop at the Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. I'm not a quilter, but visited with quilting friends and was truly amazed.

Look forward to meeting you at Hontoon.

Pat
Meri Aura
 
Seeing as each year:
Huntoon Island is the first of the season on the lower Right Coast, and
Friay Harbor C-Brat gathering is the first on the upper Left Coast and
Several C-Brats will attend both

Do we need some kind of traveling trophy or exchange?

Sleepy-C and Two Bears, at least, are going east. Midnight Flyer and Sleepy-C have committed to both. What can the North-westers bring south & what can the Lower Left Coast folks share with the Upper Right?
 
Do we need some kind of traveling trophy or exchange?
Click to expand...

I'd just be happy with decent weather. Like no snow and ice or tornado's! Yeah, while I was worried about snow and ice last year, that didn't materialize. However, we did apparently outrun a tornado, that jumped the road behind us and took out a small town! However, on the way back home, we did drive thru some flurries in southern Illinois! It's a dicey time of year for travel! lol.
 
I should have said that tornado was on the drive down!

Are you looking for sympathy Bob with that 24 degrees? :mrgreen:
Actually, I know, that is COLD for you guys. Just been a weirder season this year with the cold weather. Really hoping for decent travel weather, and relatively warm gathering weather! Colby
 
"Sleepy-C and Two Bears, at least, are going east. Midnight Flyer and Sleepy-C have committed to both."

Not sure I have committed, I have heard it is possible, (to be committed), and I might be, (could be medical or psych), I have heard rumors of both, and though possibilities exist, I might have to resort to other options.

Chuck, thanks for the positive encouragement. I have been directionally challenged at times, I do lean to the non-mossy side of the trees.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Entrance_sign.thumb.jpg
 
I should probably be committed, as in confinement at a mental institution... lol. So many choices, and I keep just adding more. So here's another thought for time after Hontoon. We (my wife and I) are still sticking around after the gathering to cruise with Tom if he lets us. :mrgreen: However, we may end up with a few extra days after that, and Rosanne has mentioned a few times she'd like to see New Orleans sometime. I'm thinking it wouldn't be that hard to detour that much farther west after the gathering and cruising, then let her fly home from there in time for her job, while I tow the boat home from there. It's been some time since I've been to New Orleans, and not really sure if it would be worthwhile launching the boat to take a lap around any water facilities there and stay on it, or to just find somewhere with enough room to park it and grab a hotel. We are probably only talking about 2 or 3 nights. Any suggestions?
 
I have gone by water on the Mississippi and ICW thru New Orleans several times--and don't really see much in it from the water--there are others who might disagree...No real place to tie upon the Mississippi. I have tied up at marinas in Lake Pontchartrain and in the Seabrook Marina on the canal between Pontchartrain and the ICW. Most of this area is industrial. Certainly some interesting boats in the marinas. You can get a bus from the municipal marina to the French quarter directly.

Another issue is launching and security--I have only gone there in larger boats and not required a ramp, where I would leave the boat. I probably would stay in a hotel on the outskirts and drive in, park and then explore the area using public transportation. We stay at the campground in the French Quarter when in the RV--it is very convenient and relatively in-expensive for that part of New Orleans.

There are things not to be missed in New Orleans--one of these is the WWII Museum, Jackson's Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Preservation Hall (Get tickets early for seats), Mardi Gras World, We took one of the plantations ("Laura" probably the one to see if only one)--drive to the plantation: Walk thru the cemeteries, Breakfast at Brennans, and Pat O Brien's for drinks, Café du Monde: chicory coffee & beignets. Although Commander's Palace is ranked #1, I had one of the best meals of my life at GW Fins, but that was about a year ago. Gumbo at the Gumbo Shop or Acme Oyster House.

I'm ready to go again!
 
Thanks Bob. Not sure we'll get to see all that stuff. I'm primarily looking at mostly walking thru the French Quarter and cemeterys. Really depends on what my wife wants to see. And that's if the timing works out. My next question is, where would be the safest place to park the "rig". If safe to leave the boat at one of those hotels on the outskirts, and then drive in, I seem to remember plenty of public parking on the outer edge of the French Quarter, but not sure the security for the boat there. Colby
 
Hi Colby,
You don't want to haul the boat into downtown/French qrtr parking lot, trailers forbidden there and at downtown hotels/parking garages.
Your best bet is an I-10 or airport area hotel with a large parking lot where you can drop the rig and go into down by truck, park at the French Qrtr lot (the cheapest and most conv). Use Goole Maps to find hotels then switch to Satellite view, then call hotel to confirm you can park the rig there. Request a room with view of the boat and/or in view of the reception desk staff if possible.

The security of a rig in my view is determined by how hard the owner makes it to steal it. A coupler lock is defeated by someone willing to pull it away despite not being locked onto the ball.

I add this lock, which makes that impossible and is really hard and time-consuming to hacksaw:

https://www.amazon.com/Trimax-UMAX100-U ... h+security

On return to the hotel I park the truck close to the coupler when possible. Put a SS cable through a trailer wheel hole and around the frame with a high-security lock for 3-way security. With that, your rig won't be an appealing target near any hotel you'd be willing to stay at.

Agree with Bob that it's absolutely weird how a city like New Orleans on the Mississipi has no downtown marina there. I can't think of another city of half the size on a river or water with no downtown marina. Don't even think about tying up at the ferry landings or against the wall.

You two sure know how to complicate the logistics of a simple tow to Hontoon...except for us.

Have a safe and ice-free drive!
John
 
I would stop at the Pinecrest camp ground in Slidell just off I 10 to the East if you are boat camping. There is also a nice little Marina (Lakeshore Marina) if you want to put the boat in the water. (Ramp is on the other side of I 10).

There are a number of fairly in-expensive parking lots run by Central Parking. If you go early you can get a place at the River end of St. Peters, right by the Market, or we have all most always gotten one at the end Conti. Access by going down the West side of French Quarter on Canal.

There are also several inexpensive Motels in Slidell, and things should be as safe as anywhere there. Agree with John, as for parking near where there is TV surveillance, or outside your room.

We have driven the 42 foot RV, towing the Yukon XL to the RV park in the French quarter with absolutely no issues a number of times. But the French Quarter RV park is not the type of place for boat camping in a C Dory. Certainly would not get in the French quarter itself towing a boat. Getting the Yukon into one of the parking garages in the central French quarter can be a chore.

I don't agree with John about the security of a coupler lock--I have heard of several instances where the trailer was just chained to a hitch and away they went. But I would worry more about people taking things off the boat more than the boat itself being stolen.

A walk around the French quarter might be a bit disappointing in itself. New Orleans is a city which must be savored, and a quick bite might leave a bitter taste....It is one of the cities where we allow ourselves to splurge and really enjoy that. We have found some superb restraunts which were out of the way, and not expensive. It is the type of place where a bad restaurant does not survive. It can be very expensive, or it can be very in-expensive depending on your budget--and still get superb food.

Certainly one of our favorite cities.
 
Thanks John and Bob. I'll more than likely have my full cover along also, so I can always put that over the boat if necessary. Guess I'm not so worried about anybody driving off with the entire boat, but rather just damage to it. I've been to New Orleans myself a few times in the past. Mostly airline layovers maybe 20-25 years ago. Maybe this would be a better separate vacation plan for my wife and I later. (Then we'd have more time to spend, and wouldn't have the boat to worry about.) I think I planned a full 9 days around Hontoon after the gathering. (Upset at myself for not having planned more time last year...) But if we don't end up cruising that long, we can always stop and spend a few days at Kentucky Lake Dam state park on the way home. Depending upon the weather.... Colby
 
Colby,
New Orleans (MSY) is not big enough for a a one-way fare to Madison to be any bargain on short notice.
Concur with Bob that pilfering off the boat is a potential problem anywhere, but I have not found any solution...any addict with a pry-bar can pry open the Diamond Seaglaze glass door if locked..or window doing $1000 of damage to steal $500 of my stuff. Likewise, their box knife will cut your camper canvas.

I don't readily concur that this particular 6-Lb lock which occupies the entire coupler would enable a thief to simply 'chain it to the hitch'. She wouldn't get 500 feet before it fell off. Enlighten me, please. I'm always delighted to be enlightened, esp by Bob.

New Orleans is a great town, but the logistics of towing the boat and airfare would make me consider instead exploring more Florida boating if weather permits.
Consider Moorings Resort at Longboat key (5 star luxury, marina pool and hot tub, St Armands Circle dining, free shuttle to private beach, cheaper than airfare).

https://www.longboatkeymarina.com/

Click on the 'Amenities' tab.

She'll love it!
See Ya,
John
 
John, I'm a retired pilot. I don't worry about fare prices, unless I need a revenue seat. lol! However, I hate flying anywhere and putting up with all the BS, so I much prefer driving. :o :oops: My wife prefers to fly, so a few times it works out well when I tow the boat out and back and let her fly to and from that destination. Plus, she's still working so doesn't have as much free time as I do. :) All though on this gathering, she has the time available so rides with me. That and a favorite Uncle that lives along the way. :) I've been very fortunate so far with my boat's security. And with the parked rig when I'm on the water, for that matter. But there are some areas I have concerns about, usually around large cities. When I do leave the boat &/or trailer, I simply lock the coupler in the down position. But again, I'm in locations that are fairly safe. If somebody wants something badly enuf, I'm sure they'll figure out how to get it. That's where insurance comes in. (Although I'd be pretty pissed off if I had to depend on that, and we all know it usually doesn't cover every last item or mod one has or has done!)
The New Orleans idea was just an after thought. But Bob listed some things that I think would be neat to see, and I'm sure there is a lot more there too. Probably best just to make it a separate vacation sometime when I'm not dragging the boat. I will have to consider that Longboat Key area if we have extra time and the weather isn't very appealing at Kentucky Lake! Colby
 
Our favorite marina/campground in New Orleans is Pontchartrain Landing. It's gated and has daily shuttles to the French Quarter, which is only 12 minutes away. It's not cheap but probably less than a luxury resort on the keys. You could also do some touring with your boat perhaps? You might give them a call and see if they allow trailer boat camping or if one of their floating cabins is available?

As far as vehicle access, I led a rally of 25 Newell Coaches there, and with cars-in-tow our RV's averaged close to 70 feet in length.

Edit- Oh.... and don't forgot the WW II museum in 'Nu Olens ' Wonderful! Our tour guide was a 92 year old marine that still ran every day and represented the Marines during the Japanese surrender signing on the battleship Missouri
 
Colby
No real reason to go anywhere else than the St. John’s. Have you been on the stretch between Green Cove Springs and Jacksonville? If I remember right you have not been on the Ocklawaha or up to Palatka or over to Crescent Lake.
Lots more to explore! I’ve been running the river for years and not covered all the side trips. If you get that all done there is the Lake Harris Chain and you can also check out the monkeys 🐒 on the Silver River.

Of course you are welcome to follow us South after the gathering. I tend to take my time and usually don’t go to far on any one day. It will be interesting to see how many will be joining us. Next week I’m planing on going out for a couple days going South of Sanford to check out possible places to anchor with a larger group. I have not been down that way for a couple of years.

I don’t have anything else planned at this time in March so I may also trailer up to Green Cove Springs and go north from there after a side trip on Black Creek. Will see.

Chuck and Penny
Glad that Penny is doing well and can join us this year. I’m sure you will enjoy the area!

More to follow soon......Tom
 
Tom, of course we plan to follow you after the gathering. Assuming you let us, LOL! The only places I have been are those in following you the past two years, but both times having to cut my/our hanging out short. This year I planned for 9 days after the gathering. If you or others hang around that long, we'll hang around too. :D However, if not, Kentucky Lake Dam State Park is nice, and right on our way. But if the weather there isn't nice, then I have a friend in St. Mary's, GA, that we can detour just a tad bit east, and do some boating there a few days on the way home. Already decided to just drop the New Orleans idea... In any case, we've got plenty of time on our schedule this year! Colby
 
We are gathering our talent for the Hontoon Island State Park CBGT. So far we have Dr. Bob doing questions and answers on our favorite boats. Gulfcost John sharing the pros and cons of owning a Tom Cat 255. Ken Torres the park manager will share with us the story of the hurricane damage from this summer. I’m looking for someone to talk about solar power for C-Dory’s. Maybe a discussion group on solar? Anything else?

Don’t forget the Clow’s silent auction on Thursday. Get together all the extra boat stuff that’s been laying around. All proceeds go to the help the park. We have a new spare prop for a 90 hp Suzuki, almost new Suzuki tachometer, boat heater, and a pile of other stuff. Bring it!

Flew over to Crystal River for lunch today. Then Joyce and I visited Three Rivers Marine. They are the new C-Dory dealer in Florida. They had one of just about every model in stock from a 16 to a TomCat 255. I was told they are going to bring a couple or more to the gathering.

It’s all shaping up......Tom
 
We have to do some work on the boat - mainly de-winterizing which is very weather dependent.

Is there a drop dead date to sign up?

Thanks,

John
The Mighty Wench
Rosborogh 246
 
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