Coastal Cruising - Atlantic - Late November

[Skip20]

Hi Chuck (aka Waterwayguy),

Back in the 80's a clutch of boaters had a pick-up Thanksgiving dinner in the showroom. As I recall, the owner brought a "cooked to perfection" alligator tail to the table. Lady's Island "had it" back when as well!

Your site is a sophisticated, helpful and artistic view of the ICW. Thanks for your great effort. Skip

[AnchorageGuy]

Thank you Skip and we are happy that our site is a useful stop for other boaters since that was our intention. There are still a number of restaurants in South Carolina and Florida where you can still get some great gator tail. For dinner that is Chuck

[Skip20]

Hi again, I can't let go of this 'gator tale without sharing some local knowledge the hunters told us 'way up Mill Tail Creek, NC on the port hand heading south on the Alligator River. Cross Albermarle Sound, pass under the bridge, turn left at marker "16" and run course 125 C. Come in slow, there were no markers when we entered. Bring a saw in case of low branches, or a fallen tree blocks your exit.

Through a convoluted natural cycle, the berry crop will determine if the bears or 'gators will appear on the menu that season. It was so counter-intuitive it had to be accurate. I don't have those notes on board.

Okay, times up. Give this machine to the next in line at the library!

Skip

[Tingum]

I'm a little late chiming in here but why not just go direct from Cape Fear to Walkers. Get East of the Gulf Stream and you will not be bucking a strong current all the way. You will also cut your travel time by more than half. Just watch the weather and go just before a frontal passage so you can get east of the stream before the wind goes north. Customs available at Walkers Cay, Spanish Cay, and Green Turtle Cay. All have good entrance channels. Do not try them at night or late afternoon!

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by Tingum

I'm a little late chiming in here but why not just go direct from Cape Fear to Walkers. Get East of the Gulf Stream and you will not be bucking a strong current all the way. You will also cut your travel time by more than half. Just watch the weather and go just before a frontal passage so you can get east of the stream before the wind goes north. Customs available at Walkers Cay, Spanish Cay, and Green Turtle Cay. All have good entrance channels. Do not try them at night or late afternoon!

Walkers Cay had been closed for some time and the island was for sale so check to be sure they have reopened and are back in business before heading in that direction. Chuck

[Tingum]

Customs is still open, the marina is closed.

[cheoah]

Hi Tingum, whereabouts do you turn south? My current Hatteras to straits of FL shows a lot of minor N current. That would be a preferred route if it's not a million miles to the west wall and if other currents are negligible.

What about rages? Bailouts? heave to for days? Takes a few days to get there from the river so not predictable.

Chase

[Tingum]

I start out with the idea of getting across the Gulf stream as soon as posssible. Your heading then is actually a little west of South. As you approach the Bahama Bank you will encounter a weak Northerly current flowing along the Eastern edge of the bank. The further south you depart from the further west you are. I would much rather spend my time in deep water than running down the coast or worse yet the ICW. The reverse trip in the spring is my absolute favorite cruise. As for rages the earlier in Nov the better, you want a good 4 day window. Weather routing is always a good idea.

[Skip20]

Here's wishing a safe harbor to all on their voyage along the ICW. Skip