Dinghy etiquette

[mkulla]

Hi All,

Forgive this novice question, but I've just recently gotten interested in sailing (cruising) and am in the early stages of formal training. I think I've read every book on the subject (haha) and keep getting more excited.

Let me get to the point... Cruisers tend to anchor and go to shore in their dinghy which makes perfect sense to me. I was wondering what the protocol was for dinghy's once ashore. Some questions that come to mind are:

How do you know where to leave your dinghy?

Can you lock your dinghy? Do most people?

Do you take oars at all times incase your motor dies (ugh)?

Are there any local books for the areas that you are cruising that show where to leave dinghy's at popular anchorages?

If there are docks and slips (but you choose to anchor) are there places to leave dinghy's? Do they charge for that?

Any other useful information would be appreciated and make me feel comfortable on my first cruise :-)

Thanks,

Marc