dipping a toe in the water...

[soy_el_viento]

Greetings All... I just started reading posts on this site at the suggestion of a friend. What a great resource! I have caught the "bug," so to speak, and I am beginning to research boats, how to take care of my dog when we go off-shore, singlehanding... everything. I thought I would share with others another awesome resource, How to Sail Around the World, by Hal Roth. It is an indispensible reference and an easy read. You can pick up a copy on half.com pretty reasonably.

I didn't see a category for it, but I would love to hear some stories from some of you "old salts" about your first times cruising after you decided to head out into the Deep Blue as a way of life. Things that were as you thought they might be... other things that you didn't expect... whatever you might like to share.

Also... I think this forum could use a cruiser-specific personals section... "Greetings. I am currently living aboard in Seattle with my dog. I am 35, 6'2", 200lbs., and I am planning to head South until I reach Cape Horn and then come up the Atlantic. Anyone care to join me?" You get the idea. LOL!

Anyway, I really appreciate all of the great advice and thoughts I have been reading. Hopefully I will be able to contribute some as well in the future.

[GordMay]

We do have a section for “Crew Positions: Wanted & Available”
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/

[swagman]

Hi Sol.
Welcome.
Re your note - IMHO I think the best way you can look after your dog if you wish to go off sailing, is to find a really nice home for him ashore with someone else.
Now I'm going to duck and run for cover:-)
Enjoy
JOHN

[soy_el_viento]

Ooo... that cuts pretty deep, John. ;o) I appreciate the thought and her well-being is my greatest concern, but I don't think I could be without her (or her w/o me) for more than about a week at a time. Fortunately she's pretty adaptable and LOVES to run on the beach, so I think it can work. Other people seem to bring pets with them all over the place... it's the longer crossings that might be an issue.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha,
Welcome aboard!! Hope you enjoy the information the forum can provide. Here in Hawaii the quarantine for pets used to be 6 months. Pets were not allowed off the boats. Now if all the necessary hoops are jumped through before leaving your last port its down to about a month or less.
I'm certain there are other places just as bad so you need to check out the rules before getting underway for anywhere exotic.
Kind Regards,
JohnL