Greetings from CT, but Leaving Soon !

[Ortolan]

Hello all-
Lori my wife, and I are counting down to Oct 10, 2010 when we will be realizing a long-time dream to cast off the land lines for the adventure of our lives. Joining the cruising community at last. The jobs gone, the house to be sold, our son to college, the boat- ours on May 7.
We have been inspired by so many. Hope to see you out there- look for us heading down the ICW.

[boatman61]

Good one... welcome to the Village..
I'm sure you'll run into quite a few of the "Regulars" on here in your travels..
Keep us posted...
Phil

[scook1]

10/10/10 Excellent!
I can't wait to hear how much you guys love going cruising.
Spencer

[Islandmike]

We left CT, Island Cove Marina in Old Saybrook, on Oct 27, 2008. We took the ICW down to Jax Beach FL., what a fantastic trip... you will love it, Good Luck...

[Ortolan]

Thanks much for the support and positive feedback. We've heard so much- pros and cons - about the ICW - we plan to make it a great trip!

Mike- when did you arrive at jax beach? We need to be Miami area by mid-Dec; hoping that is realistic.
_____________
... dream realized

Lori & Russ

[skipmac]

Hi Ortolan,

Welcome to the forum.

Closed on my boat May 2009 and left from Essex in Sept for Green Cove Springs FL (just a little way up the St John's River from Island Mike in Jacksonville). Will you be keeping your boat in Essex until the trip south?

We made the trip from CT to Brunswick GA in 15 days. I still have a job and only so much vacation time so we didn't dawdle much. Hope you can take your time and enjoy the trip as much as possible.

Skip

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and Welcome aboard,
Good to have you here and ready to jump into the dream.
regards,

[Islandmike]

Lori-Russ,

We really took our time, many times we would anchor in a nice secluded spot for a week or so. We arrived in Norfolk just before Christmas and stayed for a month, so needless to say we did not arrive in Jax Beach until April 1. Also because of winter storms we waited out a number of Gales...However, it was a great trip and we hope you have a great time.

[Southern Star]

Congrats to both you and your wife. We eagerly await reports of your adventures (and on your boat - a great choice, IMO)!

Cheers!

Brad

[Ortolan]

Hi Skip-
15 days- wow that does seem fast, and good to know it can be done that quickly. we will be able to be a bit more leisurely, but still plan to move along.
Boat is in Maine now and yes, we'll be keeping her on a mooring at Brewers Deep River until we leave in Oct. We'll be sailing her down here in late June.
So much yet to do before we leave... and it's all exciting, knowing we are making it happen.
You still in Essex when not sailing south?
Lori

[skipmac]

Hi Lori,

15 days was a push. We did three overnight sails and most other days were up early and going until dusk. Would have been a lot more fun if we had been able to a more leisurely trip. Hope you get to take way more time than we did.

I live in FL but work for a company based in Chester and have a daughter in Providence so spend a good bit of time in the area. For now the boat is in FL on the hard while I rerig, bottom job, new plumbing and a few other little details. Guessing about 8-12 months I'll be ready to go. Sounds like you are a little closer than me. I'm jealous.

If you're moored in Deepriver say hello to my buddy Mick. His Westsail 32, Pitiful Pearl is on the outside row.

[Ortolan]

Skip-
we'll say hello to Mick for sure. 8-12 mos- that time will fly by. love Chester- such a gem.