Another adventure.......

[Boat Guy]

So, I think I, finally, made the decision to put the boat on the hard and do a road trip across country. Leaving Sunday....

It was a harder decision than I thought it would be....So much of me just wants to pull the lines and head south. But, unless I change my mind again, (haha) I'll be doing a southern route road trip across country.

Planning on spending some time in LA and then down the coast to San Diego before spending most of the winter on Oahu. When spring hits, grab the car in LA and do a northern route trip up PCH and all the way to Canada (Alaska?) then zig-zag Idaho, Montana, etc back to LA.

It all sounds great, but I think I'm really going to miss being aboard......

Perhaps I'll meet some of you west coast boaters! If you see me around your boat, don't shoot!!! Haha.....

 

[Gofirstclass]

Boat Guy, after you do the PNW coast and start heading back east you may be passing right through our area. If you do it'd be a pleasure to take you for a cruise on the Columbia and I'll try not to throw your steak in the river. (Bit of an inside joke there!)

 

[Boat Guy]

Thank you...What a gracious offer.....

I'd really like to get a feel for west coast boating. I'm interested in the difference between the east coast and the west coast style.

But, be careful, because I'm the kind of guy to take you up on your offer! Just ask Rusty....haha

 

[Boat Guy]

Just a little update....

Well, I did leave..... I walked off the boat that Monday, not Sunday, as I originally planned. Made it straight down to Savannah, and within a day I proceeded down to Thunderbolt to see where I came through the previous year.... Clearly missing being on the water and on the boat, I walked the docks. I met a great guy that welcomed me aboard his Lagoon Cat and we talked adventure.....

Then I decided that Savannah really wasn't that far from Lauderdale so I went south instead of west. A little bit of a "zig" when logic would have said, "zag". But, it was right during the FLIBs and I always wanted to check that show out. Plus, Rusty would be down there....So, off I went. Then as I'm getting ready to pass Stuart, Fl. I thought what a great idea to stop by the marina I stayed most of last winter and surprise a few people. I figured I'd stay for about a half hour and get back on the road....So, I pulled off 95 at Stuart and went to the marina. I was surprised to see so many people that just happened to be back there from last year. They were either just getting back for the winter or just staying a few days before trying to cross over to the Bahamas. Either way, it was great seeing so many friendly faces. What was supposed to be just an hour deviation ended up being an over-night stay. The people there are just great....

I did make it down to FLIBs the following day. Stumbled down the SR booth and watched as the Captain was discussing the finer points of the 650 Fly to an interested family. I didn't want to interrupt, so I sat back on a lounger and soaked it all in. The SR booth appeared to be the biggest of the show. Lots of room and lots of boats. From the new day boats, to Sundancers, all the way up to the new L series.... They were all represented and on display. The L series boats were actually docked together in a section that was more private and exclusive. The area was partitioned by glass walls and glass doors. It was very inviting and everyone was welcomed aboard to see the boats. They did have some very friendly boat girls that controlled the amount of people on any one boat.... So, they were never too crowded to get a good look. I did get an opportunity to view the vessels and really like the direction SR is going. Great fit and finish, and styling.... Rusty did break free and we were able to catch up and check out the boats, and see what he's been up to.... Always great seeing him and hearing about what's new with him.

I did get a chance to see some monster vessels at the show. I inadvertently ended up on Branson's 100+ foot sailing cat designed and built by Burgess....There is a enough at that show to make your head spin. But, I did head back to say goodbye to Rusty before I took off. Unfortunately / fortunately he was a bit busy, so a very nice "Boat Girl" kept me company while I waited. Thanks Rusty.....

Finally headed west by way of north.... I spent some time in Gainesville, New Orleans (Halloween weekend - What a trip) , Houston, Austin, Carlsbad Caverns (Very cool if you haven't seen caverns before), Yuma (Just because I wanted to see a border town), San Diego, and into LA....

The car came into LA with another 4100 miles behind her and dirt like she had just gone though a Colorado ski town (Thanks Carlsbad)....

The journey isn't over....In fact just getting started. But, even though it's been a blast, and great seeing friends....The bottom line is I miss the boat, I need to be by, or on, the blue water.