01/17/2025 ICW Day 17 : Fine A Lee

by Brian · Published January 17, 2025 · Updated January 23, 2025

Let’s not pretend. This ain’t easy.

This is our third day of sailing directly into the wind. That isn’t so bad, though, it’s the current that grinds us to a halt or pushes us into a dock with a moment of inattention. I feel like we’re good at this kind of thing, but we definitely make a lot of mistakes.

Today, Janet’s drive got stuck in reverse. I haven’t been able to fix the complex mechanism, so we just put it aside and she either balanced the boat by sitting out (while we were sailing)… or she paddled when the wind was light.

We saw heavy weather coming on our radar, and sprinted full-bore… about 3.5 mph away from it. We had hoped to camp at various spots, but FINALLY we arrived at a fine drainage pipe in a lee, and that looked like the best place we had seen to camp in several miles.

We are being challenged to find even illegal camping.

We hurried to set up the tent as light sprinkles diluted our salty skin. We dove into the tent, right as the rain picked up. At least we nailed that one!

Inside the big tent, we cooked dinner, drank wine, and looked at our phones for a hotel. We will be needing a hotel soon because 50mph winds are predicted in a few days. That is unsafe for camping, let alone being on the water. The challenge is: how and where to get the boat out of the water within carting proximity of the room? We usually love spontaneously, but we will be working hard on planning for this weather event.

Photos:

Tranquil morning, but against a strong current. I had to pedal a lot today!

We often see people living in houses on the water. I think the rent is free. They probably move if told to do so. Everything is fine until a powerful storm or hurricane. What do they do then?

I took the bike to the store to get a lot of provisions so we can hunker down when this storm arrives. It is possible we will camp because it is hard to find a place where we can pull the boat out of the water. But if we can, we will get a hotel and park the boat and wheel it on that cart that we haven’t really used yet.

One thing… our guide promised we would see wildlife on this stretch… and we did!! Lots of dolphins everywhere (in blurred background) and we saw a loggerhead tortoise.

Janet had to paddle to help us outrun the rain.

Pink birds by our campsite.

Inside the tent, drying stuff. Everything bad outside disappears once you get inside and eat and drink some wine.

It’s not a dock, but it is sheltered here. We handed bags to each other and got stuff off the boat- then hurried to set up the tent. Oh, but Janet took a moment to snap this photo for you!

Strava Comments:

Mugsley F.

If I am ever able to retire someday (looking like an 8% likelihood at this point) I want to embark on a journey similar to what you and Janet have accomplished.

Janet W.

Even though we are having more trouble finding campsites, I think it helps to know that we will surely “find something.” You’re right, we’re comfortable now! Thanks for all your hard work planning, powering through and repairing stuff.

J. Tracy W.

Awesome trip! Thanks for sharing the details of your adventure. Look forward to every post! Stay safe!! 😊

Todd A.

Brian, I can guarantee that NONE of us think what you two are doing ‘is easy’! Good luck on the drive fix.

Nancy P.

Whew! I’m even looking forward to that hotel!! Weather can be crazy in the south and change in an instant.

Gary G.

For getting the boat on shore, how about a winch composed of a long canopy stake and a pulley system?

Ann L.

You always figure out something. Good luck.