My lovely wife and I sailed most of Florida’s Gulf Coast. We used to know that region well. Seeing it on the news these days is disturbing. My nautical charts are probably grossly inaccurate right now. Nothing like a couple of hurricanes to mess up a coast line.
We sailed past Siesta Key numerous times over the years and it’s the very place where Hurricane Milton came ashore. Directly south of Siesta Key the damage is probably worse but I haven’t seen much footage out of there yet.
There used to be a sizable community of hobo sailors anchored at Bradenton Beach. I can’t help but wonder what happened to those people. Many of those boats weren’t in great shape and probably couldn’t get out of harm’s way in time. Hopefully the people evacuated.
The last time I sailed in Florida was in early 2020. We all know what happened that year. I cut our travels short. We we were in the Clearwater area when the disease news got disturbing. Rather than sail down the coast we loaded up the Oday 19 on the trailer and headed north. We haven’t been to Florida since.
We certainly aren’t going down there this coming winter. Our favorite places are currently ruined. It’s heartbreaking. Our friends in the Venice area evacuated and I’m glad they did. Right now I’m waiting to hear about the people we know across the state where it was still a Cat 1. Are you doing okay Spud? Some of our friends live a couple hundred feet from the coast at about a 3 foot elevation. We haven’t heard from them either.
So while we aren’t going back this winter I must admit to wanting to sail Florida waters again. However, I’d do it in a tough boat with a lift keel that can handle shallow water.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that it could be just as bad next year. We live in interesting times.
-Sixbears
We came out fine. Just got power back a couple hours ago Friday at six pm.
ReplyDeleteThe only things that get destroyed in hurricanes are all the ugly tourist traps and fat cat condos and houses on the water. The keys, and waterways don't really change much.
Doesn't matter if you have the toughest boat and the operator takes it into areas it should not be or disregard the incoming weather.
No swing keel boat is an offshore tough boat.
There is a reason that they are considered coastal sailboats. They are tender and care must be taken when and where to tread.
Glad you are fine. I heard from the last of the folks who hadn't checked in. All good.
DeleteGood news about your check in's.
ReplyDeleteModern communications are nice. Used to take weeks or more for letters some decades ago.
All my friends in the affected areas have checked in even those that needed HAM Radio to do it. Flashbacks of old military call home via HAMS.