Wow, I really got you started! More things to discuss at the great Havasu roundup (46 boats!) Tom On Nov 20, 2009, at 7:10 AM, Nebwest2@aol.com wrote:
Surely Sean with his big 23 mothership would be happy to lead a swarm down the coast.
Well, Sean probably wouldn't be up for San Diego South, but I have thought of doing a little trip I was gonna call the "Coastal Hop". I figured I would take off as much time as I could gather...head for San Diego, launch there, and then see how far north along the coast I could get in two to three weeks with no set schedule hopping from port to port. Figured something like (the order may be off here as I'm not looking at a chart) San Diego-Oceanside-Dana Point-Newport-Long Beach-Catalina Island- Redondo Beach- Marina Del Rey-Oxnard- Ventura-Santa Cruz Island ....etc. Then, when just about out of time, Jump on Amtrack back down the coast to get the truck and trailer. Hmmmm, I wonder if Amtrack would let Bosun aboard...probably not. Looks like 1). we'd have to hitchhike or 2). I could probably ride him! It would be a fun trip. I doubt I'd get that far. I would want to do it at a relaxed pace and pick and choose the weather. It's always more difficult for Jo to get time off than me. This trip would allow her to jump aboard for whatever portion she wanted to ( I'm sure it would be the Catalina portion!) But that would certainly be the more likely trip for Dauntless.
We have sailed in Mexico twice, never on the Pacific Coast, always in the Sea of Cortez out of San Carlos. It is a stunningly beautiful area for sure and for the most part the people that we met once below the border towns were very genuine and gracious. I have a dear friend that lives in San Carlos and sails an M-15 down there. I know that Jerry M has spoken very highly of cruising the Sea. For whatever reason, though, (and this is just my own mental problem) I am never "comfortable" when in Mexico and it tends to take some of the fun of it away for me. Possibly traveling with a group, especially if someone was along that was familiar with the region, language, customs, etc., I would feel more at ease. I am sure that these feelings are irrational as we never had one problem on the two trips we've made down there and the sailing has always been wonderful in the wintertime...sometimes a little "too wonderful" in the northers. I feel a bit exposed when traveling with my wife in Mexico. My perception is that as long as everything goes fine it's awesome, however, should there be the unfortunate situation arise involving a conflict with a Mexican National, you are not in such a good way. Not being able to carry a firearm while roaming the wide open spaces of Mexico makes me just a little uneasy as I am of the opinion that should you be unfortunate enough to meet someone that might like to avail themselves of your truck?, boat?, cash? or even worse yet, wife? they would be armed just fine. I'm really not into "bringing a knife to a gunfight"! hahaha. Seriously, though, the most important thing in my life, without exception, is that gal you all have come to know as 'Jo. I feel it's my job to always be in a position as much as possible to protect and defend her as much as I can. There are people in both the US, as well as Mexico that for whatever reason have chosen lives that basically prey on others. I realize that this is not strictly a "Mexican"problem...the difference for me is that here at home, I know the places to avoid, I speak the language, for the most part I trust our legal system, and I am afforded the rights to protect my family from others that may intend to do harm to us, up to and including lethal force if necessary. Not necessarily the case in Mexico as a US citizen.
Does that mean that we'll never go to Mexico. No. Surely we will return. But, I think if we go down there again it will be in a group setting with others that are very familiar and experienced in traveling down there. And even then I know that I will feel "on guard" 100% of the time. It's too bad. I wish I could get past that, as many have, but my "doomsday" "half empty" "the sky is falling" personality just wont let me do it.
So.....anyone want to go north?! ;-) _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
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