Just got bck from 2 weeks in Miami. Nice vacation at my brother's - weather pleasant, sailed maybe 8 days, although most were marginal for 6.0 & E-rock. BTW, in packing up, I discovered that my 7.0 seems to have disappeared. Haven't used it since summer and I haven't a clew as to when and where it got gone. Just on the chance that it's floating around somewhere, so to speak, it's an Aerotech 7.0 Charge Lite, green, with partial battens. On another note, a complaint about the long walk in at Old 41 at Allatoona got me thinking about my experience last friday. I have been meaning to try surfsailing at Tigertail Park on San Marcos Island, south of Naples for years as I heard that it was good on NW. Well it was a pretty cool surf site, but I had to haul my gear better part of a mile from the parking lot. Bummer. I later heard from Leo that Wiggins Pass in Naples was much more WS friendly.
That's one of the things I guess we sort of take for granted around here. I complain about Vann's Tavern having a long walk down to the lake from the parking lot, for example. However, in lots of places there is a very long walk. I remember going to Hilton Head a few years ago. Several lauches - but all required a very long walk. Finally launched from behind my hotel, which was still much further than walking in at Galts from the boat ramp side to the beach side.
Also, Sullivan's Island, Station 29 was another fairly long walk, and parking's a problem to boot. So truth be told, we have it pretty good here. (Except for the wind part, of course.)
As for Old 41, its not that its such a long walkv (though it is pretty long), my concern is that you might get ticketed for entering when the place is closed. Anyone know whether that's a real concern or not?
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Well, I was wondering where you got off to. You have been conspicuously absent at the lake lately. In the last 2 weeks I've sailed once-- a chilly 45 degree day at VP... I bet you didn't even take a wetsuit, did you?
cv
We also just got back from 2 weeks in Key Largo. Chris, sorry we missed you again. Probably got the same wind, nice sailing. Saw Dolphins and a Manatee while camped maybe 75 feet from the bay and the sandy launch. Awesome trip. Unfortunately, this campground on Key Largo (America Outdoors) has been sold and will close March 31. It’s becoming a 90 unit condo complex with 2 bedroom units starting at only 1.5 million. Fiesta Key campground and Holiday Isle (the tiki bar at Islamorada) have also recently sold to developers. With the price of real estate in the Keys skyrocketing, campgrounds on the water are quickly being bought up and its way too expensive for anyone to purchase land to create one. Therefore, is anybody aware of other campgrounds where you can sail directly from the campground? I know there are many close enough to drive to sailing, but I like the ones directly on the water, like Frisco Woods and Lisa's Pizza in Outer Banks. I’m curious about spots in the Gulf, South Florida, Georgia coast, etc. Any ideas?
Dave,
I sent the follwing post to the webmaster for the News and Trip section. There is camping on the water at Bird Isalnd south of Corpus Christi.
Improvements Announced to Corpus Christi Windsurfing Site
Corpus Christi is one of the windiest and warmest places to sail in the Continental US. The area's most popular windsurfing location is Bird Island Basin, 15 miles south of the city on South Padre Island. Bird Island has flat water and is a good place for beginners to learn or to imporve skills such as jibing.
The Park Service has recently completed improvements expanding parking and has built six new shade structures and picnic tables. Worldwinds rents gear and provides lessons on site. Website - http://www.worldwinds.net/ The shop is building an improved, permanent facility on the water, scheduled for opening March 1, 2006.
Barrett
I did the camp/sail Bird Island Basin about 7 to 10 years ago. The sailing was great, the water was alittle deeper than Hatteras, it was primitive camping in the sand with NO shade, and only a few porta-potties, you could take cold water showers at the main beach, and it was very cheap, something like a $15 pass got you in for a week. I'm sure things have changed some since then, but it sure was fun. You sailed where you camped, and as always, all the other windsurfers were super nice. If you drive, it's a very long drive. I wouldnt mind going back if anyone decides to go.
Oh, I had been one time before where we flew out (from Birmingham) rented a condo and car, and rented gear from WorldWinds. It was more expensive but still not bad.
Gene
Gene Mathis
Dave - I thought about trying to call you while I was down, but I was mostly being super lazy. All I could do to get out to the bay when it seemed breezy. The situation of the demise of the private campgrounds on the water is unfortunate and happening all over. If they're still hanging on though I suggest you check out Indian Pass Campground near Port St. Joe. Years ago, when they only charged 10 bucks a night, I used to go there to sail 3 or 4 times a year, and always had a great time. We'd camp on the water, leave gear rigged, and sail whenever the wind blew. Depending on wind direction, we could sail in the inlet, the lagooon, St. Vincent Sound, or the Gulf. It's also very near to Cape San Blas, which can be great too. Caveat here, Spring and fall are way best, as summer is very hot and buggy.
The Shell Point club goes every February to Fiesta key [this year 2/11-18]. They are also lamenting the end of an era and looking hard for a new place. The Shell Point Club is a lot like ours but more active as a 'club'. They are also world class when it comes to partying and what a great cast of characters they are. They camp at Fiesta in the overflow area (tents only) and get a bargain rate. If you're interested in gloming on to their trip, look at their website: 20knotsnob.com
Here are a few I know about. I am probably spelling most wrong
1. Fort De Soto at St Pete, Florida.
2. Houganot Park, Jacksonville
3. Fort Clinch at Fernandina Beach
4. St Joseph Pennisula, Cape San Blas (Long walk to the water)
5. St Andrew at Panama City (Requires specific wind direction)
6. Of course Hatteras and Corpus
Haven't been in years, but John Pennekamp State Park in the Keys was good for sailing.
tc / thin'air