BEST AND WORST

Below is what we consider to be the best and worst of our travels.  Click on the main captions in yellow to jump to
the text for details.

Tampa to Galveston (April-June 2006)

    Worst, Venice, Florida (April) - The inlet is treacherous and the anchorages and city suck.

    Best, Carabelle, Florida (May) - The anchorage at Dog Island is beautiful and secluded.

    Best, Wallace Bay, Alabama (May) - The anchorage is very pretty and easily entered from the ICW.

    Best, Barrier Islands, Mobile Bay, Alabama and Mississippi (June) - There are several islands south of Mobile Bay; all with
    pretty  white sand beaches and surrounded by wildlife (land and sea) in clear water.

    Worst, Rabbit Island Anchorage, East of New Orleans (June) - Rabbit Island is really the only place to anchor east of New
    Orleans.  It is the nastiest, buggiest place we have ever seen.

    Worst, New Orleans, Louisiana (June) - Getting through the locks in New Orleans is tough and stressful.  Add to that the fact that
    there are no decent marinas to tie up in New Orleans so you must get through the locks quickly to get to the next bad anchorage (if
    you're going east - Lafitte- if you're going west- Rabbit Island).

    Best, Houma, Louisiana (June) - A delightful pull-over from the ICW between two bridges.  It has some sort of special charm that
    works perfectly.

    Best, Mermentau River Anchorage, Somewhere in Louisiana (June) - One of the prettiest anchorages along the Gulf Coast ICW.  
    It's far enough up the river to be secluded in beautiful swampy scenery, but close enough to get to quickly after a long day.

    Best, Waterford Harbor Marina, Kemah, Texas (June) - If you must be in the Houston area Waterford Harbor Marina is a great
    place to be.  It's very well kept, the people are nice and it's far enough from the bay and sufficiently enclosed to be very protected
    from storms.

    Worst, Galveston Bay, Texas (June, July, August, September, October, November) - Galveston Bay is just dirty, very shallow with
    old oil platform things sticking up everywhere; some of which are not marked very well.

Galveston to Florida Keys (November-December 2006)

    Best, Ingram Bay, Alabama (December) - Just beautiful.  It's around the corner from Wallace Bay discussed above and easily
    entered from the ICW as well.

    Worst, Crossing  Between Apalachicola and Tampa, Florida (December) - A blown forecast led to 25 to 30 knot winds at about 60
    degrees during most of the 30 hour crossing.  The shallow Gulf of Mexico combined with the wind created 8 to 10 foot square waves
    that pounded us silly.

    Worst, Mantanzas Harbor Mooring Field, Fort Meyers Beach, Florida (December) - Very shallow unmarked shoals combined with
    poorly maintained mooring balls occupied mainly by derelict boats made this one night stay miserable.

    Worst, Crab Pots Anywhere on the West Coast of Florida, Especially in the Keys (December) - The West Coast of Florida is very
    shallow for many miles away from land.  The result is that the unregulated crab pots are so numerous that it takes both of you in the
    cockpit at all times to spot and dodge the darned things.  Even though people do it, I can't imagine going anywhere at night along
    this coast.

    Worst, Buster's Eating Frenzy on Christmas Eve (December) - Buster loved to eat.  On a rolly afternoon sail an unsecured bag of
    dog food fell over below and Buster proceeded to imitate a bowling ball.

Tampa to Galveston (April-June 2006), Galveston to Florida Keys (November-December
2006)

    Best, Gulf Coast Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) (June, November) - There is some beautiful scenery along the way.  It's also an
    experience you'll never forget; good and bad.

    Worst, Gulf Coast Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) (June, November) - The ICW is a beating.

Bahamas (Part I) (January-March 2007)

    Best, Crossing onto the Bahamas Banks (January, November) - The stunning shallow, crystal-clear water horizon to horizon is
    difficult to describe.  You'll have to see it for yourself.

    Worst, Nassau, Bahamas (January, April, November) - We've been to Nassau three times.  The current is like a raging river.  
    Anchor at your peril.  Make sure you take a slip that points you into the current when you arrive.  Be prepared for the biggest
    wakes you  have ever had inside a marina.

    Best, Warderwick Wells Land and Sea Park, Bahamas (January, December) - Spectacular scenery in a pristine setting.  Lots of
    trails throughout the islands.

    Worst, Georgetown. Bahamas (January, February, March, December) - Huge wide-open harbor with some protection from bad
    weather.  Georgetown made this list because of the huge number of boats that are governed by a clickish few.  Maybe the most
    amazing thing is that the cruisers who stay there abide by the unofficial rules designed for sheep.  And love it.

    Best, Long Island, Bahamas (January, February, March) - A great getaway from Georgetown only 35 miles away.  One all-weather
    anchorage and many prevailing wind anchorages.

    Best, Inlet at Lake Worth, Florida (April, November) - Easy in and easy out with a protected, clear water anchorage right on the
    inside.  Take a dinghy ride to clear back in the US.

Florida to Chesapeake (April-May 2007), Chesapeake to Florida (October-November 2007)

    Worst, East Coast Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) (April, May, October, November) - The ICW is not maintained in Georgia, South
    Carolina or North Carolina.  There are many, many, many shallow, shoaly areas with names like Hell's Gate and Jekyl Creek some
    with depths of zero at mean low water.  Any East Coast ICW work is very tedious and stressful.

    Best, East Coast Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) (April, May, October, November) - There is some very pretty, secluded scenery
    along the way that you'll never forget.

    Worst, All Night Thunderstorm, Anchorage at Bull River, South Carolina (May) - Combine an eight foot tide, reversing current
    with hours of 45 knot winds and rain for a fun-filled night watching the opposing forces of wind and current wreak havoc with the
    boat and anchoring system.  We were lucky to get out without mishap.

    Worst, Tidewater Marina, Norfolk, Virginia (May) - After a long, cold, wet day the owner put us in a twenty foot slip and when Leta
    complained the owner yelled at her in some sort of tantrum in front of other customers and tried to kick us out after dark.  Nice
    guy.  We would rather sink than get assistance from Tidewater.

Chesapeake Bay (May-September 2007)

    Best, Anchorage at Mill Creek, Great Wicomico River, Virginia (May, September) - There are no perfect anchorages but Mill
    Creek is close.

    Best, Anchorage Marina,  Baltimore, Maryland (June, July, August, September) - It's just a great, convenient place to stay with
    very nice, attentive staff.

    Best, Anchorage at Langford Creek, Chester River, Eastern Shore, Maryland (July, August) - The Chesapeake has many
    wonderful anchorages and this is one of them, only 3 or 4 hours across the Bay from Baltimore.

Chesapeake to Florida (October-November 2007)

    Best, Jekyl Harbor Marina, Jekyl Island, Georgia (October, November) - We were pinned down by a Nor'easter during the last
    few days of October and Jekyl Harbor Marina was perfect.  The marina is small with a very friendly atmosphere with a very nice
    restaurant.  You can explore Jekyl Island with the free bikes loaned by the marina.  The island is shrouded in massive deep-south
    oaks with trails taking you under the canopy for miles and miles.  A great experience.

    Worst, The Death of Our Beloved Dog, Buster (November) - Not much to say about this one.  The text says it all.

Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and DR (December 2007)

    Best, Southwest Anchorage, Mayaguana, Bahamas - We were lucky with flat, calm conditions because any different weather would
    have been dangerous.  This anchorage was pristine and unspoiled.  Hope you are lucky enough to experience it.

    Worst, Turks and Caicos (aka. Turds and Cacas) (December) - The Turks and Caicos is not a cruiser friendly place.  The main
    anchorage at Sapodilla Bay has good holding, but is wide open to swells from any direction and any south to north wind would be
    dangerous.  Crossing the Caicos Bank is dangerous with uncharted coral heads everywhere.  Not a fun place.

Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (December 2007-February 2008)

    Best, Passing the Southeastern-most Point of Puerto Rico (Cabo Rojo) into Caribbean Sea (December) - Beating to windward for
    several weeks is tough.  It was like a huge monkey was now off our backs.

    Best, Anchorage at Salinas, Puerto Rico (December) - Very protected, mangrove anchorage with very pretty scenery and a nice
    little town.

    Best, Lameshure Bay, US Virgin Islands (January, February) - Lameshure Bay is truly a gem.  Like all the anchorages in Saint
    John, it's a national park mooring field that comes with a mooring fee.  The moorings are there because you are on top of coral
    heads.  The scenery is stunning with park trails everywhere.  Usually, you have the place to yourself because most people stay on
    the north side of the island close to the British Virgin Islands.  Lameshure Bay is definitely a not to miss place.  

Leeward Islands (February-March 2008)

    Worst, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Saint Martin (February, March) - You can get anything you need in Saint Martin but the price you
    pay is anchoring with hundreds of boats with poor holding and reading in the local papers about dangerous levels of fecal matter in
    the water.  You don't even want to get in your dinghy in fear of getting water splashed on you.  Most people love the place.  Go
    figure.

    Worst, Twenty Foot North Swell in Guadeloupe (March) - January through May was a terrible weather period throughout the
    islands (lots of rain and 25 to 35 knot winds) as well as in the distant North Atlantic.  Distant storms bring big north swells.  We hid
    from one of the biggest swell events on record on the south side of Guadeloupe in Point-a-Pitre.  Good protection, but dirty harbor.  
    The entire water-based tourist industry throughout the islands shut down for over a week.

Windward Islands (March-April 2008)

    Best, Sail From Martinique to Saint Lucia (April) - You'll have to go to the text and see the video.

    Worst, Anchorage at the Pitons, Saint Lucia (April) - The mooring at the twin Pitons on Saint Lucia was the rolliest anchorage we
    have encountered to date.  And we had settled weather.

    Best, Clarkes Court Bay Marina, Grenada, (April, May) - Clarkes Court Bay Marina is just a nice place to be.  Pretty scenery, not
    crowded, a great owner and management.

Central Caribbean (May-September 2008)

    Worst, Venezuelan Pirates Between Grenada and Bonaire (May) - The situation in Venezuela and all the offshore islands is a
    crying shame.  You just can't afford to go there.  If you do, you're playing Russian Roulette.

    Best, Aruba (May) - We were not planning on stopping in Aruba, but weather forced us there.  Once there, it's a great place.

    Worst, Aruba (May) - The only way to clear customs and immigration is to tie up to the industrial commercial docks (in and out).  
    What a beating.

    Best, Club de Pesca ,Cartagena, Colombia (May, June, July, August, September) - The marina is well run and very secure.  It's an
    oasis in an otherwise hostile world.  It's the only place to stay in the beautiful city of Cartagena.

Western Caribbean (September-December 2008)

    Best, Isla Pinos, Kuna Yala, Panama (September 2008) - Our first landfall in Panama was Isla Pinos in the eastern San Blas
    Islands.  The island has a very protected anchorage only a couple of miles from the mountains on the mainland.  The nights were
    cool and the water clear, next to a palm covered sandy beach.  Pretty neat stuff.

    Best, western San Blas Islands, Panama (October, November, December 2008) - There are four or five anchorages that are picture
    perfect uninhabited islands with good protection, reasonable depth and good holding.

    Worst, western San Blas Islands, Panama (December 2008) - When we first visited the western San Blas there were very few
    boats.  At the end of November into December the good anchorages were way too crowded.  The Swimming Pool anchorage in the
    Holandes Cays has become ridiculous primarily because of a boat named Runner and his disciples.

    Worst, Colon, Panama (November, December 2008) - Colon is a good place to provision.  But you literally take your life in your
    own hands if you don't have a driver/body guard.  In some places you need police protection.  Just think about that.

    Best, Shelter Bay Marina (November, December 2008) - Shelter Bay Marina is a good, safe place to stay in the middle of a
    jungle.  The staff don't get such high marks, but this is the best marina facilities we have seen since leaving the states.

    Best, Andy Anderson, Diesel Mechanic (November 2008) - Andy is the best we've seen and came to our rescue when we couldn't
    get help from Yanmar or Island Packet.  You can reach Andy at (507) 6739-2306 or andersonanat@hotmail.com.

    Worst, Yanmar, Mastry Engines, Island Packet (November 2008) - All pointing the finger at each other when the engine fresh
    water passages were gunked up with Dex-Cool Coolant.

Pacific Central America (January-March 2009)

    Best, professional line handlers during Panama Canal transit (January 2009) - The line handlers made the transit a non-event,
    which was exactly what we wanted.  Yeah, the transit was a big milestone, but the best was no mishaps.

    Worst, Playita anchorage at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal (January 2009) - There's no other choice.  It's wide open to
    the Pacific and very near all the traffic going into and out of the Panama Canal.  Can you say, monster wakes?

    Best, first exposure to Pacific weather (January 2009) - Very nice.

    Best, first exposure to Pacific marine life (January 2009) - Drop a hook, catch a fish.  Porpoises, whales, sea snakes, you name it.  
    Cool.

    Best, Bahia Honda, Panama (January 2009) - Huge protected, remote bay.  No swells, no serious wind.  Lots of Howler monkeys.
    Very pretty.  You could get a hundred boats in there, but you'll only see three or four at a distance.
         
    Worst, Costa Rica Yacht Club, Puntarennas, Costa Rica (February 2009) - Even though the marina fulfilled our needs at the time, it
    made the list because of difficulty of getting there, the detached floating docks with no water or electricity and sitting on the muddy
    bottom at low tide.

    Worst, Papagayo winds (February 2009) - February is the worst month of the year for Papagayos, so we knew we would have fun.  
    But we didn't expect the winds to be completely unpredictable.  Over a two week period we saw more gale force and higher wind
    than during the previous three years.  We lost a flag, flagstaff and canvas covers at different times from the mid-Costa Rican coast
    through the middle of Nicaragua.  Glad that's over.

    Best, Bahia Santa Elena, Costa Rica (February 2009) - Big bay with a narrow entrance, perfectly protected from swell and
    Papagayos.  We only stayed for one night but it's the kind of secluded place that you could stay for weeks.

    Best, Barillas, San Salvador (February 2009) - It takes a while to get over a bar and up river, led professionally by the marina's
    pilot, but it's truly a gem.

Mexico (January-March 2009)

    Worst, Gulf of Tehuantepec (March 2009) - We made it through the Gulf's 240 miles unscathed, but storm to hurricane force winds
    howl through the Tehuantepec with regularity during the winter months as cold fronts coming from Texas and the Gulf of Mexico
    get accelerated through the gap in the continental divide.  The Tehuantepec is one scary place.

    Worst, travelling northwest along the coast of Mexico during winter months (March 2009) - After crossing the Tehuantepec, the
    current, winds and waves come from precisely the direction you are travelling.  It's a tough slog all the way to the Sea of Cortez..

Sea of Cortez (January-March 2009)

    Best, First landfall on Baja California (April 2009) - Frailes was an okay anchorage, but landfall's the thing.  It was a long hard trip.  
    Sweet.