the red "2" would make me soil my trousers. I think that my likely route will be to leave Nassau and focus on Beaufort and see what the weather is like and how I'm feeling at a point about 100 miles from there. I'll then make the stop/don't stop decision at that point in time. I've thought of Oregon Inlet, which I know you often use, but have been intimidated by the idea as there is nothing on the charts to show the way through. (I draw 6'6" BTW.) Is it well marked and are there times when one just doesn't try it? If so, how do you know when to go and when not to? I don't know the Pamlico Sound, so it would be both new and fun.

I've taken a mooring in Newport's inner harbor for the summer and will base there when not in Miami. My bride is even more excited about flying up and sailing to Nantucket and the Vineyard than I am. And of course, Newport itself is delightful for sailors. Perhaps after the summer, a November sail to the Leewards may be in order. I'm getting a bit worried about time (left in life to do these kinds of things), so I'm less inclined to "wait until next year" then I was as a middle aged guy. We'll see, but it is a real possibility.

What are you up to these days? I know the weather was so bad this year in NJ that you may have not gotten out of the bay. Where are you and what are your spring and summer plans?

Best regards,
Ron