There are places on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) that beckon you to anchor your boat and stay.  Areas/vistas that allow you to see for miles over the marshes with patches of old trees in a cluster…  Some even with a small beach to enjoy.  Here you can stay for days relaxing, reading or fishing…Doing what you want.  You will realize you don’t have to be on the go, there is no rush.  You can stop a savior some very pretty areas.  If there is another boat anchored nearby, they might or you might invite them over for lunch or dinner, which is the normal thing to do and a great way to make new friends.  This is a way to find some great towns not to be missed or jobs available there within a day or two cruising time where your new found friends have just come from!

Exploring, whether it is a sandy beach or a bustling town is amazing, letting you see things from nature untouched or times gone by in an old town.  To see things as they once were is…amazing.  At any town you can anchor, take a mooring, or dock, whichever is available or convenient to you.  Some towns you can rent bicycles (or you might have your own aboard) to explore further in.  In some busy towns, marinas or waterfront stores have help wanted signs on work that’s needed/available.  Some other boaters may need help on a job aboard and sometimes ask newcomers.  You can usually find bulletin boards with some cards asking for work to be done, or if you need work to be done. These boards can be found in stores, marinas or at the town dock masters’ office area.  This is a good way of finding work or getting work done.  You can find plenty of information here.

It will take you a while to get accustom to this way of life.  There is plenty to do, you just have to pick them.  These include new boating friends, interesting hikes, towns, jobs and much more.  You’ll find people want to know about you.

Tags: boat, anchor, dock, cruising, mooring, marinas