We think around 3 weeks. Our last trip down the mississippi was about the same distance and we did it in 2 weeks but it left no real down time, we had to cover a minimum of 100 miles per day. This trip also has a lot more open water so we will be much more weather dependent.
It's "lovely" here... I was out the other day... small craft/gale warnings, 30knt winds, 2-3 meter waves, snow squalls... and as usual, not another boat anywhere on the water. I was out with my dog, but we stayed in relatively sheltered water.
Fall is NOT the time to be trying a cruise in these parts. Period.
I would have to agree with you Stoo, Oct and Nov boating season is cold and exhilarating. All of our harbors are empty; no more dealing with drunken idiots at the launch ramp is also a plus. Our largest wave heights are in Nov. Last week we had 10-foot waves. Not a good time for long-distance cruising but lots of fun in short bursts. How long until your harbors freeze up ? I think we still have a few weeks but its hard to winterize boats when its below freezing. Im putting the SIB away this weekend
We had a bunch of snow last night and this morning... close to a foot. Usually the end of the boating season comes as a result of the ramp being buried... the plows tend to push snow down the ramp.
I am planning on diving Sunday, then putting the boat away sadly. The place where I store it uses snow drifts as the primary security system, so I need to get it in soon!
