Dave as much as we would like to go, we also think we would like to take a year off of the drive to Florida. (I'm running out of cars!) We had a blast the last two years and wouldn't have missed it. In a previous post, I pointed out the idea for a Northern Gulf Cruise like the Catalina group did. I was not proposing it for this coming year but thought we might keep it in mind for some future year planning.
I know that several of us talked about the possibility of an Outer Banks Cruise as Chip mentioned. We are certainly up for that. In a previous post Wade also mentioned the desire for such a cruise.
The Great Lakes or Outer Banks sound interesting but for us at this time they don't hold a candle to a tropical vacation in quiet, unspoiled island...while it lasts...before the casinos get there (and they are coming!) With warm water that is clear enough to see your anchor in 30 feet...so I will drive the extra miles to get to the jump off point. Because these are trips my family will remember forever. Our old teenagers/young adults unanimously voted for Bimini 2006 over Florida keys or anywhere else. Donna and I are planning to balance this out with a trip to geologically diverse Iceland.
Re: Tropical Fish, Azure Blue Water and Palm Trees
Sounds great! I bought a Macgregor 26X last summer and am also hooked with the notion of going to the Bahamas! I am up for either the Bahamas (1st choice) or the Outer Banks of North Carolina.