Jason's help

Steve,

From Gainesville in good weather with average ground speeds of
65kts (conservative) with those 10 extra gallons I believe
Kirk Air Base in SC would be my first choice. Jim Kirk is
a very accommodating with EVERYTHING. There are also lakes
to stop short to add fuel in SC (if needed). His operation
can be viewed on AirNav.

The next stop I used  is the John Kerr Reservoir on the
NC/VA border.There is a great little town (Clarksville)
on the north side of the long bridge/causeway ....about
the middle of the reservoir. Just Google the reservoir.
There are links/phone numbers to the Clarksville Marina
(where I have gotten mogas and been treated like a king).
I would highly recommend calling them the day before AND
day of. There is a hotel with a sandy beach (got a room
facing the seaplane backed up and secured for the
evening). I forget the name of the hotel but it's
very close to the marina. There are also many boat ramps
all over the reservoir and recreational parks too.
All in all ....a very friendly place to spend the
night. Many choices.

I recommend going EAST of the Washington area ...and avoiding
all associated hassles. Contact the Chesapeek Bay Seaplane
Pilots association(Google them) and speak to Marshall
Gildemaster (tell him I referred you)for the most up to
date info for fuel/docking/passing through the area
etc. He will be extremely helpful.

Heading up the coastline MD/DE/NJ at 500-1000ft is AWESOME.
I believe with prior approval, the VFR corridor up the
Hudson River passing NYC can still be flown . I have done
this after 9/11 staying at 1400ft in radio contact with a
transponder.

Peeksville NY on the Hudson river has several marinas
(again call ahead) for fuel. I have beached at the Peeksville
airport and bummed a ride(cans in hand) for fuel. The elderly
gentleman that ran that airport has since passed on, but
believe it's still operational. (AirNav should know).

There are a few Seaplane Bases north of the ALB area on
the Hudson. From there Lake Champlain was a breeze. Our
SPB 2VT2 near VT46 has docking/beaching/fuel/lodging
available. With a full load of gas from our place ....Maine
is no problem.

The key to these journeys IMO is communication. Cell phones
(I have a Blackberry with internet access) GPS/Rand McNally
and sectionals. I also highly recommend a light weight anchor
and plenty of rope...not just one ...three or four. I also
found a light weight telescoping pole with a hook (plastic
coated) very handy. Also make sure you cary a tool bag and
plastic zip lock baggies (very handy). Review static discharge
precautions when fueling from cans too. Basic survival kit and
Stearns light weight life jacket too. A can of window cleaner
and lots of clean
rags too!

Also ...take your time, don't rush anything. Allow an extra
2-3 days for the 'what ifs' ...believe me, this one thing
relieves tension. Scud running is tempting sometimes. I will
not do it. Doesn't mean I haven't though. Cell phone towers
are EVERYWHERE.

Also, tell someone your intended route each day. I choose to
leave early in the morning and quit by 3p if possible. This
allows for NOT thinking about pushing sundown.

Hope this info helps. Enjoy the adventure!

Regards,

Jason