Leoma Update 1/17/22

[JD-MDR]

I guess I put this in the wrong section again..;.
Garmin InReach Mini arrived today. Tested the messaging, seems easy enough. I am trying to figure out a way to post my progress on my cruise. I may have a friend post for me as I text them messages.
The Inreach Mini is not like a phone it's more like a pager. You can send unlimited preset messages. but they are just short messages like " On schedule everything is OK". It cost 50 cents for the recipients to respond though. They can get your location also . I can also get weather forecast . I have to figure that out still. I hope it's good.
Less than 4 weeks till departure. I'm so excited. I'm tempted to leave sooner since I haven't any work planned.
I could stay longer in Mexico. I don't even want to stay in Hawaii. I hope to just get supplies and leave for Kodiak. I would love to stay in Kodiak for a few weeks but I need to get out of there before mid August. I think that's the recommendation. Then again everything depends on my Dads health. He is getting really old . I have to be here when he goes or at least soon after. I may just call this cruise a Sea Trial and go non-stop. My ultimate (far- fetched ) dream would be to go up to the Bering Strait across the NE passage , to a CD Rondy and back home across the NW passage. Wow, That would really be something. I wonder if I could carry enough fuel for heat etc. I've read Red Dot log on his Albin Vega Across the NW passage. If he can do it I can do it.
Just Rambling since J.S.'s comment we're not posting enough.

[John Stone]

I guess I put this in the wrong section again..;.
Garmin InReach Mini arrived today. Tested the messaging, seems easy enough. I am trying to figure out a way to post my progress on my cruise. I may have a friend post for me as I text them messages.
The Inreach Mini is not like a phone it's more like a pager. You can send unlimited preset messages. but they are just short messages like " On schedule everything is OK". It cost 50 cents for the recipients to respond though. They can get your location also . I can also get weather forecast . I have to figure that out still. I hope it's good.
Less than 4 weeks till departure. I'm so excited. I'm tempted to leave sooner since I haven't any work planned.
I could stay longer in Mexico. I don't even want to stay in Hawaii. I hope to just get supplies and leave for Kodiak. I would love to stay in Kodiak for a few weeks but I need to get out of there before mid August. I think that's the recommendation. Then again everything depends on my Dads health. He is getting really old . I have to be here when he goes or at least soon after. I may just call this cruise a Sea Trial and go non-stop. My ultimate (far- fetched ) dream would be to go up to the Bering Strait across the NE passage , to a CD Rondy and back home across the NW passage. Wow, That would really be something. I wonder if I could carry enough fuel for heat etc. I've read Red Dot log on his Albin Vega Across the NW passage. If he can do it I can do it.
Just Rambling since J.S.'s comment we're not posting enough.

JD, you have worked your tail off to get to this point and I for one am not only happy for your adventure but impressed by your determination as well.

I think the Garmin mini is a pretty good deal but it's not cheap. I got the $60 a month "Freedom" plan for the unlimited text and ability to shut it down when not needed. I think the annual plan at $50 is a better deal. A good thing for unlimited text too as it's nuts how much you can text. That was what I liked about the SPOT--no one could reply. But it was not reliable. Anyway you can go month to month and shut the Garmin down if you have good cell coverage.

I'd love an update on your voyage and also as you get closer to departure. It can be very stressful breaking away from the ties that bind us to land. You have my cell number so if you want to reach out via Garmin. Don't hesitate. Let me know any restrictions to keep the cost down. Take care and be safe.

[JD-MDR]

Yes the InReach is expensive.. I got the cheapest plan. I found out that if I pause my monthly plan the SOS feature is also disabled. Also another disappointment is that I paired the unit with my chartplotter but still I can't get the weather forecast on the plotter screen I can only do messages. I need a microscope to read the tiny little mini screen. I guess its OK if you plan to be cruising for a few years. It will probably be obsolete by the time I get back. The main reason I got it is so my family can text me if something happens with my Dad. If he passes away it would be better for me and them all if they can let me know. I don't necessarily have to be there at that time but I can beeline home..

[John Stone]

Yes the InReach is expensive.. I got the cheapest plan. I found out that if I pause my monthly plan the SOS feature is also disabled. Also another disappointment is that I paired the unit with my chartplotter but still I can't get the weather forecast on the plotter screen I can only do messages. I need a microscope to read the tiny little mini screen. I guess its OK if you plan to be cruising for a few years. It will probably be obsolete by the time I get back. The main reason I got it is so my family can text me if something happens with my Dad. If he passes away it would be better for me and them all if they can let me know. I don't necessarily have to be there at that time but I can beeline home..

Copy. I pair mine with my phone. But a tablet is good or whatever you choose. I don't think the mini screen was ever intended as primary means of use. I can barely see it with my glasses on!

I carry a McMurdo Fast-Find GMax EPIRB. That's my primary. I chose it because it was less expensive than the ACR but more so because I can replace the battery myself which I did just before I took departure this past Dec.

Still a good idea to have a back up SOS device even if it's handled differently than a full on Govt registered beacon.

Safe and happy sailing.