'Swallowed the Hook'

[Chainplate]

In the community of sailors who cross oceans on small sailboats, the term, 'swallowing the hook' refers to someone who has sold (or is selling) their sailboat and planning on living on terra firma. My wife and I have decided that after 28 years of boat ownership it's time to look elsewhere for our adventures. If you're looking for a well-found cruising sailboat, please check out www.contest48.com but, if you own a trailer, it's not likely that you're looking to go offshore.

I had been looking at Scamp trailers and had talked with James at the factory several times but I couldn't quite get myself to pull the trigger. Then, just when I thought I knew every brand of fiberglass travel trailer (obviously, I didn't), I discovered Escape and made that my trailer of choice. Hours of research later, I was just about to place an order for a new trailer when I spotted exactly what we were looking for in a used 2023 model - the only problem being that it was 2,800 miles from our home. No problem! Install a hitch, brake controller, wiring harness and suspension support and we're off on a cross-country marathon drive! We spent 2 hours at the dealership getting our Kia Sorento (V6 and all wheel drive) connected to the Escape 17B and completing the paperwork and we were off, our zero experience at pulling a travel trailer notwithstanding. It took us five days to get home but we enjoyed all the state parks we stayed in even though we only spent the night in any of them.

We have some many adventures already planned - a trip to county parks in a week, a trip to the canyon lands of Utah in March and another cross-country trip in May. Too bad we won't be able to attend the 'gathering' in New Hampshire in May but a niece's wedding has conflicting dates.

I send all members of this forum my very best holiday wishes. You guys stay safe and healthy.

-Chainplate

[ShelbyM]

Congrats!

[Jon in AZ]

Welcome to the fiberglass egg community, and best wishes for your land-based adventures!

I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay, but my midwestern-born parents “swallowed the hook” when I was about 7 or 8 and bought an RV. We always carried a large canoe wherever we went. Nowadays it’s kayaks, which readily combine with RV travel. We still gravitate toward water, big or small.

[jerrybob]

Congrats....don't forget a trip to the Pacific Northwest.....Oregon and Washington are beautiful......lots to see and not all that far from you. Safe travels.

[Mary F]

Cool! Welcome to the fold.

[Escape 15A]

Congratulations... welcome to the fiberglass world

[John McDonald]

Originally Posted by Chainplate

We have some many adventures already planned - a trip to county parks in a week, a trip to the canyon lands of Utah in March


-Chainplate

FYI
We camped the Utah national parks in April and May, years ago. Still pretty cool temps even in April.
Average March temperatures for Brice Canyon: 43 highs and 19 lows, (stayed one night only!)
Zion was warmer (where we stayed for two weeks) with average March temps at 55 and 30.

Cheers John

[DWagaman]

We love our our 21C and drove to Chilliwack to pick it up in 2019. Great trip!