Yes Schwendy, on certain topics around here you'll get the bashing, attitudes and elitism. Funny thing is I don't think I've ever read a long term cruiser's blog, many circumnavigators, where they didn't make fun of us charterers (or out right fear us) when they sailed thru the popular charter areas. I also don't think I've read of many of them that still didn't make mistakes and had more to learn.

Anyway, I'm glad you have fulfilled a long term dream - the same dream I had. Now that you're in the fraternity it just gets better. I've had a blast chartering in several different areas and I hope you do too!