Scatter Scatter Everywhere!

July 3, 2008 8:33 AM

At what point along the East Coast is the Gulf Stream closest to the shore?

By request, of our now deceased father, my sister and I have been asked to scatter his ashes in the Gulf Stream. Looking for the closest spot off the shore of the East Coast so the trip to sea is pleasant and not too long.

Thanks hivemind!

posted by littleredwagon to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

Googling "East coast gulf stream closest shore" brings up this page about North Carolina. It isn't the same all year round, though - I think it shifts eastward and westward seasonally. Here's a NASA Visible Earth picture. Wikipedia describes its behavior a bit. Many of the sites mention Cape Hatteras, NC, as one of the closest points to the Stream. I wonder if maybe the Hatteras/Ocracoke Ferry would take you right across the Gulf Stream and give you a good place to do the ashes. if you do that, do check it through with the ferry staff first, though, so as not to take anyone by surprise.

Sorry about your father - best wishes for a good experience doing this memorial!
posted by Miko at 8:54 AM on July 3, 2008

Thanks Miko!
posted by littleredwagon at 9:05 AM on July 3, 2008

The ferry will not, but there are plenty of boats that you can charter for sport fishing on the mainland. I remember Morehead City had many of these.
posted by dragonsi55 at 9:47 AM on July 3, 2008

I think that the Outer Banks of NC are closest to the Gulf Stream (but still something like 30 miles offshore). I liked the airplane suggestion, but if you want a boat then a sport fishing vessel is the way to go. I bet if you start calling around, they have done it before.

Also...technically you are supposed to report the burial to the EPA - http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/burial.htm - but most people do not.

Although it will be a sad moment, make sure that you enjoy the trip. It is an adventure to go in search of the gulf stream.
posted by rvrlvr at 12:18 PM on July 3, 2008

The diving off of the Outer Banks are incredible as the water is warm and clear...thanks to the Gulf Stream. It is a solid boat ride out there but worth it for a diver. Which brings me to my next point. Dive boats go out there all the time and since you aren't diving/have a good and sentimental reason, you might be able to catch a ride for cheap or free.
posted by skimides at 1:42 PM on July 3, 2008

According to the Wikipedia page, the Gulf Stream is only a mile or two from the coast at some places in SE Florida.
posted by lukemeister at 7:42 AM on July 5, 2008