[C320-list] ICW & Great Loop questions

[Robert Seastream]

All:

OK, I can hear the chuckles now from those that have been there and  
done that, but here goes.  Yes, I've heard of the ICW & Great Loop  
before now.

I just got the October issue of Sail magazine.  There was an article  
about the ICW which intrigued me.  I googled ICW and was led to pages  
about both it and the Great Loop.
It was all intriguing, but still left me with questions.

Why would one take the ICW to transit up/down the east coast, rather  
than standing just offshore (presuming fair weather) and taking the  
open water route?
The ICW doesn't appear to be that far inland.  Is it a matter of  
better facilities availability on the ICW versus the other way?

The page about the Great Loop mentions a 5 foot draft in some  
locations (not much problem for my wing keel) and a 19 foot bridge in  
Chicago, IL as challenges/restrictions to some boaters.  I presume  
it's a fixed bridge; the entry didn't say.  If so, I imagine few  
sailors can go around the entire Loop, unless they're either in a  
Sunfish or smaller, or are willing to unstep their mast at that point?

If anyone has recommendations regarding reference material (books,  
other publications, etc.) about the above routes, I'd welcome the  
information.
We may not transit the Great Loop, but are looking forward to  
'snowbirding' between NH & FL once I retire.  I'd like to select the  
best route.

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906