Arberojos (gold birgee) took off late morning heading out to Dog Island. About 3pm, we met up with Thanks Dad and Sundance to head out that way. Two other boats weren't far behind, Second Chance and Fantasy. So 5 boats to make the crossing with us.
Before we left I made every attempt to stow or tie down anything that might move during the crossing. I put the TVs on the floor, plant in the sink, loose items like soap and shampoo under the sink. All doors and drawers were secured including the refrigerator and freezer doors.
We ate cold sandwiches about 6pm and watched the sunset. Then it got very dark. A moonless night with a sky full of stars. How cool is that. All we can see are navigation lights from the other boats. We use the autopilot which is set to follow the course set in the GPS. It's choppy for several hours. The boat is rocking and rolling. Slightly uncomfortable.
About 9:45pm I nap in the salon for a few hours. I wake up grumpy as a bear. Jerry takes his turn on the sofa for a few hours also. While Jerry is napping, I'm on the bridge reading. I have 3 layers on and a blanket. I could sure use some hot tea. Ain't happening now.
It's 3:10am. We've been underway 12 hours. Jerry is up now too. The stars are incredible. We can see the Milky Way.
We are about 30 miles offshore. Two boats, Thanks Dad and Sundance are on a different course heading for Clearwater. The rest of us are headed for Anclote Key just outside Tarpon Springs. We plan to anchor there, take a rest and hang out before heading into Tarpon Springs.
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| Wind Song "Crossing" |
Still the middle of the night and the seas have laid down making this part of the crossing very pleasant. We had no idea what to expect out here. Like I said earlier, we checked several different weather websites including NOAA trying to figure out if this was the time to go. Checking wave heights and winds then analyzing the data when we really weren't sure what was best except we did know that less was better on both accounts. Jerry asked local fishermen around the marina in Carrabelle as well as Towboat US guys (the beer drinkers), trying all angles.
Luck of the draw because the Gulf can change with little warning. It's about 4:45 am. The seas have kicked up again. No more smooth waters.
The moon rose about 5:30am. About 6:30, a little daylight is peeking through. Shallower waters, about 42' down from 60 and 70 feet. We're already beginning to see crab pot buoys. Have to maneuver around them so the lines don't get wrapped around the props. Hadn't expected them this far out.
We found our way to Anclote Key and anchored about 10:30 am. Once we got around the spit of land, the waters were calm. Still dodging crab pots. Found Arberejos already anchored. They welcomed us and gave a hearty congrats for completing our first crossing.
I fixed a big breakfast. We ate on the sundeck taking in the morning. We both napped for a few hours. So proud to have made this leg of the trip!
This afternoon, we just relaxed and tried to get the boat back together.
We anchored out January 20 then motored into Tarpon Springs late Saturday morning. Have to be mindful of the tides now.
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