So the last 48 hours have been interesting…as previously
mentioned we have been working toward Carrabelle FL to cross the Gulf of Mexico
and “land” in Tarpon Spring FL. Weather
windows, other boats and general “let’s get this party started” have been the
topic of conversations not only between Charlie and I but also the other FIVE
boats we’ve added to our list of companions!!
YAY!! While Charlie & I have
no fear of this leg of the trip, we certainly wanted more than just 1 other
boat with us…there’s a long list of reasons – but I’ll let you form your own
opinion!
We anchored in White City FL on Wednesday night and headed
directly to Carrabelle on Thursday morning – bypassing Apalachicola due to time
constraints. Normally, we wouldn’t have
a schedule but Mother Nature is closing the “good weather windows” from weekly
to perhaps monthly. This may be our last
opportunity for a crossing before Thanksgiving!! So here we are…
After checking in & getting tied up at The Moorings, we gathered
with the other “crossing loopers”. With
calculators in hands and LOTS of conversation regarding knots vs mph and
channel point vs buoy numbers…we will leave the marina around 11:00AM on Friday
and head toward Dog Island to line up and depart around 2:00 (eastern
time). Pending no complications, we
should see the glorious sunrise of Saturday morning several miles west of
Tarpon Springs.
At that point, navigation of crab pots and fishing boats
will commence, so arrival to Tarpon Springs will be after the 10:00 time frame
to allow for a safe approach. We haven’t
firmed a marina reservation yet but I will take care of that in the morning.
This evening Charlie is changing fuel filters (with my help)
and reviewing the waypoints on the GPS.
I’m stowing anything that can fall someplace “cozy”, updating the blog
& will call the girls and family for a quick visit. I wanted to do a little laundry…but that can
wait for the west coast of FLORIDA!!
This update will be brief and picture-less…time is ticking
and tomorrow will be here before we know it!!
We are excited and anticipating a wonderful experience in
the Gulf of Mexico with our buddy boats: Southern Cross, Sanctuary, Robin’s
Nest, Rascal’s Retreat and Last Call.
We will leave a float plan with The Moorings Marina in
Carrabelle AND the girls. Once we are in
place in Tarpon Springs will contact the marina and the girls…and I will give a
brief update via this blog. We
appreciate all your prayers and for those who understand the core reason for
this journey…He is working all around us!!
God Bless!
No comments:
Post a Comment