4 couples having a captain's meeting (basicly an excuse to have a cocktail and talk boating) the night before 3 of the couples (not us) are heading out.
This is the world famous Buddy (in the center with the brown shirt on) giving us all weather information and Gulf crossing instructions. He's been doing this for 18 years.
HQ in our slip at Moorings Marina in Carrabelle, FL
A shot of Carrabelle Harbor as we entered...it reminds you of an old english fishing village
On our trip from Apalachicola to Carrabelle we were met by 2 Eagles sitting on a piling
It was blowing so hard as we crossed to Carrabelle our dinghy cover flew off (see it draging in the center of the picture) and was held on by a small strap in the back. We lost the cente pole...but the cover was saved
Here's Deb...pretending she likes oysters
Here's me...demonstrating how fresh oysters are supposed to be eaten
Log 69
Day 183
Thursday, November 20, 2008
4:45 AM CST
Location: Carrabelle, FL...Mile 351 on the GIWW
Weather: 43* with calm winds...forecasted to be 64; sunny; and light winds
I only have a few minutes to write a log this morning, because we leave at first light to cross the Gulf of Mexico. I uploaded several new pictures on the blog yesterday, so I thought I’d at least add a few comments to them.
It’s a little before 5 this morning and in just a few minutes I’ll be getting the boat ready to head out. I’ve been looking forward (dreading) this day for some time now. Not sure why...but crossing the Gulf is a big deal to me. Lots of open water, and not many places to go if there are issues. The good news is we have a great day to cross. The winds are very light, and in many places they are calm. I’ve checked all the weather stations I can and most look very good...but getting worse late in the day. That should not be a problem because we plan to be in Clearwater by 4 or 5.
Since getting to Carrabelle the only discussion among everyone is the weather. During this time of year there are only 1 or 2 days per week or 2 times a month that crossing is recommended, so you must know your stuff, and leave when the time is right. If not...you’ll be here another week or so. At this marina they have a boating legend (Buddy) who we have gotten to know and he says go...so we’re going. Yesterday we had 3 of our friends leave at about 3 Pm for an overnight crossing. They plan to go about 10 mph, and travel all night. We plan to leave a 6 am (sunrise is at 7:07) because I paid close attention to what time the very first light happened yesterday, and it was 6:15 so we will be leaving just as that happens. We will be traveling with 3 other boats who plan to go fast across. Yesterday afternoon Deb and I walked the docks and met these other boats who we thought would be crossing today (none of the boats no one another). We asked if they wanted to travel together and they all said yes...so that’s what we’ll do.
We have no plans yet once we get to Clearwater, but I think we will just sit there for a few days. just to really relax knowing the hard part of the trip is over and we will be in protected waters, with lots of options for marinas.
Well I’ve got to get Deb up and get ready.
I’ll keep you posted.
Bob
Day 183
Thursday, November 20, 2008
4:45 AM CST
Location: Carrabelle, FL...Mile 351 on the GIWW
Weather: 43* with calm winds...forecasted to be 64; sunny; and light winds
I only have a few minutes to write a log this morning, because we leave at first light to cross the Gulf of Mexico. I uploaded several new pictures on the blog yesterday, so I thought I’d at least add a few comments to them.
It’s a little before 5 this morning and in just a few minutes I’ll be getting the boat ready to head out. I’ve been looking forward (dreading) this day for some time now. Not sure why...but crossing the Gulf is a big deal to me. Lots of open water, and not many places to go if there are issues. The good news is we have a great day to cross. The winds are very light, and in many places they are calm. I’ve checked all the weather stations I can and most look very good...but getting worse late in the day. That should not be a problem because we plan to be in Clearwater by 4 or 5.
Since getting to Carrabelle the only discussion among everyone is the weather. During this time of year there are only 1 or 2 days per week or 2 times a month that crossing is recommended, so you must know your stuff, and leave when the time is right. If not...you’ll be here another week or so. At this marina they have a boating legend (Buddy) who we have gotten to know and he says go...so we’re going. Yesterday we had 3 of our friends leave at about 3 Pm for an overnight crossing. They plan to go about 10 mph, and travel all night. We plan to leave a 6 am (sunrise is at 7:07) because I paid close attention to what time the very first light happened yesterday, and it was 6:15 so we will be leaving just as that happens. We will be traveling with 3 other boats who plan to go fast across. Yesterday afternoon Deb and I walked the docks and met these other boats who we thought would be crossing today (none of the boats no one another). We asked if they wanted to travel together and they all said yes...so that’s what we’ll do.
We have no plans yet once we get to Clearwater, but I think we will just sit there for a few days. just to really relax knowing the hard part of the trip is over and we will be in protected waters, with lots of options for marinas.
Well I’ve got to get Deb up and get ready.
I’ll keep you posted.
Bob
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