We enjoyed Carrabelle. Brian did a bit of “fixing the boat in exotic locations” that will continue for the next couple of weeks as he fixes some minor issues. Incredibly, we were able to get a diver to look at the bow thruster and the condition of the bottom paint. We went to the worlds smallest police station and had a few captains meetings.
We felt the Tuesday night window was better for us so we left with Amy Marie at 2:00 pm with a light breeze and nice seas. We didn’t see many dolphins but we did see a turtle bouncing in our wake!
Jackpot and Sea Star joined us although their destination was Clearwater. The sunset and moonrise were incredible!! We had a Wolf moon (99% full) so we had some light for most of the night.
We did radio checks on the hour which was nice as we did lose sight of the other boats at times.
Brian and I alternated watches at approximately 2 hour intervals. At one point I think I saw a rocket blast off. By early morning the wind and waves kicked up but we were in sight of land at that point. Brian drove the bucking bronco to R4 our marker that let us know that our destination was close.
We are thrilled to have the crossing behind us and Tarpon Springs is a great little walking town. Cousin Ron and Joan Ogren, from Wisconsin met us for the day!! Ron showed up in the exact Carhartt tee shirt that I was wearing. Our boat is docked next to a local hot spot with live music. We had drinks on the flybridge about 50 feet from the country /beach/ Jimmy Buffett cover band. We also had visitors that we have “known” for months from social media – nice to meet face to face.
The bow thruster was pulled off and taken to the electric motor shop, hopefully we will reinstall this weekend, and we have booked a haulout at the local yard for Monday morning.
There’s always something to fix, the trick is doing it ahead of time in an area that has a lot of services, this place has 200 commercial shrimp boats.
Congratulations 🎉 on your successful crossing!! It’s so beautiful!!! Enjoy Tarpon Spring ..so many great shoppes, and places to eat!!! Love following you. Feels like we’re doing loop #2…
Did you have the auto pilot on for the night crossing? Does it work well in the rolly seas? How are you coming on the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives list. There should be some in the Tampa area. Should I call Guy?
Great video Ellen! Happy the passage was successful. Boat repairs in a strange town can’t be easy…. I’m impressed with how much is getting done, and so quickly! Having a boat “McGyver” like Brian is a godsend! Enjoy some landlubbing time!