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| Thomas checks out dolphins following us |
Does anyone see a wave out on the Gulf? If so, please let the Coast Guard know, they have lost sight of all waves. There is hardly a ripple out on the water and for the next 2 to 3 days, the weather window will be as good as it gets. By late Tuesday or Wednesday, the Gulf weather will turn dramatically and blow like stink for a few days before returning to nice weather Friday and the weekend. Stay Safe, Tom (AGLCA weather man)
We have been watching the weather in the Gulf of Mexico for over a week now to see when would be the best time to make the 160 mile crossing from Carrabelle to Clearwater. We like the seas to be as calm as possible and the wind on our back. We are members of the Great Loopers Assoc and receive daily e-mails from Tom (see above) who tells boaters what the weather in the Gulf is like each day/night. He was right on with this weather report for Sunday night! We left from Carrabelle River at 2pm Sunday and cruised out into the Gulf. David had set the track into the GPS, and we set our speed for 7 knots, and we were off for our 20 hour journey across this large body of water. We had some small waves at the beginning, then it settled to an almost dead calm.
Around 6pm, when the bread maker was done baking a fresh loaf of french bread for us, we sat down in the pilothouse to eat dinner. We didn't realize it was going to be a dinner + show! All of a sudden, David realizes we are surrounded by 20+ dolphins! they swam and played and jumped all around us for about 15 minutes. Amazing!
As the night passed, we each took turns at driving the boat through the beautiful moon lit night. Thomas & Matthew took the 10p - 2am shift while Mom & Dad dozed on and off. Then they were sent to bed, so Mom & Dad could finish the trip. About 30 miles out of Clearwater Pass, we sped up to 19 knots to clean out the diesel engines. As we approached the Pass, we were on close look-out for crab pots, as they often are all over the place and it is no fun to get one wrapped around your prop. We arrived safely at the Pass and docked at Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina by 10am. Whew! Tired, but a great crossing!
As the night passed, we each took turns at driving the boat through the beautiful moon lit night. Thomas & Matthew took the 10p - 2am shift while Mom & Dad dozed on and off. Then they were sent to bed, so Mom & Dad could finish the trip. About 30 miles out of Clearwater Pass, we sped up to 19 knots to clean out the diesel engines. As we approached the Pass, we were on close look-out for crab pots, as they often are all over the place and it is no fun to get one wrapped around your prop. We arrived safely at the Pass and docked at Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina by 10am. Whew! Tired, but a great crossing!
Total miles today: 160nm
Total miles traveled: 1,160 nm
Total cruising days: 18
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| Thomas & Matthew driving at night |
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