We Crossed!!!

December 5-6, 2011

On Monday morning the plan was to leave at 1:00 PM.  Brandy IV would leave early (she’s a little slower) and would give us updates.

Brandy turned back and was back @ The Moorings by 12:30.  John said it was too rough.

Raydiance went out at 1:00 PM to anchor behind Dog Island.  We thought about joining them.  Greg decided I would poke my nose out into the Gulf and see what the conditions were.  If bad, I’d come back and anchor with Raydiance.  If good, I’d keep on going.

We decided to go at 1:25 PM.  Last Chance (34 ft. Mainship) came out with us.  About 2 hrs. later Boreas, Once Around, and Jolly Tolly came out too.

Goodbye Carrabelle and Panhandle!!!

It was a bit rough for the first 2 hours.  We had a southeast wind and waves 2-3 ft. with the occasional 4.  It was right on my nose and it really didn’t bother me. Even Kate was okay (she had a patch on)!  The waves smoothed out a bit after dark.

It was definitely a beautiful night.  The moon was almost full and very bright.  And the stars!  Haven’t seen that many in a long time.

The wind started picking up again about 1:30 AM.  My ride started to get a bit rocky.  We lost the moon about 3:30 AM and it got pitch-black!!

We all watched the sun rise about 6:30 AM.  Then we had to watch out for crab pots!!  Just like home!

Sunrise heading into Clearwater

I pulled into Clearwater Municipal Marina at 9:30 AM.  Greg washed me off; they took showers, and then went for a walk.  They even bought some more t-shirts for the babies!

I am soooo happy to be here at last with my friends.  It took a lot of waiting, but we had a good time in the end.