5/6/17: Apalachicola, Fl – Smack Bayou Anchorage (Panama City) = 53.33 NM

After 2 days of being under ‘Gale Force Marina Warning’ we were glad to throw off the dock lines and head out.  The trip from Apalachicola to our anchorage was mainly through a small channel surrounded by marsh lands making it a pleasant day on the water.

Our buddy boats.

A peaceful view.

Sunset at Smack Bayou

5/2/17: Gulf Of Mexico Crossing – Tarpon Springs, Fl. – Apalachicola, Fl. =

A small weather window opened up on Tuesday 5/2 for a Gulf of Mexico crossing. After pouring over numerous weather apps we all agreed that Tuesday was the day to cross or we would have to wait for at least another 9 days.

So we set off from Tarpon Springs, Florida around 10:30 am.  We had anticipated the first part of the trip was going to be somewhat uncomfortable (but not dangerous) so we weren’t surprised when, yes, it was uncomfortable. What did surprise us is that the wind and waves were exactly OPPOSITE of what the weather apps had predicted. Needless to say it was an uncomfortable crossing. Had the weather stayed true to the prediction we would have been spot-on with our forecast. But it is weather prediction so we have come to accept the flaws of the system.

Tarpon Springs Inlet Light House

Our buddy boats.

Gulf Crossing Sunrise

Gulf Crossing Sunset

After 23 hours we arrived at Apalachicola glad that we had crossed and certainly glad it was over. We have arrived just in time for another weather system to pass so we will be here at least 2 to 3 days.

4/29/17: Gulfport, Fl. Anchorage - Tarpon Cove Marina, Tarpon Springs, Fl. = 35.8 NM

It was a good weather day for travel but it was a Saturday so we anticipated we would see lots of SPORES (Stupid People On Rental Equipment Saturday). We were not disappointed. The waterway was full!

SPORES coming at us in all directions.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

4/27/17: Sarasota, Fl. (Causeway Anchorage) – Gulfport, Fl. Boca Ciega Bay Anchorage =  38 NM

It was a great day to cross Tampa Bay.  You never know what you will see on the waterway, but never expected to see horses.

Horses out or a swim in the Tampa Bay.

Sea Turtle

Beautiful !

When we arrived at our anchorage the local water Police informed us of the scheduled weekend evens that were to occur at our anchorage. Where we had planned on anchoring would be transformed into a Formula 1 Race Boat course. We could anchor there but further away from shore. We anchored then dinked into town for dinner anticipating that Friday we would see some racing action. 

On Friday at 6:30 a.m. we loaded up Jake and Ike for a quick trip to land before the action started. We waited all day and finally late on Friday afternoon a boat put out the course buoys.  

The race was scheduled to start at 8:00 am Saturday morning but when we still hadn’t seen the 1^st boat when we pulled up anchor at 7:30 am. 

4/26/17: Cayo Costa State Park, Captiva, Fl (Pelican Bay Anchorage) – Sarasota, Fl. (Causeway Anchorage) = 42 NM

Most of this route along the Gulf ICW is surrounded by homes and a large walking park. Another beautiful day on the water. 

Lots of beautiful birds.

4/25/17:  Ft. Myers Yacht Basin, Ft. Myers, Fl. – Cayo Costa State Park, Captiva, Fl.- (Pelican Bay Anchorage) = 34NM

Today after months of planning we threw off our dock lines and with our two buddy boats Kristin Noelle (Tricia & Hoppy) and RecRoom (John) we headed out. Once we cross the Gulf of Mexico we will regroup at Orange Beach and pick up another buddy boat. Over the next 6 months we will navigate over 3000 miles of water.

A beautiful Eagle posed along the GICW.

We kicked off the first day with a cookout aboard Twelve Stones.

Jake & Ike checking things out.

25 Boats Anchored Out with us.

Our transportation for the next few months. 

This is how we get from boat to boat.

Good food and good company.

Beautiful Sunrise!

4/23/17: Downtown Ft. Myers, Fl. - Saying Goodbye

Preparing to leave Ft. Myers Enjoying our last night at downtown Ft. Myers. Some are leaving with us tomorrow Tricia & Hoppy Hopkins, and John but sadly we are leaving a few behind, Russ & Janice Pouliot, Connie & Joe Moran.