We just got back from a last little trip to Carrabelle – for ice, water, trash, a chart and to fill a couple of jerry cans with diesel. It was a pleasant little run in but a bit of a fright on the way back. In the short time we were at the dock – large waves managed to develop in the Sound. It was very messy. I wasn’t at all sure the Glass Slipper had enough power to pound into the waves and make headway. I had her almost at full throttle and was going about 1.5 knots at best. I had to motor as the wind was coming head on and I was heading out a narrow channel. It was only 3 footers with an occasional 4 but they were spaced out so that I was really taking a pounding. The bow never went under but it was flush and I was soaked and chilled from the spray. I sure found myself wishing that I had spent the money on a dodger! The salt water was stinging my eyes and face.
I will say that I wasn’t really too scared, but I think that was because DJ was sitting beside me. Nothing seems to ever ruffle his feathers so it was reassuring. Otherwise I would have been worried the boat was going to break apart from the beating.
We had planned to head out for a little sail today – out of sight of land as a preparation for tomorrow. Instead I think the trip back from Carrabelle was enough for one day. We are planning to leave in the morning for the crossing to Tarpon Springs. This morning I worked on the engine – tightening belts and changing fuel filters. I also had to take out some of the transmission oil and replace it – as it turned out I had overfilled it the last time. It all looks good now and is running pretty well. DJ went up the mast and tightened up my loose VHF antenna too.
The crossing to Tarpon Springs is about 145 miles and should take about 29 hours. My friend DJ is going on his boat to so it will be nice to have another boat within sight and within hearing distance. The weather is forecasted to be a smooth ride 1 to 2 feet– and wind at 5-10 knots. I hope it turns out that way. There is a chance of isolated thunderstorms but hopefully they won’t develop. We’ve had them on and off all week and they generally only last a few minutes. I managed to get myself outside during the storms to sort of get used to it. We will also have a full moon – so it should be beautiful.
Several folks have asked what I’ll do at night – and the answer is you keep moving, stay awake and keep watch. I’m pretty sure I’ll be too excited/scared to be sleepy anyway. Once we get close to Tarpon Springs we’re going to drop the hook at a little island called Anclote Key sleep the rest of the day! Although I think I’ll either cry in my beer or celebrate a little first depending on how it goes!
I’ve got a full arsenal of ginger gum, ginger cookies, soda and saltines. I’m sure hoping I don’t get sea sick – but I guess we’ll see.
I was more nervous earlier in the week but now I think I’m mentally ready to go. It’s been rainy/stormy all week and I’ve only been to shore one time. I had a terrible leak down the compression post which made it nearly unlivable in the cabin during the rain. Not sure why that developed all of a sudden – but it was really awful.
Anyway, keep us in your prayers for tomorrow. I’ll post again as soon as I arrive at Anclote Key! (If I make it!)
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January 2019
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