The Crossing

November 29, 2010


After waiting for one week in Apalachicola for that good weather window, we got the sense that it was approaching soon.  We decided to move up one town to Carabelle to be in a better position to cross the Gulf of Mexico to Tarpon Springs from Tuesday to Wednesday (November 23-November 24).  Walter and Don were in the ready position to drive to Carabelle, jump on board their respected ships and make the overnight journey.

Main Street, Carabelle, FL

We arrived in Carabelle, saw the minuscule size of the town and were glad we had stayed in Apalachicola for the week.  This is a small town and we saw everything in about a half an hour walk into town.

Carabelle, FL

Good friends Walter, Geri (she drove Buddy and me to their house) and Don (he crossed with Magoo) arrived Tuesday morning and the fleet was off.  Their crossing strategy was slightly altered after talking with a local crossing geru Buddy when he brought up the full moon's influence on the tides and the currents.  The crossing took 21 hours and the guys were exhausted but flying high with the thrill of their accomplishment.  The seas were calm, the winds were light, the moon was full, the stars were bright and they even saw a space station- it was a perfect crossing!!

Don, Geri and Walter-What a crew!!!

We had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with Don's family.  His daughter and Mal, Jane's mom, cooked their little hands off and outdid themselves with the desserts.  It was so generous of them to include us in their holiday. Thanks to all!

We got back to Tarpon Springs and explored this Greek inspired town. It's famous for its sponges and more sponges. The town is full of sponges, soap and shell shops with a few good restaurants thrown in.  We are definitely thrown back into a more congested area-very different from what we've been experiencing.

Sponge Boats

Tarpon Springs Sponge Diver

Tourist hoopala

After catching our breath in Tarpon Springs, we traveled just 14 miles to Caladesi Island State Park.  They have a marina here for overnight transients with new docks and restrooms.  It's peaceful and sparsely populated with only five other boats here right now.  There is a day ferry that brings folks over from Clearwater - the only way here is by boat, limiting lots of traffic.  We took a three mile walk on their nature trail, seeing lots of vegitation but no wildlife.  They warn of rattlesnakes but we didn't see or hear any-I hope it stays that way!  We're nursing our colds here and hope to be on our way somewhere tomorrow....

Caladesi State  Park Nature Trail