Well we made it. We left Carrabelle on Friday 11/2 at 1:00PM to start our journey across the Gulf of Mexico to Tarpon Springs. By leaving at 1:00PM that would have us arriving in Tarpon around 10:00AM the next day. We were told by everyone...do not arrive in Tarpon in the dark. All conditions were good (winds and seas). About 15 miles out, winds picked up and it was getting rough. After 5 more miles of rockin & rollin, we turned back. We made it back to Dog Island and anchored at sunset (picture of us anchoring). Dog Island is 5 miles off the mainland. Saturday 11/3, we left at 11:00AM and all conditions were perfect. The winds were 5-10 and seas 1-2. It stayed this way the whole crossing (picture of flat Gulf). Once the sun went down, it was very very dark but the stars were incredible. We followed "Whichaway" and stayed in line with his stern light. About 2:00AM, the moon came up and did provide some "welcomed" light for us. About 5 miles out of Tarpon Springs, it was still dark and we had to inch our way through massive numbers of crab traps (this is why they say - come in at daylight). As we approached the first "Green Marker" to get us into the harbor....the good old sun was rising.
Once we docked at our marina, we all took long naps. The marina is located in the heart of the strip where all the Greek Restaurants are located and shops. A very fun place to stay (picture of happy couple right before dinner). Once we left Tarpon Springs, we anchored right off of Sarasota (picture of our anchorage).
Cruising the GIWW, we passed many many beautiful homes (picture of homes along the way). Next, we stayed in Venice and it is gorgeous. From our dock, you could see the Gulf of Mexico (picture of Gulf). I had a chance to get "Stella" out and Jess and I rode into the tourist area which is about 6 miles away.
Saturday, 11/10 we headed to Cabbage Key Island (Jimmy Buffet's song "Cheeseburger in Paradise"). And naturally, we had a cheeseburger...pretty good. And now it's Sunday, 11/11 and we are anchored just north of Ft. Myers Beach. Jess is a happy captain, he is currently watching Dallas play on TV.
We should arrive in Marathon next Friday and will be there a month. The west coast of Florida is beautiful. Alot of boats, Dolphins chasing our wake, clear beautiful water, weather in the low 80's and alot of warm sun. Sounds like a tourist ad! We are having the time of our lives and look forward to each day.
We will update again once we get to the Key's...until then, love to all.
Jess and Cindy
Once we docked at our marina, we all took long naps. The marina is located in the heart of the strip where all the Greek Restaurants are located and shops. A very fun place to stay (picture of happy couple right before dinner). Once we left Tarpon Springs, we anchored right off of Sarasota (picture of our anchorage).
Cruising the GIWW, we passed many many beautiful homes (picture of homes along the way). Next, we stayed in Venice and it is gorgeous. From our dock, you could see the Gulf of Mexico (picture of Gulf). I had a chance to get "Stella" out and Jess and I rode into the tourist area which is about 6 miles away.
Saturday, 11/10 we headed to Cabbage Key Island (Jimmy Buffet's song "Cheeseburger in Paradise"). And naturally, we had a cheeseburger...pretty good. And now it's Sunday, 11/11 and we are anchored just north of Ft. Myers Beach. Jess is a happy captain, he is currently watching Dallas play on TV.
We should arrive in Marathon next Friday and will be there a month. The west coast of Florida is beautiful. Alot of boats, Dolphins chasing our wake, clear beautiful water, weather in the low 80's and alot of warm sun. Sounds like a tourist ad! We are having the time of our lives and look forward to each day.
We will update again once we get to the Key's...until then, love to all.
Jess and Cindy
