Carrabelle, FL – Steinhatchee, FL - November 10, 2008

Because of the weather forecasted for the next few days, if we didn’t leave today, it would be several more days before we could.

With the wind today coming from the NE and changing to E later today and tonight, an overnight crossing directly to Clearwater wouldn’t be a wise thing to do. Darrell & Gene discussed options with a man at the marina who had much local knowledge.

It would be better for us to stay on the upper part of the gulf today and go east to Steinhatchee and spend the night. We would be able to make that crossing during the day and would anchor just off shore. Tomorrow, with the wind coming from the east, we would be able to hug the coastline while going south. That sounded like a good plan and, although it would take 1 or 2 extra days to get to Clearwater, we would be able to leave today.

We got underway at 6:45, just before sunrise. The first 3-4 hours were very uncomfortable. We were getting 3-5’ seas and taking spray on the flybridge.

We made preparations to steer from below, if necessary, but found we felt more secure on the flybridge. Also, we were less prone to get queasy. We just had to be extremely careful when going below. Life jackets were on at all times.

We were traveling slower than we would have liked to in order for Kay & Gene on Sojourn to travel at the speed best suited for them. After a bit we sped up and turned our bow into the quartering seas to make for a more comfortable ride. We ran off on a more northerly course for a while and eventually increased the distance between us and Sojourn. Around noon the wind subsided some and we turned directly toward Steinhatche as the ride became smoother. Many dolphin this afternoon. It was wonderful to watch them.

We anchored in Steinhatchee Harbor at 4:15. Sojourn anchored a short distance away. 78.6 miles. Long day.