Kerm here,
Blowing stink right now but it looks like a window might open on Sunday and Sunday night. If it doesn't work out it will be a few more days. And no, we're not going unless it's safe. The two Gulf crossing weather experts must agree plus I will also do my own analysis. The Belle doesn't like to get tossed around. I am no fan of these overnight deals nor being 60 or 70 miles offshore...
Our route last time was a mistake as we hugged the shore at about 30 miles out. The waves were supposed to be better with the route but the wind changed and we got nailed with quartering seas and went through mine fields of crab pots. I would rather get my butt kicked by waves than go though that at night again. We had to drive from the fly bridge to see the pots and the temps went into the 40's. This time it's the straight shot to Tarpon so we can drive inside until the last few miles. For all the watchers pull out your atlas and draw a straight line from Carabelle to Tarpon Springs. Now, as I said in an earlier post we will be arriving early on the day after we leave here and if we still feel good we will turn straight south at about 40 miles off shore. We'll see.
We did the last of our shopping today. The last time we did the crossing we probably did not eat well or drink enough liquids. Especially hot liquids. Learning curve...
Well off to 'docktails' and the group is going out to dinner at the FISHERMANS WIFE. Anyone that knows me well knows that I loathe going out to dinner. Why in the hell would I like going out to dinner when the best cook around lives on the Belle. Also, I would rather sit down with just Chris than a group. I know, weird. Introvert in training.
Ok Kerm; Rick and Deb here on Broulee, done that crossing maybe 10 times and have been beat up several, mostly when crossing in the "agitator cycle" area, not close in and not far out or pretty much straight line. Something about the winds and wave cycles creates a confused seas mid-way, sometimes. What we have really learned is its a guess. Still, we favor way out or near shore, mostly because confused seas are the worst. Best is waiting for the "right" moment.? Dock master at Carabelle has often been right watching wind changes, but not infallible! Lots of places to anchor out and wait. Safe seas, Rick & Deb
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