We are leaving St. Pete in the moring to sail on toward Kemah. We pulled in here to dodge a big cold front, high winds and large seas headed this way.
Our trip up from Marathon has been safe and pleasant, but slow. We anchored two nights to avoid hitting stone crab pots down in the keys. (they are so thick in places you are constantly driving a zig zag.)
Our trip since changing crew has been: Saturday sail from Riviera Beach to Fort Lauderdale down the ICW. (anchor just outside the ICW and take turns all night on anchor watch) Sunday from Ft. Lauderdale to Key Biscayne anchored with a killer view of Miami and 3 kids sailing classes sailing all arund us. (note: insert camera photo) Monday sail from Key Biscayne to just off Long Key for a great nights sleep! Tuesday sail down to Marathon to tie up at Burdines. We got diesel fuel, water, went to Publix market for food. Had diver Derrick dive the prop and find tangled crab pot line. We had lunch at Burdines and then sailed off into the gulf till dark. *we did something unusal and anchored out in the gulf surrounded by crab pots. we didnt want to hit them in the dark and get tangled up, so we anchored out at sea. It was a very rough bouncy night. Nobody slept well. Wednesday we sailed all day through crab pots, then on all night. At dusk in about 85 feet of water we finally saw the last string of pots. (there could have been more, but that's the last we saw) Thursday we pounded all day and all night north to make landfall to avoid this coming Norther and the blow we expect. (the weather for sailing shows massive winds and waves that we didnt want to encounter in the middle of the gulf) Friday we sailed into port in St. Petersburg and tied up to the city marina about 330pm. Last night was another great night of sleep. Today Saturday did boat chores. change the oil, new oil filter, add diesel fuel. Take EVERYTHING of fabric and wash it in the Marina washing machines. rinse the boat, cushions, and put them on deck to dry. Take the dingy off the davits and tie it up on deck. Went again to the Publix for cereal, eggs, bacon, sausage and gravy.
We are ready now to take off tomorrow to Kemah after the storm blows through.
St. Petersburg, Fl.
Yyyaaarrrrrrr...
"Salty" in Marathon, Fl.
Derrick dives to find wrapped line on prop.
Rod on deck pulling the anchor at sun-up
