Ready to Cross the Gulf of Mexico

Wednesday November 11, 2105 - Carrabelle, Florida

We are aground. Not drastically, thank goodness, just our stern. We’re in a slip in a marina and as the tide went out this morning, the boat hit bottom. That was around 5:30 and low tide was at 7:45, so in a little more than an hour, we should be afloat again. I hope nothing is wrong. Our buddy-boat, Melinda B, is aground too, but not quite as much. 

In the meantime, I have not woken up Brian, because I believe that all we can do is wait for the tide to come in. It doesn’t have to be high tide (which is around 3:00), just higher than it is now. 

We’re departing at 4:00 this afternoon to cross the Gulf of Mexico. We’ve estimated 18 hours, departing Carrabelle about 1+1/2 hours before sunset and arriving in Clearwater about three hours after sunrise. When you head due east, the sunrise is intense, but at some point everyone has to go east to get into any of the west coast towns. There are also crabpots in the water that you can’t see in the dark, so you have to travel through that area in the daylight. 

All of this feels like the big exam that we are completely prepared for; we just have to do it - and I’m ready to get started.

PS - We are almost afloat and Brian doesn't seem concerned, thank goodness!