Our 17 hr crossing from Carrebelle to Tarpon Springs went about as well as possible. After exhaustive reviews of weather reports and meeting to discuss every possible variable, I think we were just lucky when all is said and done. Similar weather reports for other crossings resulted in much more challenging journeys.
Our Gulf crossing travel buddy boats…. Tx Au, Paddy Wagon, and At Ease all stayed fairly close throughout the night and we checked in every two hrs by radio to make sure the others were doing well. Some minor rolling seas and unexpected crab-pots 30 miles out added some fun to the route, but all was good,. Thanks to “Buddy” for his local knowledge and many years of experience to help us choose a window that worked.
Happy to be in Tarpon Springs FL, the sponge capital of the the world?? Great Greek food and an awesome place to plan whats next. Looking forward to spending a couple days here and then slowly making our way down to Fort Meyer to rendezvous with family…. Nancy, Samantha, (& Scott) and Tyler…. for the holidays. Life is Good!
Loopin' with Mike n Pam 
Hi Tony and Sue, Yes the crossing is tricky, we are here in Tarpon with others that had a similar forecast to ours but a much different crossing experience. Due diligence is a must but it seems a bit of luck is needed as well, Hope all is well with you.
Mike and Pam
LikeLike
I have to say we had many prayers from several local churches and that always helps!
We were truly blessed.
LikeLike
I’m glad to hear that you two safely crossed the Golf. I visited Tarpon springs a few years ago and had a good time. I remember gyros, beers and of course SPONGES! I saw Mike was fishing in the last post, have you guys been catching anything?
LikeLike
Hey Sean, Sooo thankful that crossing is behind us. Way too much anticipatory stress on my part. I got my tattoo here in Tarpon a few years back…..Tarpon’s still exactly as you remember it! Only fished once with some borrowed shrimp bait. Looking forward to a lot more fishing in the next few months! Hope you are all doing well. Thanks for following along;)
LikeLike
Well that was real sailing and real navigating across open water! Congratulations on a successful crossing!!
LikeLike
Last comment came from Steve Koss. Guess I need to learn how to sign in! You can never have enough good sponges is what I say
LikeLike
Hi Steve,
Never knew there were so many sponges for different uses. Gotta get me some.
Recently picked up a fishin’ pole and plan to wet the line here in Florida.
LikeLike