Crossing the Gulf from Carrabelle to Steinhatchee

Weather on the Gulf (or anywhere on the open seas) is to be given the utmost respect. So we waited three days for the weather to improve before heading out to open seas. We pulled in to the small port fishing town of Steinhatchee after the first 70 mile leg of the "Big Bend," which is the name given to the curve starting at the panhandle of Florida and ending about 200 miles later in Tarpon Springs.

Even with the good weather reports, our trip started out with waves in the 2 to 3 foot range and then tapered down to less than one foot by the time we got to Steinhatchee. Our plan was to leave early the next morning for Tarpon Springs, but again, the weather changed all that. Today was supposed to be seas in the 4 to 6 foot range. It's clearly doable for our boat, but not our idea of a pleasant cruise. So today, we have another weather day which will mean we will miss Thanksgiving with our good friends in Clearwater, Barb and Bill Sowers. But that's the way it is. Hopefully we can connect on Friday.

The Picture Above

Our stay in Steinhatchee is at The Sea Hag Marina. When the Admiral saw this, she lit up. The story goes back to her days in nursing school when she and Sandi (long time friend) backcombed their long hair which stood out in all directions. The hair was then smoothed over to arrive at what most will recall as a bouffant hairdo. As they were in stage one of doing this, a little boy they were babysitting for called them Sea Hags. It stuck. Now that little boy is on staff at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California, David Peterson. Of course, she called Sandi right away who remembered the story. So Sandi, I think there will be something coming to you as a token of your Sea Hag Days.