On the 14th we got Goofing Off ready to get underway we did the resupply of groceries.
Did all the engine checks, filled the water tank and folded up the bikes for the trip.
We sat in on another chart and travel course just to be sure of our travels.
It was a relaxing day and got time to say good bye to the friends we met during our two week stay. Neither one of us got much sleep , must be the getting underway jitters after our two week enjoyable stay.
March 15th we slept in after a sleepless night and were awaken from an email this morning
from our daughter, lucky for us. Up and got things ready to go we said some final good byes and were underway at 8am. We decided to go back our thru the 7mile opening instead of Knights Channel. Once out in the Florida bay we set our course East thru shallow water. We still can't get used to traveling thru 5' of water when we draft 4.6'. The water in the Bay is clear and you can see the bottom which makes it even shallower. We went thru a real narrow and shallow spot and here was a sail boat aground. Called on the radio and asked if he was ok and needed help. He replied he was aground and waiting for high tide. He drafted 4'11" we draft 4'6" he said there was room to get around him. We could see the sand he kicked up trying to get out but took him for his word and went close astern of him. We made it around and left a nice trail of sand. Lin & I used to river cruising or Lake Champlain where you never see bottom were on the edge of our chairs all day. It was a great day weather wise but the shallow water took most of the fun and pleasure out of the ride. We were going to anchor at Tarpon Basin but by the time we got there it had a lot of boats anchored and ever time we tried to leave the channel to anchor it got shallow and put our nerve's at the edge. Captain to First Mate decision go 5 more miles bite the bullet and pay for dockage. We are at Gilberts marina on Jewfish Creek. Live music right outside our boat. It was a long and tiring day, but we are safe at a dock, having a refreshing beverage and listening to live music. Doesn't get better than this after a stressful day.
Lin & Rich
Gilberts Marina
Jewfish Creek, Florida
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