#17 Nov. 24th thru Thanksgiving

11/24  The Storms and winds finally subsided enough for us to venture East again. but, We got a very late (10:30) start this morning due to heavy fog. We were a bit concerned the Bay we had to traverse before getting into the protected canal may be rough but it was nothing more than a regular choppy day on Lake Huron.  The fog was reluctant to let us alone and going through the canal was a little like a scary movie at times.  Our friends ahead of us would disappear every now and again. We arrived at White City Dock (free) around 4 pm and discovered Doveke was tied there as well.  Jean and Mel Thomason. Great couple. after a chat on the dock in the misty rain we all agreed to head out together to Carrabelle at around 8 am the next morning.

11/24 No fog today but misty and overcast. Did see 2 eagles in their nest - bumped into a floating log just under the water. Kind of surprised us since Greeks Folly warned us the log was there and we attempted to avoid it by steering away from where he said it was -- his prop wash must have propelled it into our path.  We did not see it.  This kind of thing happens all the time, things you cannot see can bite you.  Fortunately it was just a little bump and no damage for us.  Around 11.50 we entered Appalachia Bay just a thin barrier island from the Gulf.  We are headed for Carrabelle where many Loopers gather for a good weather window to jump across to Tarpon Springs. A trip of about 170 miles. So here we are. The Marina isn't a new one, but really neat.  Big covered deck with picnic tables, big old rocking chairs with cushions - - so we sat and rocked and watched the sun go down. YES! the sun came out! It's about time!

Bill, Tom and Mel enjoying a bit of sun. 

Doveke, Mel and Jean; Simpatico, Bill and Connie; Greek's Folly, Tom and Colletta

before the day was over the Marina had one slip left

11/25 Greek;s Folly, Doveke and Simpatico gathered on the deck this morning to watch the tide go out. It revealed an island just across from the Marina, a sunken overturned boat appeared where only a floating marker was before.  Eerie! The tide here is about 3 foot. Doesn't sound like much but with the docks fixed it is very difficult to get on and off the boat. Today we also plan to share Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow.  At this time only our 3 boats here.  Other boaters walked down from the other marina and found out what was happening here, Pretty soon three boats moved here; then three other boats came in. All invited to take part tomorrow.

11/27 Thanksgiving Day
Well the marina was happy and they provided us with a smoked turkey, a cooked turkey and a ham!!! Quite a surprise for us. but they were gracious hosts for what turned our little shared meal into an event including all the boaters who could not be home for their Thanksgiving.  Wonderful!

Everyone brought a dish or dishes to pass.

Three tables filled with delicious and varied Thanksgiving fare.

22 folks sharing.

A truly beautiful experience!


11/28 Today we are eating leftovers and preparing the boat for
our 170 mile crossing tomorrow for Tarpon Springs that might be a little bumpy depending on winds and waves. This will be the longest leg that will be needed on our entire Loop.  There are 6 boats traveling with us and we will leave between Noon and One pm. We will be checking in with one another on the hour throughout the night - a great buddy system. Looking forward to spending a little time in Tarpon, renting a car and visiting a few friends.