Steinhatchee to Crystal River 4/22/13

04/22:  Following a very pleasant weekend in Suwannee, we departed Steinhatchee under cloudy skies and a light breeze for what was forecasted to be a pleasant day’s run to the Crystal River and the Manatee Central area.   Wrong!  By 1030 the forecast was out the window.  The wind had freshened to 20+ kts, on the beam.  Over next several hours seas built to 3-5 feet (swear there was an occasional 6 footer) and as we had to turn left after clearing multiple shoals, ended up right on the bow.  From about 1330 until we reached the river entrance at 1830 we were taking solid shots of spray & water over the bow, actually, often over the top of the pilothouse.  While there was never a safety issue, it was a wet, miserable ride that we were glad to see end 95 miles from the start.   Perhaps this was a fitting day after all, reminding us not to get cocky after 3,012 miles of looping.  Yes, we crossed the 3K milestone today.

Am now sitting at anchor in Kings Bay on the Crystal River watching the sunrise and sipping my morning coffee.  No rush as we plan to spend another night here before setting out for Tarpon Springs on Wednesday.  Agree—today was no fun. When on our sloop, the Elissanne, I’d always secure and dog everything as there is always some heeling in a sailboat. Have become (no longer) a wee bit complacent on our trawler, especially when 1-3 ft waves are forecast. As we dipped low (or did they rise high) between waves or rode the crest, I probably held my breath and was so focused on not losing items in the Pilot House, incl me, I never even thought of taking a picture of waves breaking over us. As Bill described, we rocked and rolled…and he did get a picture or two! The boat got cleaned (though with all salt water, everything needed a good fresh water rinse once anchored) and cockpit got drenched-incl the Girls “bedding”. The Girls joined us in the Pilot House and just lay there, occasionally eyeing us with, “enough already”. It was so nice smoothly cruising up the Crystal River to Kings Bay and our anchorage—and knowing we were taking a lay day tomorrow to de-salt, dry out and clean up AND explore the Springs and maybe see a manatee or two. Dinner: Sautéed turkey breast slices (from Ruby) with onion and garlic and Curried brown rice with squash, sugar snaps, onions and carrots and fresh tomato salad with onion, garlic, cilantro, feta and a Balsamic dressing.

Laughing Gulls

A boat load of those nasty crab pots!!!

Well used Oyster boat