Open Water
Living by the motto “No Regrets” has served me well over the years, and our visit to Apalachicola is a perfect example. A port of call in the plans from the beginning, I had heard positive comments and even saved an article from Southern Living, so after docking we were prepared to hit the ground running.
Cute boutiques ✓
Oyster City Brewery ✓
Where we met a lovely couple traveling in their RV who shared similar stories to ours.
Monday night Bingo By the Bay at Halfshell Dockside✓
So when we woke up to a beautiful sunrise the next morning and checked the favorable weather for a crossing of the Gulf of Mexico to the west coast of Florida, we had seen enough of this little treasure to know we would be back someday.
We waved goodbye for now and headed to Carrabelle for fuel.
Many loopers hang out here and wait for the perfect time to make the crossing, which was our initial plan. However, the Gulf was beckoning.
Our view for the next 80 miles was interrupted only by the occasional sightings of dolphins, sharks, turtles, and shiny flying fish racing us across the calm seas.
The Captain taught me the surefire sign of large fish. Bait balls.
Small bait fish nibbling on the surface are a sign of larger fish below in pursuit. A perfect opportunity for The Captain to make use of his Florida fishing license.
Guess who got to drive while fishing was going down. Woohoo! Albeit, circling, ever so slow, but The Crew has now actively steered Odysea II.
Our crossing ended in the small fishing village of Steinhatchee, where absolutely nothing is happening on the Tuesday after Memorial Day. Except of course our “Successful Gulf Crossing” toast!
We had a bit of open water the next day on our cruise to Crystal River, known for manatee sightings. Pete’s Pier had a few resident manatees who came up for viewing only to take a snorty breath and slowly descend back into the water. There were multiple tour boats ready to take you for an up close and personal snorkel excursion.
Our next port of call is another one of those unique, quirky towns requiring a few days to enjoy.
Thanks for following along.
~ The Crew