We made it but not without a challenge. Waves were low but the rollers were high. We were going less than 7 knts for about 6 hours hoping the seas would calm. The wind was fairly low at 10-15 mph but the creation of those pesky built up waves on open seas was more than our girl could handle for a fast crossing.
We found things on shelves that we didn’t know where there. Stuff was tossed about even though the entire boat was bundled up tight. Pillows on the floors, that sort of thing.
By the time we were about 7 hours out the water settled for us to run 22 knts. We ended up coming into Clearwater Bay after nightfall. Watching for crab pot floats is always difficult at night. They are of various colours about the size of a bowling ball, attached to a rope, attached to a cage with goodies in them that crabs can’t resist. Those ropes will do damage to your props and our pods if we catch one rope. With Scott at the helm and me on the bow we ever so slowly make our way into the bay. We have noted that coming into the area that there are significantly less crab pots than in 2017. It may be that they are “fished out” or that the reef is now protected. Either way it made for an easier passage for us. We notice right away that the temps are now in the 70’s even though it is after 8 pm.
We are met with a guide boat helping us meander through the tight channel at the entrance to Clearwater Bay. With Scott having plotted our way directly to the marina, the full moon and the lights from the city it is very easy to find our way, albeit slowly. Pulling in we are exhausted. We prepare the boat for the night, have an easy pasta dinner and turn off the alarm for morning. We feel like we have made it to our destination. Tomorrow we breathe, enjoy the sun, and discover Clearwater.
