South then north and running for cover

Fortunately, the "bread crumbs" were faithfully recorded in Coastal Explorer yesterday, and we were away from the pier at 0750 this morning, waving goodbye to Roxanne, Serrin and Gail. Thanks again, folks - you are all keepers! We are the richer for this experience.


After an hour of twisting and turning, we finally emerged unscathed into Charlotte Harbor where we went southward for and hour or so before we could turn westward for another hour or so after which we again returned to our northward trek.


We have a 40% chance of thunderstorms later today (we are, after all, nearing the thunderstorm capital of the world), and we will thus remain inside the ICW rather than run the faster outside route. We will probably stop at the Crow's Nest Marina and Restaurant in Venice for the night, where the food is legendary.

Tomorrow promises better weather, and we will see if we can get as far as Treasure Island where I need to start some weather studies about crossing to Apalachicola. At present, it appears that a weather window will be available to cross in in 72 hours.