Plan ZZZZZ (Didn't quite make it to St. Andrews yet)

We thought that our snafus, glitches and bad luck with parts were all behind us. We made it out and under the John's Pass bridge with no problem. We saw a 35 foot sailboat sunk just off the main channel and really felt sorry for them. Of course, we were feeling smug like our troubles were behind us and we were going to have smooth sailing the rest of the way. One thing this trip has taught us, never get cocky with Neptune!!!!

We made it about 3 miles offshore and were able to head in a direction good for sailing so we hoist the main then pull out the jib. It seemed to have stuck on something at about the 1/2 way point so we pull harder and harder, etc. David tries to see what's wrong through the binoculars but sees nothing. So....we decide to unwrap the sail and lower it sowe can flake it (fold) and put it safely away. We didn't want to get caught in a storm with this flapping sail. Unfortunately, we can't lower it either. At this point we're rocking and rolling around with both of us on the foredeck trying to man and woman hadle this very large sail. After about an hour of trying everything we can think of, we give up and wrap it back up as best we can, tie it up as securely as we can and go back to figure out what to do next.

As much fun as we had being weathered in at the Treasure City Yacht Club, we just couldn't face going back yet again with problems!! We decided to press on but cut the leg short by a day. Originally we had wanted to sail all the way to St. Andrews Yacht Club but have ended up in Carrabelle. Some of the pictures below are of David climbing the mast. I handle the two safety lines below and pray a lot. He was able to determine what the problem was but we were both too tired to safely do anything today. The fix will hopefully be made in the morning with enough time for us to get on down the ocean a few miles.

Even though we were bummed about yet another equipment malfunction, we were able to take in the beauty of our surroundings and experience unique things about sailing.
While we were wrestling with the jib, a group of dolphins came and played with our bow wake. The water was crystal clear and we could see them so well. It took our mind off of flailing sail for a few minutes. Later, we dodged a thunder storm. It was surreal watching the awesome light show to the west and south of us. On the other side of the boat, the stars were out in full force and glory. The wind from the storms did make things a bit bouncy but nothing worse than we've felt before. Kind of like an older sibling rocking the baby's cradle a bit too energetically. David had the topper of all fish stories. He was sitting on the sole of the cockpit (less bouncy place to sit) sometime after midnight. A fish comes flying into the cockpit thrashing and flopping like crazy. He tries to rescue the fish and throw it back into the water. While reaching for it though, he feels this round thing. Taking out his handy-dandy flashlight, he sees its a fish eyeball. Being only slightly grossed out, he still plans to get the fish back in the water. Then, he finds the other eyeball!!! Realizing this fish is a goner, he waits until it quits trying to fin him and is still before he throws it back into the water. You really have to hear his version with gestures and the whole nine yards.

We already miss the great people we had the good fortune to spend time with back at Treasure City. Joe and Les were great sources of information, jokes and the occasional ride. Thanks a million!