Apalachicola-November 13, 2012

We have spent the day roaming around town, working on the boat and getting the latest weather forecasts for tomorrow and the next day.  We have reached information overload and quit looking.  All the different sources generally agree that the Gulf of Mexico will be relatively smooth with only about 3 foot waves most of the time for the next 48 hours with moderate winds of 10-15 knots out of the northeast.  Those are ideal conditions for us.  It is enough wind to keep us moving and waves that are very manageable.  We can only hope all the sources are accurate.  There will still be a lot of praying going on!  We'll trade off who stays awake, usually in 2-4 hour shifts.  I listen to books to help keep me awake and David has a technique of taking 10 minute catnaps.  I can't do that as I know I would sleep soundly for an hour and not wake up until something hit us.  Since we'll be going with clear skies and no moon, the stars should be amazing.  That is one of my favorite parts about crossing, the gorgeous night sky.  We plan to cross to Tarpon Springs and spend a few days resting up, reprovisioning and visiting some familiar spots.  It is a wonderful old city with lots of new life.  It was made rich by Greek sponge divers and the industry is still active.  A great place to eat Greek food.

But back to Apalachicola.  We had a superb breakfast at a riverfront restaurant then came back and David worked engine issues while I took care of housekeeping chores in preparation for the crossing.  We walked down to a service station that let David use their bench grinder to reshape a bracket to keep it from hitting the engine mount rail.  We then went to the local maritime museum.  We have been following the progress of this place since it first started.  Last time we were here they were still preparing the buildings and working on restoring an old wooden boat.  We were pleased to see that the building is not only finished but now houses outstanding displays of this area's history through pictures, narrative and artifacts.  Also, the boat is now finished and we learned that the staff is in the process of restoring an old paddle wheeler at another location out of town.  Down the street is the project boat after that.  We wish them well and the entry fee/donation was well worth it.  We'll make an early night of it so we can reconfigure the boat's interior for a crossing.  Basically that means we bring the dingy in to the v-berth area and set up a settee berth for sleeping.  Everything will be secured from flying around in case of a wave or gust taking us by surprise.  I wedge placements around the dishes to keep them from making noise.  Even when you are exhausted, some noises can be very irritating.  After several crossings we know them all!

One interesting event today was a pelican that kept attacking the boat for no apparent reason.  Then we found the reason-a fish in the cockpit.  We're not sure if the attacker dropped it or just saw it and wanted it.  When David flung it overboard, it was a sight to see the gulls go after it and steal it from each other.  Who needs tv comedies!