Steinhatchee to Tarpon Springs!

Yesterday we awoke to a nice, clear day! The weather looked good for the next run to Tarpon Springs. The weather forecast was for 10 to 15 MPH winds in the NE. Wave heights were predicted at 3’ to 4’. That would mean we would be taking the waves on our port stern quarter as we head south. As we are new to this “big water” running, we weren't sure how this would affect the boat. But - we figured the worst that would happen was if we didn’t like the conditions, we’d just turn around and head back to Steinhatchee.  So off we went, out to the “deep blue”! Well - not really deep - we ran in 20’ to 40’ all day.

Leaving with us was the boat “At Last” They are a father / son team from Canada doing the loop together. As we had 110 statute miles to go, we knew we’d have to be able to get up on plane, and run 25 to 30 MPH to make it during daylight.  Again, we were not sure how the boat would handle this, so we figured we better find out right away. As soon as we cleared the channel,  we put the pedal to the fiberglass. The first thing we discovered was that salt water does not run off the windshield, even thought I had RainX’d the glass. Thank goodness for the monster wiper we have on the drivers side.

However, Pat could not see a thing out her side. As she was the designated “crab pot” spotter, this was a problem. For those of you that do not know about crab pots, here is an explanation. The “crabbers” drop wire cages with cement bottoms in them in water from 20’ to 50’ deep. The cages have a rope attached with a small, colored float at the end. The float is not much bigger than a kitten ball.

The pots are dropped in lines, about 200’ apart.

Now imagine running at 30 MPH, with 4’ waves, trying to see the floats! Not real easy. The issue is if you get a line in your prop, or wrapped around the prop shaft, it can lock up the shaft, and that side is out of commission until you dive down and cut the line off. The other issue, is if the rope does not get cut, or does not break, that pot will come screaming up, and smack the bottom of the boat. More damage!

We quickly discovered that the pot lines were running at a 45 degree angle to our line of travel.

Pat could see the lines out the side windows, and let me know they were coming. Then I would spot a float, and turn the boat to run about 75’ from it. That way, we knew we’d miss the next float in line.

20BUCK$ was handling the water nicely, so we figured we’d keep going. A radio call to At Last confirmed they were continuing also. 

As we were busy watching for crab pots, and trying to stay on course while dodging them, we didn’t get many pictures. About all you would have seen would be salt water spray, and water, water, water! We did get a shot of this ocean tug when we slowed down near the entrance to Anclote Key, the barrier island by Tarpon. 

We  heard the Coast Guard handling a few distress calls from other boats. One was from a 60’ pleasure craft taking on water. The CG dispatched a chopper with a pump to drop to the boat. A while later we heard the CG asking the Captain if he would be willing to abandon ship if they sent a chopper to pick him up. We could only hear the CG side of the conversation, and do not know what the final outcome was. However, I think the dispatcher was getting a little frustrated with the guy, as he had been in communication for almost two hours until we lost the transmissions.

We arrived at Anclote Key early afternoon, and ran up the inlet to a marina to get fuel and pump out the head. There are sure not many pump outs in Florida. Most boaters just go out past the 3 mile line, and puke it over.  We do not have overboard discharge capabilities.

Then we headed to the City Marina, which is right at the Sponge Docks, and in the heart of the Old Tarpon Greek district. I’ll let Pat take it from here.

Capt'n Ken

Pat here - 

An added note from me about the crossing.  We did it and I really don’t ever want to do it again unless they outlaw crab pots - hate them!  Here we are coming into the Anclote River on our way up to the marina where we will get some much needed rest, especially the Captain.  When we are up and running hard, I can’t drive because I can’t see over the bow so Ken had to stand at the helm the entire day dodging crab pots.  

The further up the river we drove, the busier it became.  Lots of commercial fishing and sponge boats. 

After we had relaxed a little sitting and doing nothing, we headed down the street to a restaurant recommended to us - Dimitri’s.  It was Ken’s birthday and in addition to crossing the gulf without hitting any crab pots on his birthday, it was time for a nice dinner!

After dinner we wandered the streets in search of a birthday cake for Mr. Sweet Tooth.  We found the other place recommended to us - Hella’s restaurant and bakery!   Ken was in heaven!  He picked out his piece of cake and off we went back to the boat to celebrate.  Birthday candles were not on my provisioning list so I had to improvise. 

The town was decorated for Christmas and I now have an idea of what to do with our ring buoy!   Ken likes projects so this will be a good one.  We will have to look for some decorations to add to it.  Pretty neat!

All the dock pilings were wrapped with Christmas garland, quite festive.  Still weird to see decorations and have it be warm.

So we said goodnight to a very tiring but exciting day!  Happy Birthday to Ken, one he won’t forget!

Did I mention that while in Hella’s bakery last night, the Captain had to pick up his breakfast treat too? 

And another day begins!  Today we will enjoy the town of Tarpon Springs and thank God for getting across the gulf safe and sound!