At Clearwater we ventured out into the Gulf. I wasn't sure we would make it out because the waves were coming right at us and they were big! We turned south and enjoyed the waves, wind and speed. Here is a picture out our stern.
Since this is also a fishing trip, Tom made a fishing cleaning station which he attached to the stern railing.
Nobody was out on the water today. We did not see a single boat until almost 1 pm when Debbie sporatically saw four stacks above the waves. She called Tom out to look. It was decided it was the top of a freighter and it did not seem to be moving. As we approached the Tampa Shipping Channel a boat did emerge above the waves through our front window.
The drops on the glass are from waves but it is defiinitely a freighter.
As we drew closer, Debbie took a picture through the side window. Sorry, I bet you did not want to see our screened window!
The freighter was at anchor just outside the shippng channel. Because it was so big we could see it for miles as we rode up and down over the waves.
It is a lot of work putting sails up and down and adjusting lines in 15-24 mph winds. Whenever possible, we did it from inside. If we had to go outside, a life preserver was standard attire. The autopilot worked well until the waves go to four or five feet in height. At that point we stopped monitoring and took the wheel. Tonight we are saying "good job" with a shoulder/back massage for the other person. It is amazing how many muscles get used just staying upright much less steering on a very toss-ee-turv-ee boat!
At the northside of Santa Maria Island a black hulled sailboat appeared near shore. Tom was at the helm and he decided the other boat was racing us. As they moved farther off shore and we worked our way toward Longboat Key Bridge (Passage to ICW), we upheld the honor of the catamarans by passing in front of them. Poor Monohull!
About 50 miles and 7 hours later we called the bridgemaster at Longboat Key. He said he has been watching us as we headed into the wind and dropped sail. Tom had to start both motors to keep Catrina into the wind so Debbie could quickly go up on deck and lower the main. As promised, the bridgemaster raised the bridge just in time for us to pass through. It is not easy to stay in the narrow channel and zigzag waiting for a bridge to be raised. We gave him a big wave of "thank you"!
In route Debbie had called cousin Wally for Pete and Nancy's phone number. Wally and Helene were in a museum in New Orleans but came up with the number without being kicked out off the tour! Pete and Nancy couldn't join us for dinner but did give us a suggestion of a good spot to drop anchor and that is where we are tonight. Out our windows are sparkling house lights along the ICW and the water is gently rocking Catrina as the wind continues to whistle around us. We turned on our water heater and Oh Boy! did that shower feel good on our sore muscles!
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