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Skinwalker Log October 24, 2004, Sunday 1730 hrs
Big Sabine Point east of Pensacola Beach
We like this place. We are tucked in behind the beach and a copse of salt dead hurricane ravaged trees in the curve of a point. Protected except from the north. We are gunkholing our way to Panama City and a couple of overnights there with friends. This is a nice part of the Florida coast with lots of anchorages and places to stop and do nothing.
My head is getting ready for our crossing in a few days or so from Dog Island to Tampa or St. Petersburg. What do I need to do to get the boat ready? How about the crew? Will I have the patience to wait for a weather window? How will I know a weather window when it has arrived? How do I dim the radarI forgotagain!
What should I do to turn down the glare on the laptop and the captain program? Probably red plastic or cellophane.
Do I have alternatives if I need to run for it up one of several rivers?
Maybe I better change that exhaust elbow that is starting to form a leak. Need a checklist to ensure everything is properly tied down. How about that belt that is ever so slightly out of alignment, will it hold?
I suppose we can worry ourselves to death. This will be our first solo crossing as a couple. Lynn is nervous about it and I apprehensive not having done it before. I suspect the worst thing that can happen is an uncomfortable bumpy ride for 24-30 hours. I think the part that bothers most people is the aloneness and isolation. Perhaps we will fall in with a buddy boat. There are usually quiet a few boats making the crossing this time of year as part of the great circle experience. A buddy boat would do nicely to share the experience.
We will be looking for a weather window, I think of 5-10 kts of wind and 1-2 seas, but we shall see what we really get.
Thanks for listening. It helps to talk with someone else about these things.
skinwalker
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