Author: surfturfretirement

  • Saturday, Nov. 18, 23

    Saturday, Nov. 18, 23

    The weather looks so much better Sunday and Monday than it does on Saturday, so, we are thinking of just staying in this anchorage for two days. We have good protection from north and northeast winds. Although it is a little rolly it will do. This is our overnight recording of our anchor holding very…

  • Travel Day #32 stats

    Travel Day #32 stats

    Scott here. We finally left Clearwater. I understand how people visit there and never leave. It is a beautiful area! But, Bahamas, Bahamas, Bahamas!! The weather was perfect for leaving and I am very happy for that. We had about 2′ clearance from the bow of the boat to the pier in front of us.…

  • Travel day Nov. 17, 23 (Clearwater Beach to Palmetto) Day # 32

    Scott and his crew are planning a boat trip from Clearwater Beach to Palmetto on November 17, 2023, starting at 8:30 am. The journey, expected to last approximately 6.26 hours, will cover about 48.9 miles. They plan to stop for fueling at the Municipal Marina before heading to Palmetto. Their main route crosses Tampa Bay,…

  • NON-TRAVEL DAY Nov. 15

    NON-TRAVEL DAY Nov. 15

    Scott here with an update. Pretty early for my stat’s update! No stats today though. Neither of us were very comfortable with the wind for the next two days. The marina manager gave us a little break in price to stay for a couple of more nights. So, we will not fight with mother nature.…

  • Travel Day Nov 15, 23 (Clearwater Beach to Palmetto) Travel ( Day #32

    Travel Day Nov 15, 23 (Clearwater Beach to Palmetto) Travel ( Day #32

    Scott plans to relocate from Clearwater Beach to Palmetto on November 15, 2023, due to high marina costs. The journey, taking roughly 6.26 hours and covering 48.9 miles, is meticulously planned with anchorages and alternative routes. Long-term plans suggest reaching Fort Meyers in 3-4 days, then Stuart, Florida in preparation for a Gulfstream Crossing to…

  • Meeting with family

    One great thing about our travels is meetimg with family we don’t get to see often. Thanks Cindy for great time yesterday!

  • THAT WAS . . . NOT TERRIFYING!!

    THAT WAS . . . NOT TERRIFYING!!

    Rita and Scott embarked on a night-time boat journey, traversing from Appilachicola to Clearwater, Florida while on “The Loop”. Along the journey, they saw dolphins, stingrays, jellyfish, and enjoyed a captivating star-filled sky. They encountered waves and experienced anxiety, but their faith kept them reassured. A highlight of their journey was witnessing bioluminescent sea life.…

  • Travel Day #31 stats

    Travel Day #31 stats

    Scott here. We did it! We had apprehension, especially at the beginning when we came into the forecast 1′ chop. It seemed more like 2-3′ chop to us, but we checked the NOAA weather buoys and they said 1′. Still don’t believe it. But, we trusted our skills, the forecast from our weather expert team…

  • Gulf crossing quick update

    We have made it safe and sound, to our second marina now in Clearwater. Story I will get into later! Just wanted ya all to know we made it! The photo is Rita around 6:00 am calling out crab pots to me.

  • Travel Day Nov. 10, 23 (Apalachicola to Clearwater) Travel Day # 31

    Scott here. Today we will be leaving Apalachicola and heading to Clearwater and do our Gulf Crossing. This is sort of a big deal. We may only be 45 miles or so off shore for most of the trip, but there probably won’t be any boats in sight and it is still 45 miles off…