After cruising all day along the GICWW, (Gulf Intercoastal Water Way) past Clearwater and approaching Tarpon Springs the weather looked good so we decided to go for it and make a night passage, then try and cruise all day the next day and make it across the Big Bend in one shot. Unfortuneately, about 11 pm the Gulf started to pick up and we where really getting knocked around so Carter decided to head for shelter at Crystal River. We made it in and got anchored about 4 am.
Crystal River Power Plant the next morning.
We put the plant behind us and continued on into the Gulf of Mexico to try again to complete the Big Bend.
This is a good view of the 5 miles of channel day markers leaving Crystal River
Once out of the channel and into the Gulf we have to be careful not to run into any crabpots! They are like landmines all over the place that could be could be deadly to the rudder and prop!
It was a beautiful day so we decided to make up for the fuel we wasted running for cover and go solar electric. Conditions were great for more testing of the electric drive system. We ended up going 32 miles on electric before the sun went down and we changed back to diesel. And since the weather and water were cooperating Carter decided it was a good time to get some more work done. He already did some plumbing early in the trip by completing the shower sump pump project. First thing was to hook up more solar foreward solar panel array for more power to run the electric drive. This went well and added another 18 amps. Next was some carpentry to make the boat a bit safer while in the Gulf.
Eventually we plan to enclose the cockpit and this is only the beginning.
This makes the cockpit a lot friendlier as it puts a rail between you and the water. We were hoping to have the entire lifeline system in before we left but there just wasn't time however both of us feel a lot better with this handrail installed by the helm.
The Archimedes continues to be a project that goes on even while on the water!
Radar is truely becoming a Salty Dog!
He's learning the ropes and sleeping on them too.
Another sunset on the Gulf and looks like clear sailing ahead.
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