5 January, 2020 Really making preparations to get underway

Chilly morning here in the big bend--"forgotten coast" as the blustery cold front cleared out yesterday and clear skies, colder temperatures and a small craft advisory replaced the warm humid airmass of the past couple of days.  The first week of the new year had us hard tied to the slip in Carrabelle, with anticipation of an approaching excellent weather window.  Three looper boats remain here and we discuss the weather daily, checking numerous forecasting media to see if upcoming opportunity is real or a mirage.  Early this morning while having our hot coffee, and studying the wind charts,  we are encouraged that yes, the weather window seems to be holding.  We will make preparations in earnest.   Everything is pretty much ready, just top off fresh water tank, pay the marina bill, put away loose gear.  We have our ditch bags ready, charts both electronic and paper studied and courses plotted and signaling devices back out on the helm station.  Will email out the float plan this afternoon.

bottle house

We will complete the weather review and download the next couple of days of wind/wave weather maps after lunch.  Our intent is to head out later this afternoon to the anchorage at Dog Island and spend the night.  Getting underway early pre-dawn 6 January for our crossing to Steinhatchee.

Update later this evening once we get on the anchor.