Cedar Key Florida

We were up early at the Sea Hag Marina in Steinhatchee. We'd already let go of the idea of making a long overnight trip across the Gulf. Instead, we added Cedar Key as our next stop. If all goes well, we'll arrive in Tarpon Springs on Saturday. Our excitement is building. We are almost there! The air is cool, even a bit chilly but we are thankful that the no seeums of last night are gone. There is a sliver of a moon still high in the sky above us. We slept really hard last night. I'm not sure if it was the long hard day or the Benedryl we took for the no seeum attack, but I don't remember a thing after my head hit the pillow. The long days in the combination of sun, wind, the boat movement, not to mention having to watch for crab pots all day, is wearing us down.

We left the dock at 8:00; Mystic, along with one fishing boat after another. It took us an hour to pass marker number 1 then get offshore a mile before we set our bearing at 188 degrees toward Cedar Key. The weather conditions are the same as yesterday, strong head wind, and confused seas with 3-4 foot waves. We will stay relatively close to shore for this run south. Only 10 miles offshore; still, not in sight of land. This keeps us in cell phone and vhf range.

Mystic heading out of Steinhatchee with the fishing boats

As we made our way out to the Gulf, the seas grew to the point that we almost turned back. We'd already gone 12 miles and would have had to endure a downwind surf and roll if we turned back. We assessed our situation, checked the weather which called for lighter winds later in the day, and decided to keep on going. Apparently, this was the worst we were going to get. We dodged crab pots all morning then seemed to manage a track outside of them. The dolphins continue to find us and play in our wake. Around 3:30 the engine sputtered and died. Yup! Just like that, right in the middle of the Gulf! Dave gave it a minute then restarted with no trouble. We raised the jib and lowered the rpm's then took a look down below. It appears that the constant and severe jostling caused the stall. Later we would find water in our fuel filter.

Motor-Sailing in the Gulf

Beth Crossing the Gulf

To get into Cedar Key, we had to make our way around a series of reefs or keys. It is tempting to cut across to shorten our trip but we stick to the chart and aim our bearings well outside the shallows. Mystic has a deep keel. We draw 5'6" which makes it difficult for us to get into some anchorages and marinas. Sometimes, it adds miles and time to our travel.

We anchored just off of the town of Cedar Key in Waccasassa Bay. There is a public beach and a launch ramp, both crowded with people enjoying the cool evening air. The bay is just full of dolphins. A couple are paddling a small row boat through the middle of the pod as the sun sets behind them. It is beautiful!

Waccasassa Bay Beach & Park ~ Cedar Key

Paddling through the Pod

Cedar Key Pier

Sunset over Cedar Key

We'd love to kayak with the dolphins but it's too late, we are tired and we haven't had much to eat today. I took some photos then made dinner. We have plenty of food but our options are dwindling and there is very little in the way of fresh food remaining on board. I make scrambled eggs, cheese brats, tomatoes, quinoa, and brown rice which we roll up in tortilla shells. To us, it tastes like a gourmet meal! After washing dishes we settle in for the night, excited that we are here and that tomorrow we will be in Tarpon Springs! Our journey today was 75 miles. We were cruising for 11 1/2 hours. As we plug our phones in to charge overnight we discover that we have cell service in our little bay. How lucky are we!