Day #34: To cover the 76nm to Naples and arrive during daylight hours we had to weigh anchor at 0420 this morning. Since Bicki's at the helm I'm relegated to foredeck duty. Usually I'm fine with this. Today, not so much. The noseeums had massed, sensing, perhaps, breakfast. Not only do the beasties have big teeth but good memories too; last time we anchored here I was breakfast. While I'd forgotten the chainmail I settled for a long sleeved shirt, jeans, socks, gloves, and a noseeum bridal veil held in place with a ball cap. Hey, don't laugh, this outfit is all the rage among us hehene matadors--¡ole!
There's something magical about being at sea beneath a full canopy of stars. It was hard not to look up even though crab pot watch demanded our full attention. The seas were as calm as only the Gulf of Mexico can be. Just to make things a little more exciting, Mother Nature brewed up a squall, pictured above, and had it race us to the dock. We won.
It took 203 engine hours to cover the 1320nm from Church Creek to Naples, FL. By all accounts a great trip. DBH
