Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28 – Carrabelle, C-Quarters Marina

C quarters marina is our resting place for a while, until the weather window opens.  That is the time in which the weather and the water are safe and calm enough for a crossing of the gulf to Tarpon Springs which is 180 miles.  Many boats are waiting to cross and more boats are arriving at the marina.  Besides the crossing, our mind is on Thanksgiving.  We want to have dinner and the preparations have begun.  Tom cooked a turkey breast in our little oven on Wednesday.   He also did a wonderful job making gravy and mashed potatoes.   James, from the marina, smoked a turkey, deep fried a turkey and made a ham.  He brought all that prepared food over to the marina on Thursday around noon.  Tom was in charge of the carving and everyone brought something.  We had all the traditional fixing, sweet potatoes, green beans, salad, mashed potatoes, stuffing and even pumpkin pie for dessert.  Tom said a prayer of Thanksgiving and for safe passage on the waters.  There were 16 boaters and 6 locals all enjoying the meal. By midafternoon many were sitting in the rocking chairs or porch swing on the deck just enjoying the day and the sunshine and the new friends.

 Friday was a day of preparation as we are planning on leaving tomorrow.  Tom checked the engines, got fuel and got a pump-out. The captains and their crew had a meeting on the porch to discuss travel routes and timing for the crossing.  You do not want to arrive too early in the morning at Tarpon Springs because of the blinding sunrise and the many crab traps to dodge for a safe arrival.  After everyone shared their ideas and concerns, decisions were made and the only thing left to do was to get a good night sleep.