Steinhatchee, FL to Clearwater, Fl

Total Miles Traveled 1173

After encountering fog going into Steinhatchee, we decided we would not leave the marina until it was clear. 

The marina is about 4 miles up the river from the Gulf, as we approached the open waters of the Gulf, the fog started to appear again.

Five miles from Steinhatchee

Ten Miles from Stienhatchee

About 10 miles from Cedar Key, the fog started to appear again, really?  By the time we reached the main channel to Cedar Key, we could only see about 200 feet ahead of us.  We had to use our chartplotter and radar to feel our way up the winding channel to an anchorage.  The weather forecast only indicated fog until 10 a.m..

We decided we were not going to leave Cedar Key unless we could see at least a mile from our anchorage.  Navigating in the fog is not fun…..or safe.  Finally about 10:30 it was obvious the fog was not going to be an issue.  The only problem was by leaving at 10:30 it would be cutting it close to make it to Tarpon Springs before dark.  All of the marinas that we called were booked through the weekend, so we decided to anchor when we reached the ICW at Tarpon Springs. 

The problem of crossing the “Big Bend” of Florida is there are no barrier islands and Intracoastal Waterway between Carrabelle and Tarpon Springs so once we make the commitment to hop to the next port; there are very few options to stop in between.   

We left Cedar Key with clear skies and less than 1 foot waves, it appeared to be a great cruising day to Tarpon Springs.  About 2 o’clock in the afternoon the waves increased between 2 to 3 feet and an hour later a wall of fog was fast approaching behind us.  We were already running faster than our normal speed because of the late start, but picked it up a little to stay ahead of the fog……..not going to happen.  Running with chartplotter, radar, autopilot and automatic fog horn.....and four eyes looking in all directions.

We cruised in the fog for an hour, and then it disappeared about as fast as it appeared and we had clear skies to Tarpon Springs and the seas calmed to a foot or so.

Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico about 6 miles from Tarpon Springs.

We didn't  make it to Tarpon Springs before dark but were able to get to our anchorage without any issues.  Although we had to deal with fog, taking three days to cross the Gulf was a far better experience than our 22 hour overnight crossing last year, we will retrace our course on the way back in next spring.

Our anchorage behind Three Rooker Bar

We slept in this morning then had breakfast on the flybridge overlooking the island, the Gulf, and a few visiting dolphins.  We weighed anchor at 11:30 and continued south on the ICW to Clearwater, Florida to visit the city and take the trolley to Tarpon Springs tomorrow. 

We learned this morning that the Dismal Swamp Canal between Virginia and North Carolina has been closed indefinitely due to the damage from Hurricane Matthew in October.  The damage requires dredging , debris and tree removal, and investigation into reports of shoaling.  We were very fortunate to have  had the opportunity to travel the Dismal Swamp during our loop last year, it was one of the highlights of our Great Loop Adventure.