Day 69-78 – 12/11/23-12/20/2023

Starting location: Steinhatchee Marina at Deadman Bay, FL to anchor at Cedar Key, FL overnight 12/19 to motor further South 12/20

Weather: low 50’s to low 40s am, high 50s to mid 60s pm in Steinhatchee. Big storm with strong winds and heavy rain with coastal flooding (we were fine) over 12/16 & 17. High 40s am leaving Cedar Key.

Ending location: Moored at Pete’s Pier in Crystal River, FL

Statute miles: 54 from Steinhatchee to Cedar Key then 31 from Cedar Key to Crystal River

General summary: This was an unexpectedly long stay (11days total) in a marina and town lacking in some services that required altering life a bit. As we awaited a reasonable weather window, we made multiple trips to Maddie’s Market for food. For a small town and market they have a pretty good selection of items and we got by well. Also went to the local donut shop, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. Had local seafood and BBQ and otherwise cooked on the boat. As the marina didn’t have laundry facilities and there was no laundromat within 30 miles, I hand washed a few items and we re-wore stuff as long as we could. Then, another very friendly and hugely generous couple who also own a C-Dory and have done the loop before reached out to us and offered to drive us to a laundromat and then go out for lunch. They really went out of their way to help and we were so appreciative! They were a wealth of local knowledge and helpful C-Dory tips as well.

The biggest challenge in Steinhatchee was the lack of pump-out for the duration. The small-ish size of our waste tank led to a different set of “go, no go” criteria. 🤣 But we’re impressed at how quickly they were able to rebuild the marina and with access to power, water, and gas. The tiki bar had some nice snack options. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and attentive. (And I’m getting used to hearing “yes, ma’am”). Plus, they only charged us $0.75 per foot so it was cheaper than some campgrounds we’ve been to.

We also had time to walk about the waterfront and local streets to see how they continue to recover from Hurricane Idalia.

On one of our walks to the market and back, we were witness to a real live police chase of an Cadillac Escalade, pulling a boat trailer, racing through the rural streets of town. We saw the truck cross a bridge with two police cars behind, lights and sirens on, and assumed he’d pull over once across. Then, he sped up and passed us, did a rapid 180 (with trailer still attached), passed us again the other way, then passed us a third time after making a circle about town. The whole town watched the spectacle and many additional police vehicles added on to the chase. We heard they eventually caught him and he’s in jail (prior warrants didn’t help). On return to the marina I made a quip to some of the young dockhands “the Duke boys are at it again!”, which I though was hilarious, but was met with blank stares. (Dukes of Hazzard reference, btw). I’m getting old…

Decided to honor my stay with a sweatshirt purchase.

The AGLCA did not recommend leaving yet, but we noted some unexpected improvement in the weather forecast and decided to try moving on.

The trip from Steinhatchee to anchor in Cedar Key was relatively pleasant. Waves 1-2 feet from behind the boat most of the way. Anchored to the West of a fishing pier with easy dinghy ride to town. Walked about a small park. Surprisingly got an email from the Highsmiths, the couple we had met in Pensacola. They were staying in a condo facing us and realized it was us anchored in front of them. What a small world! Didn’t have time to hang out with them this time, as we were leaving in the morning, but very nice that they reached out.

Wind was predicted to lessen overnight, but unfortunately strengthened instead and was directly to our exposed East. Rocked and rolled all night with little sleep and noted in the morning the anchor had dragged and we were in a different location (still with good depth and away from obstacles). Lesson learned – play out more rode and set an anchor alarm when in an exposed anchorage. Another very choppy and uncomfortable ride to Crystal River. We were forewarned about the long shallow entrance and rocky areas to avoid and did make it to the marina just fine.

Boater information: When moving through the Big Bend, plan for a potential long stay due to weather. Be aware the forecasts can be off. Expect the best, plan for the worst.