Success

Reeling in the first fish, which was a
large king mackerel, just not what we
wanted to keep.  Sorry, no picture of
the fish.  Typical story.

We pulled up anchor out of Tysons Harbor after a morning of pacing for Ray.  It was noon on Friday, right at our intended time, all for the best predicted weather conditions.  When we first entered the open water of the Gulf of Mexico, they were three foot roller waves at the most.  We were about the second boat of at least 14 that were out there for the overnight trip.  It was really a comfortable ride the whole time with waves diminishing most of the trip.

Reeling in one of the four little tunnys (after the fight belt
broke).  They are not worth keeping either.

The highlights were the dolphins playing with us and catching fish, sometimes both at the same time, before dark.  I still need to look up what planet it must have been that was off to our starboard side upon first darkness.  Amongst the constellation, it was the star on top of the Christmas tree for me with nothing else to look at but other stars and blackness.  Some clouds rolled in and took away my Christmas tree, but soon after the last phase of the moon rose to light our way.  We overheard one boater say "I'm glad Someone turned the lights on."  There was lots of chatter over the VHF radio during the whole trip of boaters checking on each other.  It was a comfort to know so many were out there, although we rarely saw any on radar or visually.



Sunset

The partly cloudy sky blocked a clear view of the moon, but it was still brightly shining enough to give comfort in the fact that you could see the horizon, unlike prior to its rising.


Sunrise

This trip was an exact 24 hour crossing for us as we pulled into Marker 1 Marina in Dunedin, Florida at noon on Saturday.  We were both so ready for a shower, but the boat got one first.  Once we showered after that, we bicycled over to a suggested eatery, Cricketers Brittish Pub for a delicious fish and chips.  After that we bicycled into town to check out the Celtic and Craft Brew Festival in town.  We snuck in the open gate and were glad that we did, not paying the $15 each for only two breweries there.  We know where both are located and can go to them for free.  We bicycled back to the boat to watch cable TV instead.  What a luxury.  Although the TV has yet to be turned on.  Some are now into 40 minutes of a 20 minute nap.
I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story since there thankfully was not much story to tell.