11/24/2019
Owen Hayes text me on Fri Nov 8, 2019 to see if I wanted to crew on a trip from Mobile Bay to Miami departing on Nov 15-23. Within 7 minutes I said yes. We were sailing out on a 41′ Catamaran. The owner and our captain, Perry Phillips was an ASA instructor from Wisconsin.
Offshore sailing from Mobile Bay to Miami
Nov 14th. Thursday. The weather was cold into the 20’s. We left in the morning and arrived Mobile Bay, Dog River Marina that night and spent the night on the boat on the hard. I meet dock hand who remembered my friend Zyg Dirski. We ate dinner at all you can eat buffet. Purchased some Captain Morgan Special reserve and went to bed. Sun Spirit was splashed the next day.
Nov 15th Friday.
We provisioned the boat and waited for new batteries which did arrive that afternoon.
My Nikon lens was clouded from a spilled water bottle. We put the lens in rice and I purchased a new Nikon lens 55-300.
I had been really wanting a new lens. 
Later Owen and I walked the docks looking at boats and wound up at the Mobile Bay Yacht Club who were glad to have us for drinks and dinner. Very civilized and nice.
I got the Ron White treatment and one member had a Ron White DVD. 
Nov 16th Saturday. We departed first light with a beautiful sunrise under cold and windy conditions but our spirits were high. Insulated underwear and Foul weather gear. 4-5 hours to exit Mobile Bay. See water change from brown to Blue. Dolphins.
I knew I would like Offshore sailing because every time I saw open water I wanted to go! Mobile Bay was brown and commercial so not very romantic. We motored with big ships and finally the water turned from brown to blue.
We were taking a direct route to Miami which was a 622 NM trip. The furthest and longest I had been offshore. 
I did not start with any seasickness medicine but later that day I would want it.
Midway choppy seas. 20 k winds. Boat bouncing. Cannot smile off nausea. Voice says take the pill or patch. Did not want to succumb. Nausea set in. Been in layers of clothes. Cold. Dirty. Tired. No dinner. No peace. Retire at 8.30 for early morning watch. 20 k winds. Beautiful moon rise like a liquid drop football.
Nov 17th. Sunday. Much better and warmer. Towel bath. Fresh clothes. Good breakfast. Winds 10k. Choppy seas. A little nausea but better. Think I will not do a long passage again. See whale spout. Owen makes a excellent roast using meat thermometer. Go to bed at 9.30 and get up at 3 for watch.
Nov 18th. Monday. Glorious!!! Perry is on watch. Ships to port. First ones we see. Now just me. Beautiful clouds. Dolphins before sunrise. Pure joy alone on open sea. Dig it. Off the coast of Tampa. Sailing alone.
Listening to Coast Guard in preparation to rescue sinking fishing vessel and giving plans to nearby boat on how to prepare rescue.
Nov 19th. Tuesday or 6pm to tip of Florida.
Surprising emotional to get the first signal in days
Anchored 2 miles offshore of everglades. Beautiful sunset. Cocktails. See strange sighting of twinkling stars moving in formation. Pam later tells me about Unicorn meteor shower.
Anchor 2 miles off Cape Sable where we can see lights to Key West and Marco Island.
Nov 20th. Wednesday
Arrive at sunset to anchor at Key Largo at Gilbert’s. A giant Tiki Hut. Have stone crab.
Nov 21st. Thursday
Arrive at Dinner Key Marina on get on mooring ball. Get a hot shower. Hamburgers for dinner.
