While not quite to our winter dock, we are close enough to visit Meghan and enjoy the Florida sunshine. We are with family, after 4 months of lakes, rivers, waterways, and a Gulf crossing. We were welcomed by Meghan, Jake, Jake's Dad, and of course Caramel, along with Adina and a few of our very close looping friends.

This was a joyous end to a pretty rough Gulf crossing. As expected the NOAA reports understated the weather, it must be just our luck, and the Gulf was rougher than planned, but all well within the capabilities of the good old EdE J. You gotta love an old heavy boat, and Perky, our trusty Perkins Diesel.

Leaving Carrabelle, we hooked up with a group of trawlers, and had company most all the way across. Champagne Problems, Jake and Meghan's boat with Jake, Meghan, Jake's dad, and Caramel aboard, escorted the EdE J into Clearwater from about 5 miles out. When we arrived, the crew of Next Dance and Morning Star joined us for some celebrations and they met Meghan and Jake for the first time, they have heard so much about them, it was great to introduce them.

Jake immediately took over as the host with the most, preparing sandwiches, serving drinks, and ordering some much awaited Hungry Howies pizza. They both fit right in, with Meghan joining the conversations, and then advising her dad on the benefits of "Magic Eraser" in cleaning up a boat. It is great to be here. We sure have missed them!

We cannot wait to get Tierra Verde, and be a short walk to their house, but that will come after the cold front passes.

Miss everybody, we will see many of you soon.

Ed and EJ