12/9/15 Crossing the gulf

We left the dock at Apalach for a 3 hr ride to Dog Island. We will anchor there until 5:30, then leave to make our crossing to Marker 1 Marina in Dunedin, Fl.   I'm not sure what to expect exactly, but it's gonna be dark and we stay up all night. There are five other boats anchored at Dog Island, waiting just like us. Four of them left at 2:30 (they travel a little slower than us). Another boat (Sunny Days) joined us two that are left (Sum Escape and us). Sunny Days is ahead, traveling a little faster. They are gold loopers though (already having completed this journey). Sum Escape is in front of us (thank the lord). It was dark dark that night and I don't think I could have made it without that stern light to watch. There were lots of stars, the sky was beautiful, but no moon. Did I say it was dark??? Didn't really know I was afraid of the dark, but being out in the ocean, no land close, 170 miles from our destination, I can now say that I am!!! I'm also a wimp; I took two 1 hr naps while my husband made the trip without one. He is a trooper; I am not. Simply put. After about 12 hrs of dark, it was great to see daylight! Now comes the job of watching for crabpots. I do not do well without sleep. My eyes keep closing. Anyhow; after 19 hrs we finally make it to the marina. Thank you God for watching over us.