Crossing the Gulf of Mexico to Steinhatchee to Crystal Springs, FL

It was our big day for the Gulf crossing and we'd been watching the weather closely. It was pretty uneventful, which is exactly what you want when you're cutting across open water. We hung out, played games, watched shows, and tried getting up-to-date with Ryan Trahan's 50 States in 50 Days on YouTube. 

We pulled into Sea Hag Marina in Steinhatchee, docked, and went straight to bed to prep for another early morning on the ocean.

Once we got back to the Gulf, we got to see dolphins again, swimming in the distance at first, and then they came to the bow and jumped for us a few times. Every single time it happens we all rush to watch them for as long as they stick with us.

We made our way to Buzzard Island in Kings Bay, Crystal Springs, and anchored. The kids got to swim in the river and cool off, so they were thrilled. We planned to stop here because we'd been hoping to see manatees. This river, in particular, is one of the best spots in Florida to see them, but I think the water was too warm. Manatees tend to congregate there in cooler months when the springs feel warm compared to the Gulf. In the summer, they don't need to huddle up in one spot to stay warm. We kept our eyes open but no luck. That just means we have to come back another time!