"Reverse" Gulf Crossing

[Mr. River Rat]

I've read a good bit about the Great Loop and the Gulf Crossing. We plan to start cruising full time in the fall of this year. While I'd like to do the Loop someday, I may want to go from Florida to Carabelle and the GICWW before I do the loop, which means doing the Gulf crossing in reverse. This will most likely happen in the spring of 2019 or 2020.

Any particular considerations in crossing in this direction and time of year? I'm inclined to go from Steinhatchie, but that's mainly because I'd like to visit there sometime.

 

[dimer2]

We have done both the Tarpon Springs - Steinhatchee - Dog island and Crystal River overnight to Dog Island routes. We enjoyed Steinhatchee and although we stayed at the Marina, you can anchor above the bridge. It's pretty shallow but watched the tides and had no problems with 3.5 ft draft.

April/May is windy but we waited a few days for a break and all was good. FRom Dog island you are in protected waters until Mobile/Biloxi Bays.