From: "Capt Jon & Ruby" <papillon31@earthlink.net>

Subject: Update with Papillon

Date: Sun, 4 May 2003 10:03:02 -0500

N 27 ƒ 58.34

W 082 ƒ 49.48

We have arrived in Clearwater. Actually got in about 1230 yesterday, Saturday, after our all night run from Apalachicola. The winds were not as predicted, what do you expect from NOAA, it is a government service. Instead of west winds at 10 we had south winds at 10-15 which put them just off our nose. So we motor sailed to keep up our speed and get into here before dark. It was a good trip but not pleasant as it was a little bumpy. Being able to put up the main to quiet the motion made a big difference.

I need to mention as the captain of the vessel that we ran aground coming out of Appalatch and had to call for Tow Boat US to pull us off. Ralph was at the helm and insisted that we were in 10 feet of water. Anyway just another part of the adventure. The most intelligent thing I did was to call Boat US and change my towing insurance from $50 coverage per tow to unlimited coverage per tow. That is why I am the captain.

Ralph has departed or maybe abandoned ship and went to visit his brother in Orlando before heading back to Biloxi. I really appreciate his help in getting the boat across the Gulf in one piece and providing some company. Annie and I are taking a couple of days here at the Clearwater municipal marina to relax, get the boat back in shape to continue the journey south. When we pulled in we tied up to Laura a 30 foot sail boat out of Pascagoula. Small world!

Monday or Tuesday we will head south probably to Bradenton or Sarasota eventually landing in Fort Myers where after spending a few days Annie will head back to Mobile. From there I head across the Lake over to the east coast. I will call the Corps of Engineers to make sure there is sufficient water to cross Okeechobee if not I will head south to Marathon Key and go up the east coast from there.

I will check my email again before leaving here so I can get your emails.

Hagd

Capt Jon, Annie and Ruby