I see we now have a named storm scheduled to hit the northern Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm with the center of the cone of uncertainty around Mobile. Just looking at the projected track, it appears that Karen will accelerate after it makes landfall, which hopefully will lessen the rainfall and consequent flooding on the rivers. Potentially being on the bad side of this thing, we to the eastward of landfall would normally need to beware of possibly rising water. However, looking at www.windfinder.com, I note the winds here would never have a southerly component, meaning no serious tidal rises, but that could change if landfall were to be eastward or the storm enlarged. If I were cruising through Mobile, I would start today for Carrabelle and get in there before the easterly winds picked up St George Sound and threw it in my face. If making 8 knots, I could get to Carrabelle from Mobile by Saturday evening with some long days. Rich Gano Calypso (GB42 Hull # 295) Panama City area, FL