We pulled out of The Wharf and planned to anchor at Red Fish Point and dinghy over to visit the National Seashore. I'm something of a shell nut and longed to have the sand between my toes
as I searched for new treasures to add to our collection.
However, as the day wore on the winds rose and anchoring out was no longer a possibility. In fact, we decided to go ahead and cross Pensacola Bay while we had an easterly wind. The following day the winds were expected to be northerly meaning we would take waves on the beam - not fun!
Sabine Marina in Pensacola said they could take us in, and the marina is within walking distance to the beach - so perhaps a walk on the beach wasn't totally out of the question.
Sights along the way:
Scrub pines,
tows,
residential homes and condos,
sand dunes,
sunken boats,
white caps,
decks, and
waterfowl gone amok.
The scenery was beautiful as we came into Florida
even though it was very overcast.
We passed the Naval Air Station home of the Blue Angels,
the Pensacola Lighthouse, and Fort Pickens.
As we passed Fort Pickens, military exercises were underway.
We saw several parachutists land in the water and
then boats would rush up to rescue them.
Then as we approached Pensacola our fearless leaders showed up
once again to give us a personal escort.
Once SeaGlide was tucked into Sabine Marina, we took
off for our walk on the beach.
We were thrilled as miles and miles of nearly
deserted beach awaited.
The next day we stayed in port due to the wind.
We took a long walk on the beach collecting shells
and toured the area pubs.
As the winds were expected to keep blowing the following day, we decided to tour the Naval Air Museum with Inch N Along. We took the local bus to this exceptional museum. Nowhere can I remember touring a museum and being able to actually touch the planes and even sit in a few. As luck would have it, the Blue Angels were actually onsite for the unvailing of a new 4D production. Here are a few sights from the day.
Beautiful ending to a great day. After walking all day,
it was nice to kick back and watch the sunset off the bow of the boat.
During the night Jeff and I were awakened by voices nearby and then a loud bang. I got up to investigate by looking out the galley window where I saw two guys trying to break into the boat next door. One of them was kicking full force at the middle of the sliding glass door. I told Jeff what was happening, and he flew out the back door yelling at the guys - "What the *bleep* are you doing here?"
They told Jeff that it was their boat and that they were locked out - he didn't believe them for a second. Then they said that it was their dad's boat, and they were going back to the car to get the keys. Jeff yelled at them to be sure to bring the cops back with them to which I yelled that I was already on the phone with them. They took off running and the police showed up a few minutes later.
They weren't caught that night, but they broke into several boats, one of which had a security camera and caught them on film. Their car was apprehended with stolen merchandise inside and the police were looking for the two of them. A detective contacted Jeff several days later, and they were trying to build a case against the two.
The next morning the winds were expected to die down, and we were glad to get underway. We headed to the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Resort. The waters looked fine pulling out of the marina, but chopped up a bit in the big water.
The winds calmed down after a while, and we
were all impressed as we pulled into Sandestin.
Barefoot'n was already at Baytowne when when we pulled in; so, we all had dinner together on property. Loud music was blaring from a boat all night, and the next morning Jeff walked over to check it out. He didn't see anyone aboard, and we were worried that someone may have passed out. I called the dockmaster, Captain Ron, who found a half drunken cup of coffee and the stereo turned up as loud as it would go, but no one aboard. Captain Ron was none too pleased as he called the owner stating that it was a wonder how anyone on the dock got any sleep that night.
Lois aboard Inch N Along flew to Los Angeles to see her mom who was in failing health. We pulled out with Mike headed to Panama City so he could leave the boat there while he made arrangements to join Lois.
In route we went through the ditch, which was desolate. There were no birds, insects, or fish - it was rather eerie. We also went through an area where the canal had collapsed and was actually closed for a while.
Coming out of the ditch a familiar escort reappeared as we neared Panama City.
The next morning we left Inch N Along safely tied up for the next few weeks as Mike went to join Lois in Los Angeles. As a cold weather front was approaching, we didn't have time to make it to the beach. In fact, a gale warning was already in effect for Pensacola. As "no travel" days were fast approaching, we sped up our program to try to get to Carrabelle before bad weather set in. At least once in Carrabelle, we could begin staging for the gulf crossing.
Inch N Along tucked in
Ship building facilities
As we entered Lake Wimico there were
hundreds of black ducks with white bills.
Shrimp boats parked behind us at Apalachicola.
Our friend, Jan Hensley, happened to be at St. George's Island
and drove over to meet us for dinner at Papa Joes.
The next morning, we were off again determined to make it into Carrabelle. One bonus to waking up early is being able to watch the shrimpers work. They are such graceful boats.
Pulling out of Apalachicola
Two beautiful eagles on a day mark.
Harvesting oysters in Apalachicola Bay
We made great time and got to Carrabelle on Nov 12. Once there we had to wait
one and a half hours for fuel and a pumpout before we could dock.
The chart room at The Moorings in Carrabelle. Everyday
we would meet everyone at 1700 for docktails and
a strategy session.
Dad got to Carrabelle on Nov 14, and we drove around sightseeing
while we waited on the weather window to cross the gulf.
Miss GG, Always Five O'Clock, and Barefootn'
Finally, we got our window and pulled out on Nov 17 at 1300.
The floatilla for the crossing included: SeaGlide, Barefoot'n, Summer Recess, Southern Belle, Mooring Dove, Sun Drum, Terrapin, and What's Next.
With the waves at 4-6 feet, Southern Belle turned around
and went back to the marina - the rest of us continued on.
Throughout the night we would check in with each other on the radio at the top of every hour to make sure everyone was okay. Jeff and I took shifts at the helm and as the night wore on the waves smoothed out. At daybreak we were treated to a full moon off our stern and beautiful sunrise off our bow. We pulled into Marker 1in Dunedin, FL at 1030 on Nov 18.
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