Fort Walton Beach, FL – Panama City, FL - November 5, 2008

Shortly after we left the dock at 7:30 we passed under a bridge and into Choctawatchee Bay. That is a large body of water but we had a nice, easy crossing.

We saw many dolphins. They came very close to the boat and were surfing next to us and also just ahead of us at the bow. The dolphins would often turn on their sides and look up at Beth and the boat. Beth spent much time shooting many, many pictures, just hoping to get a couple to turn out.

After crossing the bay we entered into a 20 mile canal that has been dubbed Florida’s “Grand Canyon”. Parts of it reminded us of the Badlands in the Black Hills. In this area we saw eagles soaring and an eagle nest. We also saw an airboat, probably taking a group of people on a tour. Through the canal we had the current with us. We were consistently running 9.8 or 9.9 mph.

Out of the canal and into St. Andrews Bay where we saw more dolphins. There was a pod of about 10 of them swimming behind us for a little while. It was an awesome sight.

We arrived at Panama City Marina at 3:00.