Carrabelle, FL – Steinhatchee, FL - November 10, 2008

Because of the weather forecasted for the next few days, if we didn’t leave today, it would be several more days before we could.

With the wind today coming from the NE and changing to E later today and tonight, an overnight crossing directly to Clearwater wouldn’t be a wise thing to do. Darrell & Gene discussed options with a man at the marina who had much local knowledge.

It would be better for us to stay on the upper part of the gulf today and go east to Steinhatchee and spend the night. We would be able to make that crossing during the day and would anchor just off shore. Tomorrow, with the wind coming from the east, we would be able to hug the coastline while going south. That sounded like a good plan and, although it would take 1 or 2 extra days to get to Clearwater, we would be able to leave today.

We got underway at 6:45, just before sunrise. The first 3-4 hours were very uncomfortable. We were getting 3-5’ seas and taking spray on the flybridge.

We made preparations to steer from below, if necessary, but found we felt more secure on the flybridge. Also, we were less prone to get queasy. We just had to be extremely careful when going below. Life jackets were on at all times.

We were traveling slower than we would have liked to in order for Kay & Gene on Sojourn to travel at the speed best suited for them. After a bit we sped up and turned our bow into the quartering seas to make for a more comfortable ride. We ran off on a more northerly course for a while and eventually increased the distance between us and Sojourn. Around noon the wind subsided some and we turned directly toward Steinhatche as the ride became smoother. Many dolphin this afternoon. It was wonderful to watch them.

We anchored in Steinhatchee Harbor at 4:15. Sojourn anchored a short distance away. 78.6 miles. Long day.

Apalachicola, FL – Carrabelle, FL - November 9, 2008

We had a short run today, only 30 miles, so Darrell did some work in the engine room before leaving at 10:30. He’s still trying to get the autopilot to work consistently. He also transferred fuel from one tank to another.

It was a nice day for traveling. Quite calm, however the wind picked up shortly before we got to Carrabelle at 2:15. We only saw a few dolphins today, but did see some eagles.

Kay and Gene on Sojourn will arrive here later this afternoon. We will look at the latest weather forecast and determine what path to take. The forecast for a direct crossing is iffy and is not expected to improve for quite a while. During November, there are only an estimated 4-5 days that are considered good weather days for a direct crossing. It may be better to head towards Steinhatchee tomorrow while the winds are out of the North/Northeast - and then run close to the coastline as the winds are expected to come out of the east for several days beginning Tuesday.

Fuzzy Sliding Down the Hill

When Fuzzy was taking a walk with Nana and Papa and Aunt Keely, he saw some kids sliding down a grass hill on a piece of cardboard. He had never heard of that. He thought you needed snow to slide on.

Fuzzy asked the kids why they were sliding on grass and found out that in Tennessee they don’t get much snow. They still like to slide down hills and they found out they can do it on the grass.

Fuzzy thought that really looked like fun and wanted to try it. A little girl named Brooke said she would take Fuzzy for a ride. He had a lot of fun!! Have you ever gone down a grass hill on a piece of cardboard?

Panama City, FL – Apalachicola, FL - November 8, 2008

We left Panama City a little after 7 this morning and continued our trip in the ICW. Kay and Gene from Sojourn are also leaving today, but will travel in the gulf, outside of the ICW, due to the height of their mast. There are too many low wires and bridges for them to travel in the ICW. They also need a 6’ depth and some of the ICW is more shallow than that. We will meet up with them again tomorrow, at Carrabelle.

Part of our travel today was through Wetappo Creek, a beautiful, winding river. There were many fishermen out today, probably because it was the week-end. We had to slow down quite often to avoid waking them.

We docked at Apalachicola Municipal Marina at 2:30 this afternoon. We got off the boat and walked around town. It’s a nice, small touristy town with old Victorian homes, many converted to bed and breakfasts.

Panama City, FL – November 7, 2008

We, along with Kay and Gene ate pizza last night on our flybridge. It was nice to visit with friends and hear about their adventures. There was also a view of a beautiful sunset.

This morning they had us over to their boat for breakfast, which included Bloody Mary’s. Larry Rathbun, piloting a Nordic Tug, joined us. He has been traveling with Kay and Gene since the Mississippi River. They met when they were stuck together at a marina during the flood waters and they have pretty much been staying together since then.

The rest of the day was spent doing small chores and relaxing. Darrell washed the boat while Beth walked to the grocery store to pick up a few items. F18 jets were flying over us all day long. We are close to the Navy base in Pensacola and there must have been training going on.

Panama City, FL – November 6, 2008

Today was spent doing chores and maintenance on the boat. Darrell changed oil in the starboard engine, replaced zincs in the engines and oil coolers, changed the primary fuel filters and worked on fixing an autopilot problem. The autopilot will work for a while, then suddenly stop. After talking to the company that made it, Darrell checked a number of items and burnished the contacts on a power relay. We are hoping that fixes the problem.

While Darrell did all that, Beth walked to a marine supply store to buy some parts for the boat. Then she walked around downtown Panama City. There were a couple of nice shops.

Kay and Gene Jurrens pulled into the marina around 3 this afternoon. We had talked to them yesterday and knew they would be here. They are docked right next to us. We are planning to have dinner together, we think we’ll order pizza.

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.