Chapter 19 - Day 20: Crossing Time Zones

5:55 am (eastern)
Thursday, September 23, 1999
Day 20

Well were in the Eastern Time zone now, and we had an interesting time getting here.
As I said yesterday, our plan was to go outside in the Gulf, and go to either Carrabelle, or keep going. Well, we did neither. We tried to go outside, and did so for about 8 miles. The going was rough, but the winds, and seas were at our stern. I was checking the charts, and knew we would have to change course once we got about 40 miles down the Gulf. To test what our ride would be like once we made this change in course, I turned the boat in that direction. Good idea, but bad results. What we found was that the seas were very unfriendly. We were being tossed pretty good, and had to return the eight miles back to Panama City. The boat did fine and we were in no danger, but it wasn't pleasant. Also in all the tossing we did, our cherry table that we have (had) in the salon fell over, and down 2 steps, hit the kitchen cabinets, and broke off the base. (the Illinois River was never like this.) Once we got back inside on the GIWW the winds were strong (north at 15 mph) but the water was much more protected, so it was fine. We traveled the 80 miles left of the Intracoastal to Apalachicola, FL., without an issue.

We arrived here at about 4 PM. We had called ahead for a slip, but the guy said he would have to put us on his fuel dock, and we were too early, because he didn't close until 5:30. There was a motel/restaurant that had slips next door, so we pulled in there, and spent the night.
Here is a picture taken from that restaurant.......

This is an interesting place. It is a slow little community, that is both on the Gulf, and on the Intracoastal. It is a very common stopping off spot for those heading both north, and south. Great seafood, because they get it directly from the boats that are docked here, like these..
Our plan was for spaghetti on the boat, but we ended up eating at a restaurant down the way a little bit, and it was great. Not much to look at, but good food. Fresh oysters caught that day, fresh shrimp (heads, and all), and grouper...man that was good eaten.

Today we try the Gulf again. Our plan is to get about 100 gallons of fuel
91 cents) at 7:30 when they open, then head out. There is another boat tied next to us that are heading out also. They have come from Michigan, and are heading for Stuart, FL, (on the Atlantic side). They winds are predicted to be much less today, so our hope is that it will be better. If not we'll come back in, and try it again tomorrow.

Not much time left now on this 1st leg. It has been very interesting, to say the least. It will be fun to sit in my favorite chair at home, and relive the memories. (It will also be interesting to see all the bills role in).

Thanks for the continuing e-mails. We enjoy the comments. Like........
* "Who cares about all that technical stuff---give us more on the fun you're having"
* "It sure would be nice if we could hear more about the engines, and things like that"
* "Talk more about the places you're seeing"

It's like I told Debbie, and others as they have told me what to, and not to write about. This is the Captain's log, and I write about what I'm thinking....if you want to write something....be my guest. So far only Deb has done so.

Hopefully I'll write tomorrow from Tampa.....

BK