Log 70; Day 184; Nov. 21; Clearwater, FL

This is what it looked like as were leaving Carrabelle Harbor at 6:30 am

This shot was about 7 am...sunrise was at 7:05 this morning

This is a shot looking back at Carrabelle in the distance...note the two boats following us

Here is a shot looking the other direction...I was looking forward to seeing the sun come up

You could have taken this picture anytime you wanted...for 6 hours this is what I did

We have now lost all the clouds and the water is getting calmer

One of our early shots of Clearwater

Getting closer...look how calm the water is

A shot of Clearwater Municipal Marina...our slip is just beside that little boat on the left of the picture

Log 70
Day 184
Friday, November 21, 2008

5:30 AM EST
Location: Clearwater, FL...Mile Marker 120 on the ICW
Weather: 64* with light winds...forecasted to be 68; sunny; and NE winds 10 to 20

We made it! We are safely tied in our slip in Clearwater, FL, and if I had not seen the market take another dive yesterday...it would have been a perfect day (I just had to put the market piece in there because it certainly does affect my attitude). I was hoping to sleep in this morning, because we are going to be here a few days, and I don’t have too many things on my to do list, but I woke up before 5 (I think it was the market thing again). It’s still very dark out, and as soon as it gets to be about 6 I think I will take a dock walk...but until then, a few words of update.

It was a great crossing. We ran with two other boats who have made the crossing many times, and they said it was their best one. Was all that worrying and planning was unnecessary? After sending the quick log yesterday, Deb and I got everything on the boat ready for the crossing. The 4 boats that were going said we would talk at 6 am on the radio...so at 5:59 (according to Debbie) I called each of them to see if they were ready. The response was...10 to 15 minutes. At 6:20 we untied our lines and headed out. You can see from the first picture it was still very dark, but we knew it would start to get light in a few minutes. We followed Cloud 9 out of the harbor, with Starbound and Lindonia right behind us. It takes about 30 minutes to get out of the harbor, and clear the east pass...just to the west of Dog Island. By the time we got there (which is out in the open Gulf) it was starting to get light, and we could see there were a few clouds in the sky...first we’d seen in a few days. The gulf itself was not bad, and a couple of calls to the other boats and we all agreed to plot a course directly to the mouth of Clearwater...165 miles away. The first part of the trip was a little bouncy...but not bad at all. We set the speed at about 24 MPH and it gave us a nice ride, with no spray coming on the windows. About 1/3 of the way in the trip the waves started to pick up a bit, and we were concerned the crossing window was closing sooner than forecasted...but that only lasted 30 minutes or so, and the further we went...the smoother it got. By the time we reached Clearwater, the waters were flat, and the ride was perfect. With 48 miles to go I got an alarm on the port engine that scared the daylights out of me. After finally figuring out how to shut off the buzzer, I found out the battery light on the port engine was flashing...telling me the port alternator was not charging. I was afraid we had lost the engine belt that drives everything, and that would mean the engine would over heat and we would have to shut it down, but I kept a close eye on all the temps, and also the volts in the battery...and all were normal, so I kept the engine running and kept up our speed. I’m still not sure what was wrong...it’s on my to do list.

At 1:30 pm we hit the mouth of the Clearwater channel...a fantastic feeling...and by 2:30 we were tied up and washing down the boat. Shortly after the wash down and clean up, Deb and I celebrated our safe crossing with a shot of Tequila, and a beer. We had earned it. Our friends on Good News also had a great crossing. They left at 3 PM the day before us and crossed all night...arriving at 10 am in Clearwater. We left 15 hours after them...and arrived 4 hours after them. The difference between a fast and a slow crossing. Both work...it’s just a matter of choice, or what your boat is capable of doing. We ended up with a slip very close to Good News, so we got together for a 5 PM captain’s meeting...that turned into dinner (Deb cooked spaghetti), and we finally said good night at 9 PM. A great day.

We really do not have any plans for the next two weeks. We think we will stay at Clearwater Marina until Monday, and then play it by ear from there. Our only goal is to be in Ft. Myers by December 10th...and that is only 120 ICW miles from here, so we have lots of time. Andy and Mary (Good News) were going to rent a car for the weekend, so we said we’d split the cost, and figure it out from there. It’s nice to have some time without any plans.

Well it’s past 6 now, and before long it will be light enough for me to take a dock walk, so I need to finish this log. I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 69; Day 183: Nov. 20, 2008; Carrabelle, FL

4 couples having a captain's meeting (basicly an excuse to have a cocktail and talk boating) the night before 3 of the couples (not us) are heading out.

This is the world famous Buddy (in the center with the brown shirt on) giving us all weather information and Gulf crossing instructions. He's been doing this for 18 years.


HQ in our slip at Moorings Marina in Carrabelle, FL

A shot of Carrabelle Harbor as we entered...it reminds you of an old english fishing village

On our trip from Apalachicola to Carrabelle we were met by 2 Eagles sitting on a piling

It was blowing so hard as we crossed to Carrabelle our dinghy cover flew off (see it draging in the center of the picture) and was held on by a small strap in the back. We lost the cente pole...but the cover was saved

Here's Deb...pretending she likes oysters

Here's me...demonstrating how fresh oysters are supposed to be eaten

Log 69
Day 183
Thursday, November 20, 2008

4:45 AM CST
Location: Carrabelle, FL...Mile 351 on the GIWW
Weather: 43* with calm winds...forecasted to be 64; sunny; and light winds

I only have a few minutes to write a log this morning, because we leave at first light to cross the Gulf of Mexico. I uploaded several new pictures on the blog yesterday, so I thought I’d at least add a few comments to them.

It’s a little before 5 this morning and in just a few minutes I’ll be getting the boat ready to head out. I’ve been looking forward (dreading) this day for some time now. Not sure why...but crossing the Gulf is a big deal to me. Lots of open water, and not many places to go if there are issues. The good news is we have a great day to cross. The winds are very light, and in many places they are calm. I’ve checked all the weather stations I can and most look very good...but getting worse late in the day. That should not be a problem because we plan to be in Clearwater by 4 or 5.

Since getting to Carrabelle the only discussion among everyone is the weather. During this time of year there are only 1 or 2 days per week or 2 times a month that crossing is recommended, so you must know your stuff, and leave when the time is right. If not...you’ll be here another week or so. At this marina they have a boating legend (Buddy) who we have gotten to know and he says go...so we’re going. Yesterday we had 3 of our friends leave at about 3 Pm for an overnight crossing. They plan to go about 10 mph, and travel all night. We plan to leave a 6 am (sunrise is at 7:07) because I paid close attention to what time the very first light happened yesterday, and it was 6:15 so we will be leaving just as that happens. We will be traveling with 3 other boats who plan to go fast across. Yesterday afternoon Deb and I walked the docks and met these other boats who we thought would be crossing today (none of the boats no one another). We asked if they wanted to travel together and they all said yes...so that’s what we’ll do.

We have no plans yet once we get to Clearwater, but I think we will just sit there for a few days. just to really relax knowing the hard part of the trip is over and we will be in protected waters, with lots of options for marinas.

Well I’ve got to get Deb up and get ready.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 68; Day 181; Nov. 18, 2008; Apalachicola, FL

Log 68
Day 181
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

4:50 AM CST
Location: Apalachicola, FL...Mile 351 on the GIWW
Weather: 52* with light winds...forecasted to be 56; sunny; and windy

I got up very early this morning...even by my standards. I woke up about 3 and could not go back to sleep so finally got up about 4:30. We are in Apalachicola, FL this morning, and planning on heading to Carrabelle. The route will take us out in Apalachicola Bay and St. George Sound, and they are predicting strong winds out of the north (depends who you listen to...they are going to be between 15 and 25 MPH) and I have been wondering/worried how that will affect our trip today. So when I woke up at 3, I kept thinking about the winds and what kind of a trip it would be. I also thought I could feel the boat being tossed a little bit...and assumed the wind had picked up as forecasted. Laying there I told myself that if the winds had picked up that much we would just stay here one more day, and let the winds settle down, and go tomorrow. So, I was certainly surprised when I got up to see that the winds were light and variable...barely moving the trees. Like most worries...wasted time.

Yesterday...we again hooked up with Good News (they caught back up to us), and made the 60+ mile inside run from Panama City to Apalachicola. We left the dock at 7:30, and the journey took us through wide open sounds...to small interior lakes...to narrow man made ditches cut through the swamps. Much of the way was not very pretty, and somewhat boring...but I’m not complaining, this certainly beats working. We arrived at Miller Marine in Apalachicola about 3 PM. Miller Marine is a just a couple of docks in the water, right on the main channel. While they do accept transients...they are really in business to support the local shrimp boats with fuel and supplies, so there is not much here for the pleasure boater. That said, they are very nice folks and made us (Good News is here too) feel very welcome. The town itself is not bad. It is a small port town that has been built around the boating world. It is also a big departure and destination point for those crossing the Gulf to and from the West Coast of Florida. It also boasts one of the top 10 oyster bars in the US (who rates these things?) so Andy, Mary, Deb and I walked a short block from the dock to see if they were right in their rating. It turned out the only person who really eats oysters is me, but it was entertaining to see the other 3 try to figure out how they could order oysters...so they would not look, or taste, like oysters. They ended up ordering them baked, with something like garlic, spinach, and other things mixed in and were very happy the only thing that resembled an oyster was the shell they served them in. I ordered a 1/2 dozen raw oysters...and they brought me 9 (for $4.50). They were very good. We were back at the boat by 6:15, and for dinner Mary made chicken with capers, and Deb made rice, and we ate on Good News. It was a good day.

Today...we are going a short 30 miles to Carrabelle, FL, the final jumping off spot between here and Florida’s west coast. From this point, the cruising gets a lot more “puckering”. Depending on where we decide to go, it will take us 1 very long day and over 170 miles to reach Clearwater, or 3 travel days of 80 miles each. Neither one is a great option, but we have to pick one, so we’ll spend a couple nights in Carrabelle getting ready. The forecast calls for a good day on Thursday (at least at this point)...but remember that is the same forecast that called for 18 MPH winds after midnight, and it’s now 5:45 and there is just a light breeze. But I’m sure the winds will be here shortly.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 67; Day 179; Nov. 16, 2008; Panama City, FL.

This is the shrimp boat at the end of our dock...he went out today to try his luck.

A couple of shots of sunset today...very pretty

Log 67
Day 179
Sunday, November 16, 2008

7:15 AM CST
Location: Panama City Marina, Panama City, FL...MM 290 on the GIWW
Weather: 48* and windy...forecasted to be 61; sunny; and breezy

The front came through here and dropped the temprature about 15 degrees. It got down to 45 last night and forecasted to go lower the next two nights. It’s bright and sunny out now, but the back deck is not warm enough yet, so I’m inside where it’s warm.

The last couple of days in Panama City have been about boat chores. On Friday we decided to move the boat from the slip they assigned us to a tie up along a long dock. We had “bowed in” to the slip and it was very tough getting off...and the dock had a huge cement post in the middle of the narrow walkway, and I could not see trying to get around that with clothes (going to the laundry) and groceries. So while we moved the boat...we got a pump out at the dock, and then tied alongside the dock...a much better place. An interesting (not fun, but interesting) thing happened while we were moving the boat. All at once the fresh water pump quit working. Amazing. So after a 1/2 hour of trouble shooting I determined we needed a new pump (I have been telling Debbie I wanted to have a backup on board just in case this happened...but had not done it yet). So, after some investigation, I found out there was a West Marine about 2 miles away, and decided to ride my bike there and get a new pump. Before I did Deb and I walked into town to get our bearings and have some lunch. A nice stop at “The Place” for local information and a great cheeseburger, and back to the boat about 1 PM. Deb headed to the laundry at the marina...I jumped on the bike and headed to West Marine. I think this is the second or third time I have ridden a bike in...oh...35 years? So the reported 2 miles to the store seemed like a WHOLE lot more, but I made it, bought a pump, and then peddled back. Back at the boat, I installed the new pump, while Deb continued with the laundry. By the end of the day we were back in business...everything on the boat worked, and clean laundry too. Just before bed time we got a hell of a storm. For two hours we watched it build out in the Gulf and head our way. It was warm, and dead calm out until the storm hit with a sudden jolt. The rain came sideways and in buckets for almost an hour. Not sure how much rain we got, but the wind blew water in the harbor and it went up over a foot. It was an interesting evening.

Saturday we spent putzing. I spent the morning looking at charts and weather for next weeks travel, and potential crossing the Gulf. Deb worked on emails and bookwork. For lunch we walked back into town to try to find a new spot...and did. The day before we had walked by a place called Gaston’s. It looked interesting, so this time we decided to eat here. The food was awesome and the service was like eating in your kitchen at home. We were the only ones in the place so they talked to us like we were part of their group, and fed us like it as well. It was great. After lunch I went back to the boat, and Deb walked the main street stopping in a couple of shops and going to Dollar General for some quick items. The afternoon was spent doing some more boat chores and me watching the NASCAR race. Dinner was leftovers, and the dinner movie was the new Indiana Jones movie...very good.

Today...is a day of rest. Both Deb and I have colds, so we’re taking turns coughing. We’re looking forward to spending the day relaxing. Deb, with a good book, and black and white movie. Me, watching everything I can about the final NASCAR race of the season, while I multitask with charts and monitoring several weather web pages (Deb has promised her famous Chili as well) It’s very sunny so it makes you feel good...but will be too cold to do much outside...which is just fine with us.

Tomorrow...we will leave Panama City and head to Apalachicola, FL...where we plan to stay for a couple of days, and then on to Carrabelle, FL where we will wait to cross the Gulf. I will be glued to the weather pages until we are safe in Clearwater.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 66; Day 177; Nov. 14, 2008; Panama City

This is the inside of Peg Leg Pete's...thanks Randy for the tip

Worth the trip

Beautiful white sand beaches in this area

Part of the dolphin show coming into Panama City Harbor

This is the fog (just before it lifted) if you look real close you will see the outline of a barge. I had been talking to him and gave him a wide berth. He told me to pass on either side...just stay out of his way!

Destin Harbor leaving in the morning

Panama City Harbor

A shrimp boat at the end of our dock in Panama City

As you come into Destin Harbor

Log 66
Day 177
Friday, November 14, 2008

6:50 AM CST
Location: Panama City Marina, Panama City, FL...MM 290 on the GIWW
Weather: 72* calm and very foggy...forecasted to be 78 with 70% chance or rain

Sitting on the back of the boat this morning...it’s warm out and very foggy. I just took a dock walk and looked out over Panama City Harbor. I can’t describe how much I enjoy doing that type of thing first thing in the morning. No matter how early you get up and do this, there is always someone there before you. They are either fishing; walking; or just sitting and looking out at the water. It seems many folks do this...and then head off to work. I, on the other hand, walk back to the boat. YEA

It’s been a couple of days since I have written a log...let me catch up on what’s been going on.

Tuesday Nov. 11...we stayed the day at Pensacola Beach. The winds were pretty strong out of the east, and the gulf and sounds were very choppy. Our plan was to take the dinghy and go around the tip of Pensacola Beach in search of Peg Leg Pete’s...a local hang out with a laid back atmosphere. Despite the wind and waves we put the dinghy in the water and headed out. I took our hand held GPS and followed the course out in the sound. It was very wavy, but once we got around the tip of the island the waves calmed down at bit and it was not bad (I assumed we would get wet getting back to the boat). It turned out that Peg Leg’s was in a marina back in a narrow inlet with homes on both sides of the narrow island. We found our way back in there and were not disappointed with the place or the food. Peg Leg Pete’s is like a many waterfront restaurants and bars down here. Lot’s of stuff on the wall...none of which has anything to do with anything else...a very open feeling, with isinglass for outside walls, so they can drop it if it is windy. The tables are wooden and the floors creak...my kind of place. After lunch we went back to the boat. I washed down the dinghy to get the salt off, and Deb decided to take a long walk on the beach. I also spent a fair amount of time planning our next stops and looking at the weather. The winds were not forecasted to go down any, so I knew the next day would be interesting crossing the Santa Rosa Sound on our way to Destin. Deb also stopped by the store at the marina and talked to Roger, who was planning to make the brisket, and got a couple of pieces for me for dinner...it turned out to be very fatty and not very good. Oh well...it’s the thought that counts.

Wednesday Nov. 12th...the forecast was right about the winds...they blew most of the night, and when I got up it was “iffy” if we were going to head out. In the end we decided to go, and the first part of the trip across Santa Rosa Sound was very bumpy with a 2 to 3 foot chop. The good news was the wind (and chop) was coming out of the east, so we were heading directly into it. It makes for a lot of slapping on the water, and an occasional dip into a wave trough, but better than having them hitting you on the side. We had to go fairly slow through all of this, but as the day wore on the sun came out, and the winds started to subside. The intracoastal also winds it’s way along some much narrower areas, so the wind and waves were not as much of a factor. By about 2 PM we had made it to Destin. I had arranged a slip at Harbor Walk Marina (right down town), but when we got to our slip we found out there were no walkways on either side of the boat, so that meant we would have to get off the boat from the stern...which would not work for us because of the dinghy. After some discussions with the dock master, he recommended we go down to Marrabella...a new marina just about 3/4 mile further down the harbor. He gave me the number of the dock master there, but I could not reach him (I left him a message on his cell phone), but we headed that way anyway. Once we found the place it had a sign that said “docks are first come, first serve” so we found an empty slip and tied up. These docks were also hard for us to get off of, but we made it work. After washing the boat to get the salt off, we headed to the marina office to find Greg...the dock master...who was no where to be found. This time I left him a written message on a pad on his desk, telling him we were in his slip and to call me on the cell phone. With no response we decided to take a walk. We discovered we were about 2 miles from the boardwalk area and too far to walk, so we found Hog’s Breath Saloon, and stopped for a quick beer. On the way back to the boat we stopped at a fresh fish store and picked up some fresh grouper for dinner (it was awesome). Just before we were settling in for the day a guy stopped by the boat...it turned out to be Greg...the dock master. He was very nice, and apologized for not returning my call and getting back to us. He was happy to have us in the marina, and asked us to fill out the paper work, and just pay the $3.30 per foot per night and we were in good shape. “ What? $3.30 per foot? You’re kidding right? Nope...that’s our rate.” The short version of what happened next was me filling out the paper work...and Deb crying; complaining; and begging with Greg (I did not hear any of the conversation, but that is what I’m guessing went on) The next thing I know is he says “don’t worry about the paperwork...no charge for tonight...it’s great having you folks, and have a safe journey heading south.” WHAT? Deb...the negotiator.

Thursday Nov. 13th...Based on the fact we did not have a slip for Thursday night, we had to leave Destin. I had been paying close attention to the weather, and especially the waves in the gulf because I wanted to go outside to Panama City to save a lot of time (and fuel). It was beautiful as we left Destin Harbor with calm winds, but as we got back in the channel to head to the gulf the current/tide was heading out, and the gulf waves were trying to come in. Not a good thing, and it made for some very confused seas, and very uncomfortable for us trying to get to the gulf. After some tense moments we were out in the gulf only to find that it had not settled down enough after several days of easterly winds, so we decided to head back in (yes...again having to go through that mess) and go the intracoastal route to Panama City. That seemed like a great idea until we got into Choctawhatchee Bay and it was so foggy you could not see anything. So for the next 2 hours it was all about looking at the radar and chart plotter...even the barges had pulled over waiting for the fog to lift (we could hear them on the radio). About 10 the fog finally lifted and it turned out to be a picture perfect trip and day. Once we entered the Panama Harbor we were treated to a wonderful dolphin show that lasted for a long time. We had a group of dolphins on the starboard side of the boat giving me a show...and another group in the front giving Deb a show. By 3 PM we were at Panama City Marina and tied up. We washed and wiped down the boat (almost a daily thing with the salt water) and went to the office to get check in and get our bearings. Dinner was quesadillas Deb made from the left over steak...our movie was watching a recorded episode of The Mentalist...one of our new favorite programs.

Today...we plan to stay in Panama City for 4 nights. One...because the weather is supposed to turn cold and windy starting tonight for the next couple of days. And 2 because this is the final weekend on NASCAR and there are 3 races I want to watch. Deb has been studying the area to find any “must see’s”, so it will be interesting what we do.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 65; Day 174; Nov 11th; Pensacola, FL.

The white sand and blue water as we enter Pensacola Harbor

After a long walk we made it to Paradise Bar

Another bar along the Pensacola Beach boardwalk

This is me "relaxing" sitting outside of the Paradise Bar


Another bar on the boardwalk...I think you get the idea of what this area is like

Our boat is in the center of this picture at the end of the dock on the right

Log 65
Day 174
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

8:00 AM CST
Location: Beach Marina, Pensacola, FL...MM 189 on the GIWW
Weather: 64* sunny and windy...forecasted to be 74 and sunny with NE winds at 15 to 20

Happy birthday Beccah (daughter) and Jeff (son in law). Deb and I are thinking of you.

Happy veterans day...thanks to all who have served.

Very pretty morning...low 60’s and sunny. The wind picked up last night and, it’s blowing pretty good out of the east now, and predicted to continue for the next couple days. We’re tied to the end of a t-dock at Pensacola Beach. The boat is pointed directly at the Gulf...and if it were not for the narrow stretch of beach in our way, we could be in the gulf in about 1 minute.

Yesterday...we had a great 30+ mile cruise from the Wharf to Pensacola. We are now officially in Florida, and you can already tell the difference. These waters are crystal clear with lots of blue and green colors. The sand is almost white in places, and the beach towns are all about t-shirts, hurricane drinks, and music on the decks at sunset. Once we arrived and got settled (washing the salt off the boat), we checked in at the dock office and asked for some local knowledge...where is the best “fun” bar we can visit. Others who have gone through this area say the Naval Station is a “must see”...we, on the other hand, are looking for a great margarita. When we asked Marissa...the dock master...where we should go she said “Oh God”, you have to visit Paradise Bar and Grill. She told us it would be a fairly long walk (but worth it) and so off we went. She was right about 1 of her comments...it was a long walk. The bar itself...not so much. Oh well...we needed the exercise, and there were at least 10 beach bars we passed on the way to Paradise, so we had plenty of other options. In the end, we just popped in a small bar that was advertising $3.50 bushwhackers, and Deb got 1 to go, and we walked the beach and boardwalk. Back at the boat I went to work on our trip planning, and Deb went to the grocery store...which happens to be located right at the marina. They even have a butcher shop, and the owner cooks great BBQ (so he says) and is planning on cooking brisket today. Debbie tells the man that I love brisket...so he says he’ll cook some special...and come and find us when it’s done. In between a long conversation Deb had with the owner, she did find a great steak...which we cooked on the grill for dinner. Our dinner movie was Bucket List (thanks Chuck and Holly for sending that to us, it was really good). Great day.

Today...we are staying at Pensacola one more day. To visit the Naval Air station you ask? No. Randy, my college roommate, sent me a email yesterday telling me about Peg Leg Pete’s. He says it’s a great bar, with fresh oysters, and a real cool atmosphere. When we asked about it, we were told we could get there by dinghy...so we are off on an adventure to find Peg Leg Pete’s for lunch. Between now and then I have a couple of boat list things to do. I need to clean the engine strainers, and set up our boat fenders differently, because now that we are in Florida many of the docks consist of fixed pilings (verses floating docks), and our big round fenders don’t work well. I have brought along several long slender fenders for this very reason, so I need to get them out of the engine room and set up to use every day now.

Tomorrow we plan to head to Destin...about 50 miles. Winds are still predicted to be 10 to 20 from the East, so they will be right on our nose. Not a big deal because we’ll be in the ICW waters with are mostly protected...but we will be going through several somewhat open “sounds” so that will cause a little bit of uncomfortable chop. Weather is much more of an issue now...and will be until we get to Clearwater, because of the open water we have to travel. I have no less than 10 different web sites I can track the weather on (wind predictions; wave predictions; all types of forecasting). For a couple of years, I have been accumulating them from my own investigating, and others who pass weather knowledge along. It’s amazing what you can find...and I take it all into consideration when we plan our travel days.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 64; Day 173; Nov. 10; Marina at the Wharf

This is the Wharf just behind our boat...I'll miss all of this within a minute walk

This is Marina at the Wharf from the Intracoastal view...our boat is us there just under the bridge

Diane, Steve, and Deb...this is the view they have of the Gulf from their condo.

Pirates cove...these dogs are everywhere...not even sure who they belong to, but they act like they own the place. We had trouble getting this dog to move so we could eat

This is the view from the water as we pull up to the sandbar at Pirates Cove

Another shot of Pirates Cove...note the dog on the table.

Our friends on Good News and Our Turn are waving to us from their table at Lu Lu's

Log 64
Day 173
Monday, November 10, 2008

6:30 AM CST
Location: Marina on the Wharf...on the Intracoastal...about 40 miles east of Mobile
Weather: 46 and crystal clear...forecasted to be 71 and sunny.

It got a little cooler last night (down to 45). I know our friends in Illinois and Michigan will laugh at this, (based on the weather they are having) but it’s still chilly for this area. The good news is, there is not a cloud in the sky, so the sun makes it feel much warmer. It’s still a little cold to write this log on the back deck...but it won’t be long and it will be warm enough.

We have had a great time the last couple of days here at Marina at the Wharf. On Saturday we called Steve and Diane and they went with us in the dinghy to a place called Pirates Cove, which is just up the Intracoastal about 5 miles. This place is exactly the kind of place you want to go in a dinghy and find a cold beer and cheeseburger. You can see by the pictures it’s a little rustic (rundown), but what a cool boating stop. You just drive the boat up on a sand bar...step out...and your at your table. Dogs everywhere. I’ll bet this place is crazy on a weekend in the summer. Deb says the cheeseburger was in her top 5 of all time. When we got back we took a ride to Steve and Diane’s new condo they bought just up the road. Great spot with a great view of the Gulf.

On Sunday Deb and I took the dinghy the other way, and went to Lu Lu’s...a place we had passed on our way to the Wharf. This is the place owned by Jimmy Buffet’s sister. It is a very nice place. Very different than Pirates Cove, but still very “island like” and another great stop for a beer and a burger. I’ll bet on a weekend during the summer there is a long line to get in here. As we were finishing our lunch we saw Andy and Mary (on Good News) come in with another Looper couple from “Our Turn”. They were in a rental car and out exploring the area. Hopefully Good News will get their shaft and props installed today and we’ll be about to catch up with them again before we cross the Gulf.

Today...we’re heading out about mid morning and only going 30 miles to Pensacola Beach for a night or two. I’ve picked a marina that is just off the beach, so my thought is we can walk from the marina to the Gulf and take a walk...or Deb can take a walk, and she can let me know how cool it was. It’s only going to get to low 70’s today, but with light winds and no clouds it should be another great weather day.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 63; Day 171; Nov. 8; Marina at the Wharf

After crossing the Mobile Bay, this is the waterway that we joined.

Just inside the waterway we were greeted by a pod of dolphins...it was awesome

This is our slip at Marina at the Wharf...yes, we're under another bridge

A shot from the bow of our boat...this is the bar (Fishtales) that is attached to the Marina office...which I think should be a requirement at all marinas

Looking down the street at the Wharf...this is 2 minutes from our boat

Dinner last night...Steve is in the yellow shirt, and his wife Diane is the blond sitting across from Deb. Han and Bill are sitting next to Diane.

Log 63
Day 171
Saturday, November 08, 2008

6:15 AM CST
Location: Marina on the Wharf...on the Intracoastal...about 40 miles east of Mobile
Weather: 56 and crystal clear...forecasted to be 73 and sunny.

Sitting on the back deck this morning it is crystal clear outside. There is no wind, and the eastern sky is very bright...I’m waiting for the sun to come over the marina and warm things up. A little cool, but it is going to be a beautiful day. We are docked at Marina on the Wharf...a first class facility on MM 159 of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. There is no doubt in my mind, of all of the hundreds of marinas we have stayed in over the years, this is the finest facility we have ever been in. The docks are first class construction; a Jimmy Buffet kind of bar is attached to the marina office; it has at least 15 stores where you can buy everything from a t-shirt to a fine outfit; 13 restaurants where you can get everything from a hot dog to a fine steak...as well as Mexican or sushi; a movie theater with 16 different movies playing; and even a Ferris wheel. All of this, 1 minute from our dock, in a setting like walking down the street in a very quaint little community.

How we got here...we left out slip in Dog River on Thursday about 9:45 am. It was a picture perfect day with calm winds and 75 degrees. It was about 2 miles back to the Mobile Channel and then 7 more miles south on the channel before we could turn east and cross Mobile Bay (with safe water depth). Another 8 miles SE across the Bay took us to the GIWW at Mile 142 (the waterway we will follow until Mile 380 at Carabelle, FL.) As soon as we got across the Bay we entered a narrow waterway and saw our first dolphins on this trip. It was like they were out to greet us and welcome us to the Gulf Waterway. Deb was on the phone, and taking pictures, and so excited. No matter how many times you see the dolphins...you never get tired of how cool it is. From the waterway, it was only about 8 more miles to Marina on the Wharf. Along the way we passed Lulu’s...a marina and restaurant owned by Jimmy Buffet’s sister...where they say Jimmy will stop by occasionally and sing a little.

Yesterday...I got up early and walked the entire complex to check out our surroundings. To sum it up...this is an awesome stop. Back at the boat, I washed the boat, while Deb cleaned the inside. At about 11 Deb and I went walking and stopped in several of the shops. I wanted to see the Columbia and Sperry shops in hopes they had something I could not live without. I guess I have everything I need, because I didn’t buy anything. Deb bought a pair of Crocks, and a Columbia shirt. For lunch we stopped at a Mexican place and had great burritos. On the way back I walked the docks and looked at all the new and used boats for sale. On site they have 3 very large boat dealers, and they have some beautiful boats. In the afternoon (while it rained for a couple of hours) we were getting ready to get together with Steve and Diane Stell...some friends that we have not seen for several years. They live in Kankakee, IL, but also have a condo down in Orange Beach, and they are here for 2 weeks on vacation. They joined us for cocktails on the boat at 5, and brought along some friends of theirs (Bill and Han) who live here in Orange Beach as well. For dinner we walked to the boardwalk and had a great dinner...thanks Steve for buying...now we can afford another day in paradise.

Today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday)...we have decided to spend another 2 days here. It’s a little pricey ($2 per foot per night...about 25% more than normal in this area) but has so much to offer. We also want to do some lunch trips on the dinghy. One day we want to go back about 3 miles to Lulu’s and check that place out. Another day we want to go about 5 miles the other direction back up in Roberts Bayou to a place called Pirates Cove Restaurant...a legend in this area for a great cheeseburger and fun local flavor. Any trip in our dinghy is fun, but when you can explore and end up with a beer and cheeseburger...all the better.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Deb's 2 cents from Mobile, AL

A shot of our friends on Good News coming out of Mobile Harbor

Mobile Harbor...as we enter it

Cruise ship in Mobile Harbor

Mobile Bay

HQ as we enter Mobile Harbor (thanks to Mary on Good News)

11/6/08

Hey All!
Debbie here…I know it’s been awhile since I put in my 2 cents, but I’ve been busy. Er…um…I mean…my computer’s broken…uh…the internet was down? Okay – I’ve just been lazy and honestly…isn’t BK handling the logs just fine without me? J
As you already know…on Tuesday we left the Tenn-Tom Waterway and entered the salt waters of Mobile Bay. As we cruised through the incredibly bustling Mobile Harbor and left behind all its busy ship activity, it was an awesome sight to see the endless blue water spread out in front of our bow with the sun throwing a carpet of diamonds down in front of our boat for us to follow into our marina for the night on Dog River. But as beautiful as this is, I’m going to miss the security and constant changing scenery of the inland rivers. The Mighty Mississippi (even though to me it was akin to driving the interstate instead of the back roads) is steeped in history and there have been hundreds of great stories written with Old Miss as a main character…so it was amazing to travel those famous waters. The Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers were stunning in their simple beauty. The Grand Canyon-like cruise to Chattanooga was breathtaking. The winding Tom-Bigbee was peaceful and quiet. But still, even after travelling so many miles on these different rivers, the Illinois River remains a favorite. She’s like an old friend that we sometimes take for granted, and every once in awhile we need to rub elbows with others to be reminded of just how special she is. I will surely miss the rivers.
But on to new adventures…new harbors…no-see-ums…rinsing salt water off the boat after every cruise day…dealing with tides…beautiful, endless expanses of blue water off our starboard side…wonderfully balmy weather in the middle of winter…unchartered waters (at least to the Koerners)…meeting interesting new people and reuniting with old friends.
Right away, there is a feeling of nostalgia as we remember our years spent on the Chesapeake and the many trips we’ve taken on the ICW in the past. It will be fun checking out familiar marinas and exploring new territory…but this time at a much more relaxed pace. I never thought I’d get BK to slow down, and maybe he’s just shifted his focus from company concerns to boat concerns, but somehow it’s different. Yesterday, after coming back from his third walking trip to West Marine (yes I said walking), he tossed his bags on the back deck and walked over to me and gave me a big hug, saying… “I was born to this life on a boat…thanks for letting me do this!” Little does he know that I’m enjoying it as much as he is!
So here’s to the newest phase in our live-aboard lives...and avoiding the Midwest winter! I hope you are all enjoying your own phases as much as we are.
Here’s to warm breezes & calm seas-----------First Mate Deb.
P.S. I also want to echo Bob’s words about our reluctance in leaving Andy & Mary at Dog River Marina. It was an unexpected pleasure spending time with them. I’ll miss their smiles every time we pulled into a new marina or anchorage and especially our evening Captains’ meetings over cocktails. Hope you’re back on the move soon and we look forward to seeing you along the route!