The big day finally arrived! On Thursday, November 8th, we slipped the lines at Bayou Grande Marina in Pensacola and started our 4-day cruise to Carrabelle.
We traveled in the protected waters of the Intracoastal Waterway from Pensacola to Carrabelle, Florida. Carrabelle will be the starting point for crossing the Gulf of Mexico to Tarpon Springs. It is a 170 mile journey in open waters, so the weather plays an important role in deciding when to cross.
One last look at our home port at Bayou Grande Marina.
Beautiful Pensacola Beach....... people pay thousands of dollars each year to come here on vacation ......and we live here!
An unbelievable show from our dolphin friends as we approach Navarre. We think they know this will be the last time they get to play in Spiritus' bow wave and wake for a whole year!
A view of our Villa Vizcaya neighborhood as Spiritus passes by on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Many of you may recognize Sailor's Grill / Juana's Pagoda at Navarre Beach. Key Lime Pie!!!!
Enjoying another spectacular sunset at our first anchorage, Spectre Island.
Passing under Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach. This was our "playground" when Linda & I were in high school.
Linda got out on the bowsprit to get this shot of dolphin that escorted us across Choctawhatchee Bay, We were amazed at the dozens of dolphin that followed us during our 3-hour journey across the bay.
On the second night we anchored in tranquil Smack Bayou, near Panama City.
As we approach the Apalachicola River, beautiful cypress trees, reminiscent of "old Florida", line the river banks.
Our anchorage on the third night was at Saul Creek, a tributary to the Apalachicola River. Little did we know that dusk, and the following dawn, would bring a dozen john boats filled with hunters and fishermen!
The narrow channel in Apalachicola Bay brought us within shouting distance to this shrimp boat. Linda wanted to know if he had any spare shrimp he wanted to give away!
Entering the charming harbor of Carrabelle, Florida. This is a small, but very active, commercial fishing village.
The Chart Room, the marina's lounge, is a comfortable place for Loopers to gather while waiting for the ideal weather to make the Gulf crossing. Free wi-fi, cable television, shower rooms, laundry facilities, swimming pool, and a ship's store are conveniences that boaters really appreciate.
The Captain and First Mate share a smile before going out to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at the locals' favorite restaurant, "Fisherman's Wife".
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