Headed West to Mobile

Day One

We were on the water for 7 hours and traveled 65 miles from Panama City to Destin, Fl. We were introduced to some 2 ft. (our comfort limit) waves along the way. After about one hour and a change in our heading, the water got smoother.

So much for trying different marinas...Even though Harborwalk Marina in Destin was our most expensive docking yet at $75.00, it left a lot to be desired. While you were docked in the middle of the action with restaurants along the docks, you were without cable TV, without WiFi, and it was a 3 ft. climb up from the boat to the dock, not to mention the shallow waters on the approach and in the marina that kept you on edge. At times, there were actually inches between the keel and sand.

"Approaching Destin"

"No, we're not a fishing boat ready to clean our catch!"

"Destin Sunset"

"A charter boat's catch of the day"

"Lucky Snapper Restaurant, Emerald Grande Resort, fishing fleet"

Day 2

Today we traveled 50 miles from Destin to Pensacola. This was a 5 1/2 hr day. The waters along the way were a light chop. We decided to go with a previously visited marina, Palifox Pier in downtown Pensacola, since it was one of the nicer facilities.

"Pensacola Naval Air Station-waters close to it are restricted area"

"Old Fort Pickens-across from Naval Air Station"

Day 3

We moved 33 miles to Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores, Al. This was a short day of only 4 hours. As in golf, today was a lay-up shot. This is the last marina before jumping across Mobile Bay. The afternoon gave us an opportunity to make marina reservations, car rental reservations, check weather forcasts and do laundry.

"Caught that elusive porpoise beside the boat"

Day 4

After waking early and checking winds, tides, fog and forecasts, we decided it was time to leave Gulf Shores at 6:30 and head for Mobile. Conditions were to be declining around noon and remain nasty for the next 4 days. This worked out good as we arrived at Dog River Marina at 10:30.

"Sun rising as we started across Mobile Bay"

"The birds are happy during shrimp season"

" You know you're in the Bay when you see these guys pulling up behind you to pass!"

"How many containers will a container ship hold??"

Mardi Gras in Panama City

Mardi Gras was first brought to Mobile, AL by the French people. It is now celebrated in many towns on the Gulf Coast. Beads were thrown to the crowd to get them excited and involved in the celebration. Over the years boxes of "Cracker Jacks" were also thrown, but the corners of the boxes caused too many injuries. "Moon pies" became a safer and cheap alternative.
While attending the local parade, we caught lots of beads and we both caught a "Moon pie". This was a big event, last year they estimated 80,000 people attended.

So, what does a Mardi Gras celebration consist of???

"Many people- some very different!!"

"Music"

"Food"

"Costumes"

"Floats"

"And Beads, lots of Beads!!!"

Life in Panama City

We're continuing to enjoy our floating condo in Panama City. While the Florida weather is not balmy yet, it is somewhat milder than back home. Most days are t-shirt temperatures. If we do have cooler weather, it only lasts for a couple of days before bouncing back.
We have begun doing some trip planning for our voyage west, back to Mobile. Once back to Mobile we plan on stopping there for about a week before heading North. This will give us time for some routine maintainence and moving our car.

"Another beautiful sunset on St. Andrews Bay"

"Older Homes on the Bay"

"Now you've seen the only 4-headed palm tree known in the world"

"Always trying new places to eat. Their specialty is Grouper Throats!"

"Pier Park-A Newer Type of Shopping/Restaurant Complex at the Beach"

"A Turtle Fountain in Pier Park"