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??"