Cruising the Panhandle

Dec. 1-3

Days 20-23

Weather conditions: Sunny, a little cool, warming as we continue southward

Our first day out of Barber Marina didn't get us very far down the ICW.  After fueling and pumping out our holding tank it was already 9:20 before we could get underway. As we headed east toward Pensacola we were thrilled be able to meet our daughter, Clare, at the pier as we crossed under the Perdido Key bridge.  It was nice to be able to visit for just a few minutes before continuing our trip.  We found a nice anchorage about 2:00 beside the Santa Rosa Beach park. A short dinghy ride provided us with a nice walk on the beach.  The crashing of the waves was a great backdrop for a restful night.  We were up and ready to head east by 7:40 on Tuesday. It was an uneventful day of cruising with the dolphins along the ICW.  We dropped anchor at 2:50 on the east side of Choctawhatchie Bay.  There really wasn't any place to go ashore, so we spent the evening relaxing with a game of cribbage and an early bedtime. We both were in need of some recuperation time after the excitement of last week.  After a day cruising by Panama City, through St. Andrew Bay, and into the narrow ditch of the ICW headed toward Apalachicola, we are now anchored in Wetappo Creek.

Our one person send off committee! It was great getting to have a short visit with Clare as we made our final pass under the bridge at Perdido Key.

Other than a few birds and an abundance of jelly fish, the beach on this section of Santa Rosa Island was virtually deserted.

The dolphins have enjoyed swimming in our wake.  At times we have had as many as 5 or 6 of these beautiful creatures entertaining us.

               Wainwright Shipyard at the entrance to St. Andrew Bay near Panama City.