Day 5. We departed Saul Creek at 8:50 on our way to Apalachicola and then on to Carrabelle, conditions were beautiful again. We got a glimpse of the town before entering Apalachicola Bay. Waves were minimal but the bay was very shallow ... down to 3 feet, maybe less in some spots, IN THE CHANNEL!

Made it across to the mouth of the Carrabelle River, arriving at about 1:00 pm. We filled up at the fuel dock and after several tries fighting wind and current we got "the Bles-sing!" safely ensconced in our slip at C-Quarters Marina awaiting our chance to make the BIG JUMP!

Our weather window appears to be Monday the 4th or Tuesday for the crossing. Stay tuned!

 Day 4 of Tom's Birthday Cruise. The entire crew enjoyed Christmas with family then returned to the boat on December 27th and departed Treasure Island Marina in Panama City the next day. We made 56 miles on Sunday and anchored in the most peaceful spot we have found yet. Our night on the hook was totally still, peaceful and quiet under a gorgeous full moon.

This day's trip was a great experience! Bright sunshine, great temperature and mild seas made our journey through St. Andrews Bay into Wetappo Creek to Lake Wimico a truly memorable experience for all. We had a special escort by Flipper and Friends through much of St. Andrews bay.

 You're In The Driver's Seat

See What It Is Like to Dock The Boat

Nothing To It When You Have Good Help.

Gopro Footage From The Bow of "the Bles-sing!" Coming Into

Our Slip at Treasure Island Marina

Panama City Beach.

Merry Christmas from "the Bles-sing!"

Cruising The Grand Canyon 

 

 Day 3. We cruised through a beautiful section of our journey called the Grand Canyon. It is a man made 25 mile cut meandering through the countryside, connecting Choctawhatchee Bay and West Bay.  Both Bays are huge bodies of water by our standards but shallow, about 10 - 15 feet. Waves were 1 - 2 feet, not bad at all.

We made it through West Bay on our way to Saint Andrew Inlet ending at Grand Lagon (across from Panama Beach) and are tied up at Treasure Island Marina. Many of the local marinas and restaurants are still recovering from hurricane Michael back in 2018. The crew enjoyed grilled burgers while watching college football on Tom's phone. Great evening!

 Day 2.  The day started by reeling in a crab pot on our anchorage chain. Tom and Jane made short work of it with Jane's trusty knife and sent the metal beast cage back down to where it belongs.

Made it to an anchorage on Choctawhatchee Bay after a very chilling day of boating. We were underway by 7:30 and anchored at 2:25. A shorter day for us provided time to relax and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.  Another night of noisy waves hitting the boat but everyone managed a decent night's sleep. Headed to Panama Beach this morning... "a four hour cruise" (forecast says the weather will not be getting rough).

And we are off! Finally!

 The Christmas Birthday Cruise

In keeping with our tradition this leg is named for Tom who has a December birthday.

Day 1. The problem muffler cost us another half day but we finally departed Saunders Marina in Gulf Shores at 11:50. We went 28 miles in very chilly but sunny conditions and saw a bunch of dolphins along the way.  We had a great cruise on calm waters settling into our anchorage in English Navy Cove on Pensacola Bay around 3:20. Pretty strong winds and lapping waves were with us all night!

Quite on the set... roll 'em!

Hey gang stayed tuned for more video on the blog thanks to a generous Gopro camera donation by Ben and Sam. Check out a couple of short videos from Regina.

Coming into Mobile and Gulf Shores

What is that!!??

The Journey Continues!

Repairs are almost completed and that means it will soon be time, shooting for Wednesday the 16th, to make our way across the panhandle of Florida and down to Tampa to spend Christmas with Russell. It took longer than expected but Saunders Marine Service has finished:

• Repairing the windless by installing a new motor. Tom is especially thrilled to have this done.
• Stripping and repainting the Blessing's bottom with antifouling paint. This protects the boat while enabling her to slip easily through the water which is good for fuel efficiency.
• Repairing the ice maker.  Yay, cold drinks all around.
• Replacing all the sacrificial anodes (I can't explain it... just google it).
• Fixing the starboard muffler. May not sound important but it is. Several extra days and boat unit$ later we can now rest assured that this fiberglass part will not disintegrate and allow water to come into the engine compartment. Never a good thing. 

    "the Bles-sing!" on the hard.     muffler... and the crack         had to take up the floor