November 1, 2014
NM – 65 miles –
Total Miles: 670
LOCKS Today- 0
Total Locks – 12
This morning we casted off our lines and headed out into the small bay waiting on EuFLORia to get out of their slip. We usually follow them to our next destination. The winds were 25 mpf w/ gusts to 35+ mph. While in the small bay the wind was not as noticable but it was quite chilly this morning with temps hovering around 42 when we got up to walk the dogs.
When we came out of the small bay into Choctawhatchee Bay wow did we start to notice the winds. Waves were coming over the front of the boat and hitting the windshield. We were driving right into the North winds and we had swells/waves 2 – 3 feet. We were on this bay for about 3 hours before we entered the canal that connects the Choctawhatchee to the East Bay. In the canal the winds were hardly a factor and we had a smooth ride for the next 3 hours. We have been traveling on the Intercoastal waterway which is especially safer during the winds we had today. Glad we were not on the gulf side traveling.
Link to see waves beside boat
We got into Panama City Marina about 2:30 pm. We took the time to fill up with fuel before docking the boat. We usually leave early on the mornings of travel so it makes sense to fill up upon arrival. Winds were around 29 mph when we arrived and it made some interesting attempts of getting into our spot for the night. John the master at docking (he does have thrusters you know) got us in without any problems. We sure like our thrusters and are very glad that we made that investment back in May while at Aqua Yacht Harbor.
Took the dogs for a walk and came across this memorial for 9/11. It was beautiful and what a great location watching over East Bay. It also had 4 benches with each flight number on the bench. It had this quote inscribed on the memorial from President George W. Bush.
“We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and Freedom will prevail.”
George W. Bush
This evening we decided to head into downtown Panama City for some dinner. We stopped at a pub, La Royale Lounge, on the way to Millie’s Cafe. The bartender was a hoot with great stories that he told, while we had one drink and then headed onto dinner. Grouper fingers were the appetizer special so we all shared. I had crab cakes which were delicious and John had a blacken grouper sandwich which he really enjoyed. John F and Jackie had fried oysters which the bartender from the pub recommended as his favorite. I think we all throughly enjoyed our dinner and wine, while listening to a guitarist singing some great old songs. After dinner we headed back to the boat after another quick trip into the pub and we found they were really much busier now than earlier in the evening. It was a chilly trip back to the boat with strong winds at our back.
This was such a great day filled with emotions. I was worried about waves and wind and managed to get through it without feeling the least bit unsettled. John and I felt this was a great test for us, for how our boat handled and how the pups did in the turbulent waters. We all did great and feel much better about the crossing. More to come!!
George Sullivan
August 25, 2015 at 1:39 pmWhat’s happened John and Sandy. I check back from time to time but have seen no new post. Hope all is well with the two of you.
George Sullivan
Sandy Tysseland
August 29, 2015 at 10:55 amHi George. We are in Palmetto, FL at this time. My site has had some issues and I have not been able to post.
I posted our November 5th crossing of the gulf so go and check that one out. John and I will be back in Texas for much of the month of September.
We have some work being done on the boat and I need to come back to the office and work while vacations are being done with one of our employees.
Hope you are doing well.