Scipio Creek Marina, Apalachicola, FL

Day 209 … Wed, Nov 15, 2017 … 21.8 miles; 3 hours

White City to Scipio Creek Marina

An easy, short run today of only 22 miles to Apalachicola. One of the towns frequented by Loopers.

Most of the day was in a channel with cypress trees or tall grasses and a bit of the cruise in larger water.

Sights along the way …

On the way into Apalachicola we saw a few “Tiny Houses” … well, Tiny House Boats. Pretty cute and right down town!

When we arrived we pulled in behind Ramble On!! Always fun to see Loopers we know when we arrive at a marina or anchorage.

Our views for the night …

Unfortunately, we are only here one night. No time to sight see. It’s a cute & popular town and well-known for their Oysters.

White City, FL

Day 208 … Tues, Nov 14, 2017 … 39.3 miles; 4:40 hours

Panama City, Fl to White City, Fl

Last night we went out to dinner in Panama City with Bob & Barb on Chemistry

and Scott & Linda from Ramble On. Had such a good time, I forgot to take pics. Here is one of Tilley (Chemistry & great buddy for Cally) last night.

Just moving further east along the GICW

across a good size bay then into a man made channel (“the ditch”) today.

Transitioning from the bay into the channel.

We passed Bob & Sue on Aestival, whom we met at Panama City. They left a bit earlier than we did this morning.

The stop tonight is a free dock at White City. Well … we think it will be ok. Lots of Loopers & others) stop here and have for years. Now, there is one sign up that says no overnight docking. You cannot see the sign from the water and if you walk judiciously, you will not see it.

There is more green grass at the park around the docks & boat ramps than the pic below shows .

The plan is to reach Apalachicola, Fl tomorrow and Carrabelle on Thurs. We have booked a slip at Carrabelle for a week to wait weather out (mostly winds) before we can think about starting to cross from the Panhandle of Florida to the West Coast of Florida. We will stay at Carrabelle until the conditions warrant moving; with the goal of getting to Tarpon Springs, Fl on the west coast. That is 3 to 5 stops, depending on weather & sea conditions before reaching Tarpon Springs. Not sure how many days it will take to do those 3-5 stops … it’s all about the weather, wind and waves.

Stay tuned.

Good night from White City, FL.

Dolphin on the Way to Panama City, FL

Day 206 & 207 … Sun & Mon, Nov 12-13, 2017 … 37.1 miles; 4.5 hours

Choctawhatchee Bay to Panama City Marina

Half our day will be in a long narrow channel, then into open waters of St Andrews Bay and on to Panama City, Fl.

Once we were in open waters … the dolphin came out to play in our wake.

They would jump up, turn and then slap down on their sides making a noise, which got Cally’s attention!

Dolphin are SO MUCH fun to watch! I do not get tried of it.

Rip got the great idea to aim the GoPro down the side of the boat at our wake, so we could get a video of them playing.

Yep, you guessed it none played with us after we set it up. We will leave it that way until we catch them and post it for you.

All set & ready for them!!

We will be in Panama City for 2 days. A few chores, including getting our “out of state boat registration” since we will be in Florida for more than 90 days.

There is a park setting for Cally just off the dock of this municipal marina. There are also several beautiful memorials.

This one is by the American Legion & Ladies Auxiliary. I loved seeing the permanent flame!

The town’s 911 Memorial is at the water front (verses along the park) with 2 towers, a majestic Eagle and 4 benches with the Airline & Flight Number of the downed aircraft. The benches beckon you to sit, touch them and reflect.

Never forget 911.

Even on a boat, the bike needs tweaking; this time only tires inflated. Rip needs to ride 1.5 miles to the DMV for our “Sojourner’s Permit”. $80+ buck fee for the boat to be in Florida over 90 days.

Friends with a Chocolate Lab onboard Chemistry; Bob, Barb & Tilley are coming into the marina tonight. We have plans for dinner out. More buddy’s - Scott & Linda on Ramble On are also due in this afternoon, but headed to a nearby marina. We hope to catch up with them at dinner, too!

Good night from Panama City …