11 mile day; November 26, 2011

Link to anchorage in Smack Bayou via Google Maps

Water was choppy when we started our day, but then the wind really
 picked up, so we tucked into an opening with good wind protection. 

We began the day going under the Hathaway bridge in Panama City.

Port of Panama City, FL

Harbor tug waiting for a ship to come in.

This small container ship just came in from the Gulf.

The weather started getting rough....the tiny ship was tossed.....
if not for the  courage of the fearless crew....(kidding)
we were never in danger, just bounced around a little.

Once in protected water, we enjoyed watching the wildlife

Near Panama, City, FL; November 25, 2011

Link to anchorage in West Bay via Google Maps

Dragging our feet on the "home stretch", we had a short day today
and are anchored in whats called Harrison Bayou.

We enjoyed a relaxing day as we went through a canal called
"Grand Canyon East."  Having been to the real Grand Canyon in AZ,
we noted some similarities such as erosion and a winding river.
 

Sand and pine bluffs for about 20 miles.

The wind was against us, but the current was with us.
The generator was putting out over 17 amps while our speed stayed
at 7.5 or higher for most of the day.

Very peaceful with birds and the occasional dolphin.

The narrow "Grand Canyon" ended at the West Bay Creek bridge and
opened up to West Bay.

51 miles remaining on the loop.

Thanksgiving; November 24, 2011

Link to anchorage in Choctawatchee Bay via Google Maps

We are anchored on the east end of Choctwatchee Bay.
It is east of Pensacola on the Western end of the Florida panhandle.

It must be Thanksgiving because there were a couple of turkey's
traveling on the Bay against 15-20 mph winds.

A bouncy ride with plenty of spray for the first couple of hours.
It was worth the move since two days parked is pushing our limit.

oops..wind got the best of our flag

Call it what you want...both names describe the same area

Destin, FL; November 22, 2011

Link to anchorage in Joes Bayou via Google Maps

Looking back at the entrance from anchor.
It was narrow and shallow, but will have good wind protection if the
weather report is right.....lol...first time for everything.

Looking the other direction from anchor -
lucky people get to enjoy a view of Lollygag.

Jelly fish of all types were out in hordes! This one is a"cannonball"
and can be eaten! (yummy new idea for Thanksgiving?)
Read everything you didn't need know by clicking here.

102 miles to crossing our wake!

Hello Florida; November 21, 2011

Link to anchorage off Pensacola Beach via Google Maps

We made it back to Florida today.
141 miles to finish the loop!

We are anchored off shore at Pensacola Beach.

Tank top weather is a good thing.

We are traveling on the inside of the GIWW,
(Gulf Intracostal Waterway)
Narrow barrier islands protect the passage. 

Lots of jelly fish were near the surface.

Does this come in 2XL?

Just for  contrast -
our grandbaby in Wyoming loving her snowman

Hearing "Frosty the Snowman" just isn't the same in the land of sunshine!

Crossed Mobile Bay; November 20, 2011

Link to anchorage in Bon Secour River via Google Maps

After the fog lifted we left Dog River (south of Mobile, AL) and headed SE -  

down the east side of Mobile Bay to Bon Secour Bay.

Mobile Bay is 30 miles long and an average of 11 miles wide.

It was great to be on the move again.

We watched this shrimp boat zig and zag with a faithful
following of birds.