Around The Bend and a Boat Parade of Lights

Carrabelle, in the Florida panhandle, is decision time for Loopers.   Here we decide whether to cross straight across the Gulf to Tarpon Springs, FL or go around the Florida Big Bend, with the weather being the determining factor.  Straight across is about 22 hours, leaving Carabelle about noon and then travel for 22 hours straight across. The alternate is to take the Big Bend for three days, nine hours a day.  We thought the weather was better for the daytime, three day Big Bend route and it proved to be a good decision for us.

Our first day we had 1- 3 foot rocking and rolling waves in the morning and then very smooth seas in the afternoon, almost glassy.  We spent the first night at anchor at Alligator Point.  Jennifer from Wild Raven took this great photo of Blue Moon.  Their canoe is lashed to our fore deck.

 The second night we went 60 miles to Sea Hag Marina in Steinhatchee, Florida.

This part of Florida is called "Old Florida", quaint and colorful fishing cottages line the street across from the harbor.

A willing worker waiting at the marina for a fish.

Worker friend watching Blue Moon and crew.

The next day we traveled again on smooth water to Cedar Key, about 60 miles.  It takes us about 8-9 hours to go 60 miles.  We anchored in a picturesque spot right off the shore of Atsena Otie Key, an uninhabited island across from the town of Cedar Key.

We all took the dinghy to shore to see the now-uninhabited island, walk the trail and visit the historic cemetery. The first residents of Cedar Key may have arrived as early as 1500.  In the 1800's this area was a shipping point for cotton, sugar, tobacco, and lumber.  An Eberhard Faber Mill, for the production of cedar pencil blanks, was built here in 1850.  The Key had a military depot and hospital built during the Seminole Indian Wars, and later used during the Civil War.

Beautiful sunset

Next morning we left before sun up and 10 1/2 hours later arrived at Dunedin, Florida at 5 p.m.

Dunedin Municipal Marina

The sign says 'crossing complete'.  We were very happy to celebrate a smooth crossing of the gulf.

Celebration dinner.

We explored the town and enjoyed the beach atmosphere.  We had lunch at this outdoor BBQ restaurant, Eli's.  Good as Texas BBQ.

We rode the Jolly Trolley all over the area.  Visited the sponge docks at Tarpon Springs, the Greek city.

Joyeux Noel and Merry Christmas

On Saturday night we watched the Dunedin Boat Parade.  We had front row seats on Sweetwater (Tim & Pam's) boat.  A great evening, complete with pecan pie.

What's so funny? Its a nutcracker!

Blue Moon will remain at the City of Dunedin Municipal Marina while we fly to Texas for the holidays.  It will be a busy month.  King is having rotator cuff surgery on the 11th, then the following weekend we plan to go to Oklahoma City, OK for our aunt's 100th birthday celebration.  Throw in all the Christmas festivities and we will have a busy month.  Back to the boat for the New Year and then on to the Florida Keys.

Now we are Gone to Texas and Oklahoma for the holidays.  Merry Christmas.

Turkey Day, Canals and the "Grand Canyon"

Pierre and Jennifer received their new (and undamaged) canoe in Mobile, AL.  

Taking the canoe out for a test drive.

All were happy and enjoyed a great Thanksgiving at Turner Marine in Mobile, AL.  The Turners cooked the turkey and made dressing.  Mrs. Turner did not like giblet gravy, so she gave me the giblets and I made mashed potatoes and giblet gravy.  It was good weather and a great day.

Loopers waiting for lunch.

 The Turners' thanking everyone for coming to the annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

We left Turner Marine on Wednesday and rocked and rolled across Mobile Bay.   Mobile is one of the largest seaports on the Gulf with many ships of every type and size.

After leaving Mobile Bay, we entered a long protected waterway of canals, broken up by wide sounds and lakes.  We anchored out for three pretty cold nights staying at anchorages English Navy Cove, Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge and Murray Bayou.  Fortunately the boat warmed up during the day.

My Destinee's, loopers that we met at Mobile, anchored with us at Choctawhatchee Bridge

We passed Lulu's (sister to Jimmy Buffet) on Thanksgiving Day.  Since they were closed for the holiday, we did not get to stop.

We're in Florida - finally.

Dolphins like the sound of a boat and swim along with us.  

Calm waters on our way to an anchorage.

What's for dinner?

 King's turn to cook.

Ice cream for dessert!  A very rare occurence on a boat, since it is difficult to keep it frozen. 

We entered a picturesque area called the 'Grand Canyon'.  

 Smooth water on Lake Wimico

On to Apalachicola

 Moving a boat house down the river.

The coastline keeps changing.  We think this area was damaged by a hurricane.

When loopers cross over to Florida there are two options, a direct 20+ hour crossing or an around the Florida Big Bend which takes three days.  We must decide which route to take.