Carrabelle to Panama City

Dockside rocking chairs at Carrabelle

I really liked Carrabelle.  Nice marina with really nice people.

Two fishermen getting advice from six guides.

Trick and I could not help but notice how economically depressed the region is.  Store closed every where.  It seemed as though ever other property was for sale.  We noticed the same thing here in Panama City.

This boat had a bad day.

With Melissa back in Minnesota, Trick and I have to be a little creative to get both the boat and our van home to the land of 10,000 lakes. Trick helped me cast off this morning and then he drove the van while I single handed the boat.  In calm waters it is no big deal as I have full controls at the lower helm so when I need to run down for something I can still look at the front and drive the boat.  I can slow down, adjust the autopilot, and read the depth sounder easily from the lower helm.

Dock Dog in Panama City

Trick then met me at the dock at Panama City Marina.  I picked a wide slip so I could back in far enough so he could steady the boat while I quickly threw some dock lines.  It all worked out just fine.

The trip went well with no problems but I sure missed my wife as she is the perfect traveling partner.  She has lots to do back in Minnesota (even reporting to Interstate Truck Driving School tomorrow morning) but is missing a lot of interesting scenery.  It will all probably still be here in the fall when we come back so at least I will know what to look for.

The trip took me out in to Apalachicola Bay, then into a narrow creek (Saul Creek), into a small lake ( Lake Wimico), followed by another creek (Wetappo Creek), then into St. Andrew Sound.  The creeks were filled with floating junk so I had to be on the look out constantly.

 I had a short but entertaining Dolphin show.

How cool is this???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And spotted a young sea turtle.  There was a dredging operation that had to be avoided in Apalachicola Bay and some racing boats practicing as I approached St. Andrew Sound.

One advantage to having the van handy is Trick and I drove into town for Mexican food.  Good dinner and great service.  Then we were treated to a show back at the marina when a Dinner Cruise Ship came in to drop off their passengers.

I am off to Ft Walton Beach in the morning and then to Mobil AL.  I hear the weather in Minnesota is a bit cold so maybe I will slow down a little.