February 12th

Feb 12^th, 2015.  Up at 5:10, motors started 5:40, away from the dock at 6:05.  

Beautiful morning, calm winds, favorable current most of the day!  The sunrise was awesome!  

Lots of stuff to see

Dolphins played in the wake off and on throughout the trip.  

After I had gone through the “Grand Canyon” (am 18 mile stretch of man-made canal) 

and entered “West Bay” of Panama City Harbor I notice a Florida Water Patrol boat checking up on some fishing boats.  Then they chased me down and asked for my registration.  

They were confused when I told them the boat was documented with the U.S. Coast Guard and thus no state registration was required.  They did not buy my explanation and called it in to have my story checked out.  In the meantime, the younger of the two “officers” boarded my boat for a “Safety Check”.  It could have been done without boarding me but I wanted to get out of there as soon as possible so I welcomed him aboard and gave him a quick tour.  The other officer got word back from somewhere that in fact MN does not require boats to be registered when they are documented with the USCG.  So off they went..

Panama City Harbor served as a good seat for an air show.

More Dolphins!

Came across a tug hauling dredging equipment in a very narrow part of the ICW that was a little precarious getting around.  

Now in the eastern time zone.

When I left the Port St. Joe channel and entered St. Joseph Bay, the NW winds had stirred things up to a moderate chop so I bounced around getting over to the Port St. Joe marina.  I tried the marina on the radio and by phone but no answer.  The wind was blowing pretty strong but it worked out fine as I had the wind to my stern as I pulled alongside a nice long dock.  One of the other cruisers got out of his boat and gave me a hand.  It is supposed to get real windy later tonight so I have six lines out (over kill for sure but I like the security to allow me to sleep at night).  Dean, the marina manager showed up and welcomed me to make sure I was all good.  I had to wash the boat down as it was splashed pretty good with salt water coming across St. Joseph Bay.  Veggie burger for dinner and going to hit the sack early….I am bushed!