#16 Nov.13 - 23rd

We left you with our arrival in Fairhope, Alabama. Eastern Shore Marina. The folks there were more than pleasant and helpful. A good thing when you plan to be there for a week.  It is very much a working maintenance yard in addition to a stopping off spot for many Loopers arriving in Mobile Bay before heading East along the Panhandle. There is a courtesy van we took advantage of - then it quit on us, overheated and we had to be rescued. Ha!  We used our time there changing oil and checking fluids in Transmission, Engine and Generator, laundry shopping and errands. Then shared a rental car with Tom and Coletta from Greeks  Folly to do sight seeing. The most disconcerting issue was the weather.  At least 3 days and nights were in the 20's. Everyone was freezing and running heaters.  Subsequently the electrical system at the Marina suffered.  The current coming in to the boat should be 120 but it fluctuated between 104 - 109; at one point it was registering only 100.9. Yikes! Using such low wattage can ruin motors in appliances.  We shut off all systems to the boat accept one outlet to which we plugged in a little $18 space heater which we placed in our forward berth to keep it tolerable to sleep at night.

One of our excursions was to visit the Battleship Alabama in Mobile

Lots of obsolete military planes and machines on site

Great traveling companions and friends, Tom and Colletta Kataras

 We toured downtown Fairhope and enjoyed their 'millions of lights' Christmas decor.  Every tree on main was covered completely in lights.  The best part about the evening was a visit to the Chocolatier. Decadent!

Sunset over the channel entrance the night before our departure. 

We stopped along the way at LuLu's, Jimmy Buffet's sister's restaurant for lunch. In season this place must be hoppin.  They have a huge sand beach, volleyball, rope climbing maze, outdoor bars.

More Looper friends caught our lines as we docked and we shared Lunch, Dan and Angie Frick

Our next stop was Orange Beach, Alabama. Now we are in Dolphin territory. Many visits as we make our way across the Panhandle.

All along we have encountered Military installations and vessels. Here is a very strange looking craft that is anchored in the Bay across from Panama City. Sure would like to know what it is used for.

 11/19 we stayed at the Wharf Marina Resort complex in Orange Beach, Condos, Pool, Shops, Water Park, totally complete facility. On the 20th we left there at 0800 and at 0930 we entered Florida and made our way to Fort Walton Beach where we found the City Free Dock.  Free is always nice! And the burgers were great at KC's.
11/21 69 miles to go today, a long 8 hour day to Panama City.  We are greatful to be this far as the weather is turning dirty.  High winds and thunderstorms in the forecast.
11/22 we deploy the Bicycles and head for the boat store; need a fitting to fix a mirror to see behind us when traveling down the canals. Sometimes boats approach very fast and their wakes can throw you into a deep wallowing situation that is not comfortable and things go flying around.  We also found a grand opening of a guys favorite store - - Harbor Freight!
Although the day was overcast and misting we managed to stay fairly dry. The temps have increased to a comfortable 60+ degrees but the winds and skies are angry.

We had to stop here for lunch - Tom's Hot Dogs

 11/23 We are still here in Panama City - - our next stop is Appalachiacola and then Carrabelle. Both of those villages are chock full of Loopers waiting to cross the Big Bend of Florida. So if we leave there may not be a place for us. Lots of places to anchor but the winds are too strong 25 and 30 to comfortably be anchored for perhaps a week or more before Mother Nature calms the seas enough to make the crossing.  We plan to do the shorter run to Steinhatchee, some 70 miles.

Had this visitor for about 3 hours last night. To windy to fly! 

11/23  This is what  we are seeing right now. This will pass in an hour or so then tonight another front is passing through. 

After these storms there will be a few days of calm and we will be on the move again. All is well.