January 2024
December 30, 2023
Leaving Turner Marina after 39 days here. We had to rush off the dock this morning due to low tide. Once low tide happens, we are stuck in the mud until the tides starts rising. Low tide was 11:42 am. We left at 8:00 am but still struggled to leave.
As we went under the Dog River Bridge we passed a fishing boat, surrounded by pelicans.
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW)
As we entered the GIWW, dolphins greeted us but we were so busy watching for day markers and buoys we did not get any video. We passed Jimmy Buffet's sister's restaurant, LULU's, Tacky Jacks, a random phone booth, 2 bridges and beach houses.
As we headed into Wolf Bay near Gulf Shores, AL to anchor for the night, dolphins followed us into the bay. We ended the day with an amazing sunset.
New Year's Eve 2023
Well, this has been a day! Last night it started to get cold so Kim started the generator. And restarted the generator. Again restarted the generator. Nothing! So, with it being late we went to bed in 32 degree weather. Thankfully we have a stock pile of blankets on the boat and yes, they were all on top of us!
Woke up to seeing our breathe in the boat and Kim tearing apart the generator. By 10:00 am he had it fixed and we were ready to pull up anchor. Dolphins greeted us as we left our anchorage. Our plan was to go to Fort McRee to anchor, look for manatees and walk the beach. (Saw paddle boarders who must be from Michigan). However, that anchorage was being filled in by a dredge barge operator (not sure their title). So sad that we could not see manatees but we did find a great anchorage in English Navy Cove outside of Pensacola, FL. fireworks begin at 9:00 pm. Happy New Year everyone!
January 1, 2024
ARE WE REALLY GOING TO GO OUT INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO! ARE WE CRAZY!!!
Ok, I need to bring it down a little bit. Let me explain how the morning began. Slept awesome on the hook. Gorgeous sunrise. Dolphins swimming around us as we got ready to leave. Kim plotted the trip to Destin, FL in Navionics the night before and we were ready for our day.
We crossed Pensacola Bay to head out onto the Gulf of Mexico. As we turned to go out, this is what we saw... a dredge across what seemed like the entire inlet. I am on the radio trying to hail the dredge operator. No response. Then I hailed one of the tugs but could not understand him. We decided to go for it and figured someone will yell at us via radio if we are in their way.
We head out on to the Gulf with rolling 3-5 foot waves. Life jackets immediately go on! That is when we discovered that the route Kim had plotted was using the GIWW not the Gulf. We could not go down the GIWW due to low bridges. Plan B. We head out to a good depth and turn to travel along the coast. Waves sit down and sun is out. I slowly relax and we settle into the day. The water was very similar to Lake Michigan with 1'-2' footers. 7 knots of wind, just enough to pull out the sails. Then the dolphins came!
I was able to chat with the Ronnie Murph briefly to establish the rules of the sea. Basically stay out of his way.
We reached Destin, FL. WOW! If you have never been there, let me give you my impression of it. Saugatuck, Wisconsin Dells and Miami on steroids! We currently are anchored next to an abandoned houseboat. 16 knot winds is blowing us around. In the picture, we are the black dot and the anchor is 50 feet away.
Probably a long night!
I grab a quick video of Destin as we left in the morning.
Anchor chart
1/2/24
We weaved our way out of Destin and headed back for day 2 on the Gulf of Mexico. Winds were blowing 16 knots. We put up the main sail and the jib but it proved to be too much sail so we brought the jib in and the ride became more comfortable. The gulf was flat and calm. We motor sailed for 7 and a half hours to Panama City, FL. It was in the 40s and cold so did not spend too much time looking for dolphins. Kim did get a good picture of one dolphin who graced our bow.
We are docked at Emerald Harbor Marina with a unique way of getting off the boat.
1/3/24
Woke up to a rainy cold day. We haven't been off the boat for 4 days so cold and rain did not stop of us from grabbing an Uber and heading into Pier Park. Crowds were down so we were able to do some shopping, walk the beach, and have lunch. (Kim found a sign that will go in the Swamp Bar)
Later we provisioned with groceries and more wine. Back to the boat to do laundry and do some NYU work.
I am so blessed to have a washer/dryer unit on board!
1/4/24
Left Panama City to enter the Gulf of Mexico for the 3rd time. Today they were predicting 2 footers which is nothing for a sailboat with 12 knot winds. We only had 19 miles to go once we got on the gulf to the entrance of the inlet to Port Saint Joe. Yahoo!!!!! In before sunset for once.
Yes, my children, I wear my life jacket on the open seas!
I tried to get video of the jets going over us from Tyndall AFB but they rarely dropped low enough in the sky to film them.
We reached the inlet to Port Saint Joe at 1:00 pm. I was stoked! We would be like power boaters and get in before sunset. Usually we are dragging into marinas at almost dark.
Pelicans are everywhere!
We started down the channel and it took about an hour. I was still thinking it was still ok then came the time change! Yet, we crossed into Eastern Standard Time. We got into our dockage at 3:30 pm. UGH! Oh well, this marina is awesome. Brand new since it was wiped out from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Nicest place we have stayed yet!
1/5/24
We are definitely not moving today or tomorrow. High winds, storms coming in. We look at about 5 different sites to determine if we head out or not. This is a great one we use. As you can see, things out there on the gulf are not looking good.
On a lay day we do boat chores. Laundry, cleaning, provision. Kim's idea of provisioning is...
Port Saint Joe has a great downtown. Shops and a lot of restaurants. Kim found the rigger store, Ace hardware while I went to Piggly Wiggly for a few groceries we did not get in Panama City. Met more loopers.
One random picture from downtown.
1/6/24-Saturday
What a night we had. Woke up to howling winds at 1:00 am followed by heavy rain. The boat had 5 lines to secure it to the dock on the port side but I was not sure they would hold us. Kim saw 40 knot winds at one point. There were 2 foot waves inside the marina. After what seemed an eternity, the wind seem to calm down. Within minutes it had shifted to the back of us and started howling again. We were up for most of the night constantly watching out the windows to make sure we were secure.
As the sun rose, the winds had calmed down and it was a beautiful day.
We walked a couple of miles, sat on the beach, went to the farmers market, did some boat projects and enjoyed the day.
Still evidence of Hurricane Michael from 2018.
Tuesday, 1/9/24
We have been here in Port St. Joe a long time due to weather. Well, it came in last night and we found ourselves in the marina building due to a tornado warning this morning. Winds were intense and gusts up to 40 mph. They were predicting 62 mph. I lost count after 17 of how many tornadoes touched down around us. Other loopers joined us in the building to wait until the storm passed. A storm surge raised our boat 3 feet so getting back on the boat was a challenge.
1/11/24
Still in Port St. Joe. Another weather system coming tomorrow with high winds and possible tornadoes. UGH! Hope to leave Sunday. Weather window for next week looks much better. So will we wait, took some random pictures.
What we thought was a fish market turned out to be a food pantry. We definitely looked out of place as we went in looking to buy fish.
Went out for wings and beer at The Brick Wall with fellow loopers. Love the boating community!
1/11/24
Who runs into a former student on the Great Loop? TJ Simmons, one of my 8th grade students in 2010.
Docktails!
Michigan is represented at The Brick Wall!
What to do on a boat on another rainy, windy day??? Currently we have these conditions:
Hope to get off the boat before dark to get some exercise! We have organized, worked, watched random youtube videos and someone even took a nap!
Quick trip into town.
1/13/24. Last day here in this amazing marina and town. Another high wind day and cold. It is now 8:00 pm and I'm tired, ready for bed. I am sick of the winds keeping me up all night and the cold. I'm in frickin Florida in January! Why is it so COLD!
We plan to leave at sunrise tomorrow for Tarpon Springs, FL. We will be crossing the Gulf of Mexico for 2 days solid. We are prepped and ready. I will keep you posted as we take on this next challenge.
1/14/24 What started out to be a great day of crossing the gulf changed. We left on a high note.
Plans changes
As we left Port St. Joe inlet I was nervous but feeling okay with the daunting task ahead. The weather apps we checked said 1.3 foot waves, 5-7 knot winds. Knowing we would be motoring, I felt I could manage the 29 hours straight. As we rounded Cape San Blas, the wind increased as did the waves. Our wind indicator decided not to work at that moment so we could not tell how heavy the winds were. Possibly 15-20. It was uncomfortable! The waves were short and choppy building to 3 footers. I know what all our sailing friends are thinking, 'what's the problem?' I realized that I was not ready to do an over night crossing without seeing land. Yep, Kim wasn't happy but he changed course and we are now anchored at Dog Island. At the start of this trip we had so many obstacles in our way of leaving that we started saying every night 3 good things for the day. For today, 1) we are safe. 2) Kim may not be happy but I know he loves me 3) We have wine!
Carrabelle, FL
I would really recommend a trip to this small town if traveling through. Found the world's smallest police station, Harry's Bar, abandoned boats in the harbor and really. nice people.
1/18-19/24. Tarpon Springs, FL
Can I say Manatees???!!!!!
Tarpon Springs was a Greek Town that specialized in harvesting sponges. The Greek influence is obvious in the restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
And Pelicans!!! In trees, on posts, on boats! I have to admit, that they scare me with their stare! They dare you to pass by them on the docks.
1/20/24 Saturday
Still in Tarpon Springs, FL. Waiting for a new weather window. So the day consisted of a 3.0 mile round trip walk to West Marine on a brisk, sunny but cold morning. Once back, boat projects began. As always a 15 minute job turned into 3 hours. However, new rope clutches were installed.
Had a late lunch and early dinner but past some sponge boats decorated to celebrate 100 years since first sponge harvest.
Another Greek dinner! OPA!
Ended our evening doing a Zoom class on Fantasy Mapping about our trip. When we get the map done, I will post. Thank you Nikki and Nick for the experience!
1/21-1/22
Still in Tarpon Springs. Waves and wind are starting to subside. Maybe leaving tomorrow. More boat projects getting done and lots of walking. We actually got in 20,000 steps yesterday! The things you see on long walks. Lures, wood and line in power lines. Random bird statues.
Ended the day with dinner and the Lions.
Went back to check on the manatees. Dropped Kim off at husband daycare.
1/23/24 - Finally! A weather window! We left Tarpon Springs, FL at sunrise and headed back on the Gulf to St. Pete. 1-2 footers greeted us and GRAB POTS! Everywhere! These miserable little things were EVERYWHERE!
Tied on the transient dock in front of another sailboat from Holland, MI. Will try and connect tomorrow. Dinner and music at Doc Ford's then to bed. Also, marina has an airport right out front for small planes.
The Gulf of Mexico water is very green here and we are still greeted by dolphins. We saw freighters and coast guard ships along the way.
The Sunshine Causeway bridge finally came into site. Only 2 more hours to the marina.
1/24/24 Wednesday
Woke up to warm weather at low tide. Kim washed the boat while I did some NYU work. Once the tide came up I could get off the boat. Enjoyed walking to the Post Office, going in shops, walking on the St. Pete Pier, watching small planes take off and sitting in the sun. We found a bar by the bay for lunch and sat IN THE SUN! In the evening we found Ford's Garage for burgers. Unique bathroom. Then back to the boat for music and wine.
1/25/24 Thursday
Our last day in St. Pete. So sad! Once the tide rose enough for me to get off the boat, we went to the Dali Museum. I have to be honest here. Never heard of Salvador Dali, the artist. Yes, I took Art Appreciation in my undergrad at GVSU but do not remember this person. We went to the 360 degree Dali experience which was AMAZING! They took pieces of his work and brought them to life. Loved it! Highly recommend this museum. There was a photo booth that you could create a painting out of a selfie.
Followed up with lunch at The Hanger. Thanks to Katie's friend Leana, who recommended this place, we had lunch surrounded by small aircraft taking off and landing. Kim was in heaven!
Passed by a dog photo shoot.
We ended our evening where we started at the Doc Ford restaurant for dinner and music on Tampa Bay.
We left St. Pete at 8:00 am. We saw two shrimp boats and a crab boat along the way. The plan was that we would be in at Sarasota, FL by 4:00 pm. We found an anchorage where fellow Loopers were already anchored and planned to reconnect. (Frost Free).
Kim had a plan B just in case the Sarasota entrance was too shallow for us to get in. And at 3:00 pm we found out that we could not get in. We lightly hit ground and Kim backed us out of that situation quickly.
The Gulf was still 1 footers or less and the winds were at 15 knots. Other than crab pots, we had no obstacles in our way and headed south to Venice, FL.
We called ahead to Venice for a slip since there is not any anchoring opportunities. We got the last slip available at The Crow's Nest Marina! We entered the jetty and it was lined with people watching boats come and go. We tied up and will settle in for 3 nights to wait out a weather system coming in tomorrow.
1/27/24 - Started our day with a walk on the beach then off to town to the farmer's market. Awesome farmer's market. It was about a mile long and had two sides to walk through.
Found an old crab pot washed up on the beach.
Kim finished the wash down pump for the anchor after our 6 mile walk. Dinner at the Crow's Nest Tavern and then off to the jetty to watch the sunset. Nice day!
Sunday 1/28
Very windy day. Kim's sister and brother-in-law, Patti and Phil, happen to be in Sarasota so they came over for the afternoon. (Phil's first ever selfie)
And Kim finished his 2nd boat project list!
Monday, 1/29/24
I think this is our last day here in Venice, FL. We had a horrible night last night with wind gust of 25-30 knots and waves going down the jetty also making us rock and roll. Cold front came through so we are now in the 50's. Finally got to sleep at 2:00 am with TV on to help block out the noise of fenders rubbing, lines squeaking and waves lapping at the hull. 7:00 am, Amber Alert alarm goes off and we are up!
After 2 cups of coffee and showers we walked 2.5 miles to Publix for groceries and Ubered it back to the marina with Vamir. Then laundry, work on the water maker, NYU work and put together Chili for dinner. Winds are still gusting at 25 knots, making the boat uncomfortable.
At 2:00ish Kim needs more tools from Ace Hardware so we walk another 4 mile round trip. I'm tired!!! We did 8.5 miles today!
Last evening at the Jetty. This guy has been watching over us or watching for fish since we got here. I asked some kids net cast fishing if I could film them and then we watched surfers trying to catch the waves as the sun went down.
1/30/24- Tuesday
(I have to put the date and day so I know)
We left The Crow's Nest this morning at 8:30 am after hot showers. We were able to travel the ICW, finally! We had 5 bridges to request openings but all worked out well. Shallow waters, so depth alarm went off most of the way. Saw a crab pot boat picking up crab and a car ferry.
We were able to anchor in Pelican Bay, Cape Haze early and enjoyed the sun! Loved watching the boats pass by our anchorage.
Frost Free was also here so chatted with them a bit. Dolphins seem to be always present.
1/31/24 Wednesday
Slept amazing! Light breeze but nothing compare to the last two nights! Anchorage filled up with 5 other boats but plenty of room. Frost Free (Gary, Belinda and Ralph) invited us to go for a dingy ride to a small park in the mangroves and a canal with million dollar homes. I did find my next home but convincing Kim to sell the boat, the house, the slip at home and all our children might take some talking!
2/1/24 - Thursday
Left our anchorage around 9:30 am to get to the swing bridge by 10:00 am. Our first swing bridge. We spent 4 hours motoring to our new anchorage, right outside Sanibel Island. Got a few pictures but not a lot.
