Bye,Bye Appalachicola

Appalachicola Bridge Entering Gulf
After a perfect Christmas season filled with our two amazing daughters, our wonderful grandchildren, lots of food, great gifts and just enough snow for our 2 Georgia boys to learn how to make snowmen, we departed for the warmer climes to ring in the New Year with Mom,Dad,David and Julie. We enjoyed the Naples time with eveyone, but needed to get back to Panama City in order to continue our cruise south.

Sunrise As We Depart Appalachicola
We departed Panama City on Jan. 5 and after a pleasant cruise arrived 5 hours later in Appalach as the locals call it. Capt. John and I really enjoyed our time in this small town. It sits at the confluence of river and sea on the Forgotten Coast along Florida's panhandle. The bay produces 90 percent of Florida's oysters and as both Capt. John and I consider ourselves oyster lovers -well what else can we say.
We waited at Appalach for almost a week for a weather window to cross the Gulf. While we waited we consumed more shrimp and oysters than we thought humanly possible. We crossed the Gulf on the 12. Suffice it to say that the predicted 2-3 ft. waves actually became 3-4-5ft waves as we were 75miles from land for about 7 hours. Altogether it took us about 10hours to cross and we actually learned that we don't like 5 ft. waves and we will never again on purpose do 5 ft. waves! But we ultimately learned that everything worked on the boat and ginger snaps are a necessity when cruising off shore. We docked at Clearwater Municipal Marina which was within walking distance of Clearwater Beach and visited Tarpon Springs where Capt. John was obliged to accept a Greek fishermans cap to complete his new look (photo may be forthcoming if I can sneak a shot). We proceeded to Bradenton Beach via the intercoastal and to Venice via the Gulf. The weather has been getting progressively warmer and sunnier and life is good. We have been meeting up with many friends and other loopers along the way. Tomorrow we say good-bye to Venice,another very nice artsy little city, and cruise to Burnt Store Marina where we will meet up with several other close sun, fun and water loving friends.

Appalach Marsh -View From Boat Window