Our Nauti Time on the Great Loop

Sunday, November 28, 2021 (Anchorage at Dog Island - Cross the Gulf of Mexico) Neither one of us slept at all.  This is mainly because it was the first time we anchored in open water and the anchor released a bit so we moved about 30 feet.  The first communication on the VHF was at 6 a.m. basically to confirm that anchor up was at 6:30.  Onward…   The water is relatively calm with 1-2 foot swells.  “Our Nauti Time” is handling it like she knows what she’s doing.  By the way, the windless brought that anchor up with no problems.  It’s pretty slow going at first because it was pitch black outside and needed to be sure that everyone is in the channel. Then it’s suddenly 50 feet of water.  The boats start to spread out and get into the speed that they are comfortable with but can still see each other’s lights.  As the sun came up and we were able to see it was amazing to realize that we are on a huge body of water.  We were prepared to have ...

Friday - Saturday, November 26-27, 2021 (Carrabell, FL - Dog Island Anchorage) The best advice I would give to a new looper is that you must stay fluid as plans can change quickly.  You may start at Plan A and actually end up at Plan F.  LOL!!!  Friday morning Jim is reaching out several times to the captain that we hired.  He finally returned the communication but was less than encouraging about going across the gulf with us.  After I point blank told him that I clearly didn’t think he wanted to go with us, his words were: “I don’t want to take your money”.  OMG!!!! What a bunch of shit…. So we told him to take a hike………. We start Plan B and talk to other loopers.  At first we thought we would travel with several other boats to cross the long way across the gulf going faster.  However, their time frame didn’t set well with us as they may or may not make it before the sun sets.   Well then let’s talk about Plan C!!!!  Remember we origina...

Thursday, November 25, 2021 (Water Front Marina, Apalachicola, FL - Morrings Marina, Carrabel, FL) HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! As I start to think about the day, it dawns on me that it really is Thanksgiving.  Not only am I not with family but I know that we won’t be involved with anything traditional.  However, we are having the time of our life and sometimes you just need to give up something….. Onward…… It’s a beautiful sunny day as we leave the Water Front Marina. Entering the Apalachicola Bay reminds us of the gulf.  We are traveling solo and are the only boat out in a vast amount of water.  But let’s bring this into perspective as we aren’t even in the Gulf of Mexico nor are we actually in the ocean.  Just think of what that is going to look like!!!!  Yikes!!!  Today it’s all about red and green buoys and making sure you are between them.  Also they are not always across from each other.  So Jim and I tag team making  sure we are in the ...

Wednesday, November 24, 2021 (Water Street Hotel and Marina - Apalachicola, FL  ) I finally realized that what I saw in the water yesterday was a Manatee. I wish that I could have captured a better picture. This is a small town with a Piggly Wiggly for shopping.  However we did walk around and found that the Main Street was very quaint.  We basically just did some nasty cleaning of the “grey” boxes on the boat.  For those of you who may not be aware of what a “grey” box is, it is where the shower and sinks drain into a filter.  Yes, you can just imagine what I found doing this….  However the drains are running very fast now.  LOL!!!! We reached out to Karisma to hopefully make dinner plans.  What started out as a party of 4 turned into a party of 10.  Several of the looper partners that we have been with for some time joined us, as well as some new loopers that Karisma knew.  Amazingly, we found a wonderful restaurant WITHOUT fried food....

Tuesday, November 23, 2021 (Panama City - Apalachicola, FL) I hate to leave that pirate ship. LOL!!!  Onward to Apalachicola which will probably take about 8 hours.  Jim has been trying to pronounce Apalachicola for weeks now and he continues to butcher it.  LOL!!!  Can you say it properly?  I just can’t get tired of watching the sun shine off of the water.  But it’s a chilly day and will only reach 60. By the time we got out of the harbor and into East Bay there were 10 loopers in total.  We are all focusing on our last really long journey which is crossing the Gulf of Mexico.  We have been in contact with the Captain that will cross with us and as soon as there is a good weather window we will cross.  As of now, we may start our 18 hour journey either Friday or Saturday.  Plus we finally have the BEST news!!!  As soon as we cross the Gulf, we will arrive in Tarpon Springs,  FL, where the boat will be lifted and the bow thrust...

  Saturday - Monday, November 20-22, 2021 (Lighthouse Marina, Panama City, FL) We are on our way to Panama City, FL with one other looper, Thistle.  It was a 7 hour day when the ICW at times resembled a narrow river with sand beaches.  It is such a treat to see the dolphins on the side of the boat. We have kept our eyes on the banks of the water for gaters but haven’t sighted any for some time. Wouldn’t you love to know the stories behind so many beached boats?  Were they tied up originally, then a storm or hurricane came in and the owners didn’t have time to do anything about securing the vessel.  And why are the boats still on dry land?  It sometimes appears that the owners have just abandoned their responsibility because the boat is basically destroyed.  Or is it an insurance issue?  We do know that some insurance companies do not provide coverage during hurricane season.  I want answers, LOL!!!! We are getting closer to Panama City as we ...

Thursday -    Friday, November 18-19, 2021 (Harborwalk Marina, Destin, FL) We are winding down our extended stay in Destin and have really enjoyed exploring the area by walking and Uber.  Late afternoon as the fishing charters come in we watch them display their catch then prepare the fish for the travelers.  Red snapper seemed to be the most caught fish.  Just some fun pictures. We are preparing for the gulf crossing and have hired a Captain to cross with us.  After talking to more then one Captain we felt comfortable with our selection.  However Jim felt that we needed wet suits, just in case! So here he is showing off.  And he didn’t even buy this one.  LOL!!! Margaritaville never disappoints…… This is our view from the bridge as the sun sets.  I’ll take this view any day. Our friends from Thistle, Doug and Shari Huyser, arrived at Harborwalk and we ventured out for some drinks and dinner.  It was good to see them as it has been ...