Panama City, Appalachicola & Carrabelle

11/28/2018

This last week has been filled with the reality and wrath of what a hurricane can do. After Griff left last Saturday, we got back on the water again and headed down the ICW to Panama City. We knew from the news reports and from Loopers that had gone before us, that the destruction was pervasive in the big bend area. They were right. Our hearts just ached for the people of these communities as we motored by witnessing Michael's catastrophic path.
There are very few marina's open in this area and those that are, are limited in both slips and services. Between our desire to get to Carrabelle to get staged for the Gulf crossing and the conditions of this area, we moved thru quickly and got to Carrabelle on Tuesday morning.
Below are photos from the water as we passed thru Panama City, St. Andrews Bay, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe.

Our thoughts and prayers are with these communities as they rebuild and repair.

Tomorrow morning has been designated a "good" day to cross the gulf. We are leaving from Carrabelle and crossing over to Clearwater. It will be 180 miles in open water. We are praying that the waves, wind and weather cooperate and we have a mellow crossing.
More later~

6 Comments

Paul Moe

11/28/2018 04:49:27 pm

Love being able to follow along with you!! The big crossing will be exciting!! Will you be crossing with other loopers?

Sue

11/30/2018 03:04:40 am

Morning Paul! Yes we crossed with some folks from WI. They pulled in the Carrabelle marina at 4:30pm on Wed.We were introduced to them by another looper . They are in 33 ft. Larson. They were the only other "go fast" boat crossing on Thursday. They rode our prop spray the whole ride over. It got very rough. Happy we are here!

Dave Block

11/29/2018 05:02:21 am

Ahoy Tom and Sue
How are you enjoying our balmy Florida weather?Have a safe voyage across the gulf. Wave when you go by Cedar Key. Pat and I are in Cedar Key for a pirate fest. Keep a sharp eye for roaming vessels on the high sea.
Fair winds and following Seas
Dave

Sue

11/30/2018 03:05:52 am

Thanks Uncle Dave!

Jacklyn Carlson link

12/1/2018 07:00:02 pm

We couldn’t have felt more blessed to do the crossing with you! Thank you and Bella for the companionship and swift cruise on the Gulf Crossing. If it wasn’t for you we likely would not have made it across. Ps- My husband and kiddos thank you for the bow goodies Thursday morning. Xoxo!

Sue

12/2/2018 03:27:29 pm

It was a pleasure to meet you, your dad and kids. Glad that it worked for us to cross together. Looking forward to seeing you as we all Loop!

Tom & Sue Slightam

Read along as we circumnavigate the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada on the Great Loop on our boat BELLA, a Cruiser 460 Express.

Ticket To Ride