New Orleans to Port St. Joe - Nov 2010 - Part I

New Orleans to Port St. Joe – Nov 2010 – Part I

Thursday 11/4/2010
After two weeks of preparation, we finally headed out on Saturday 10/30/10 at 10:00 a.m. from South Shore Marina in New Orleans for a several week coastal cruising trip. Last year we had anchored off the MS barrier islands (Cat, Ship, Horn and Petit Bois), Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay, then passed into the Alabama Canal (ICW inland), anchored in Ingram Bayou, and spent some time at Bear Point Marina during a spell of bad weather. It was our final destination before turning back. We were so enchanted with the prettiness of the Canal and the surrounding areas and communities that Capt. Mike and I, Gina, determined to return, plus go beyond. See the 2009 travel logs for more information on that trip.

http://sailgulfcoast.blogspot.com/2009/06/la-ms-al-trip-may-june-09-part-i.html
http://sailgulfcoast.blogspot.com/2009/06/la-ms-al-trip-may-june-09-part-ii.html
http://sailgulfcoast.blogspot.com/2009/07/la-ms-al-trip-may-june-09-part-iii.html
http://sailgulfcoast.blogspot.com/2009/07/la-ms-al-trip-may-june-09-part-iv.html

Briefly, our trajectory so far has been:

Sat 10/30. New Orleans to the western, southern tip of Cat Island. Had to motor because the wind was on our nose out of the East at 5-10 kts. Got there in approx. 9 hrs., anchored outside the shoal area that surrounds the Island. We used our main Delta anchor, plus a stern Fortress, and raised the mizzen sail to better balance Talisman. We barely had time to make a meal, take a shower, and tuck in for the night.

Sun 10/31. We left just after 8 am, from Cat Is. to Petit Bois Is., the last MS Island just before Dauphin Is., AL. We sailed south of the islands, out in the Gulf, to make better time. We sailed some and then motored some. The pass between Horn Is. and Petit Bois took us to an anchorage with a splendid sunset on the north side to protect from southerly but medium winds.

Mon 11/1. Weather reports were warning of bad weather headed our way. We had to motor all the way, passing Dauphin Is., crossing Mobile Bay, and reaching Ingram Bayou on the AL Canal. It’s not just attractive but also offers great protection on all sides. We anchored planned for the next few days throughout which bad weather would turn into worse. We would have to find a marina to ride out the weather.

Thu 11/4. This year we planned to add on Perdido Key, Big Lagoon, Pensacola, Destin/Ft. Walton, Panama City and Port St. Joe. That’s the plan; reality is another matter. For now we’re holed up at Holiday Harbor Marina on Perdido Key for a few days while a low pressure area with heavy rains followed by a cold front with gale force winds play out. For the next few days the winds will be out of the North at 25-30 knots with gusts up to 35 for today, but increasing tomorrow. The idea of anchoring in Big Lagoon, where the spots are on the south side, or crossing the shallow Pensacola Bay to reach another marina is not attractive. But we will watch out for the weather throughout the next few days, looking for a window of opportunity.

We heard from the harbormaster of Palafox Marina, downtown Pensacola, that there would be a festival there this weekend. So, we’re raring to go. Let’s see if the weather cooperates.