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

Wed 11/10/10. Pensacola was refreshing. After darkness, rain, wind and a general downer, we had a good time in Pensacola. Three days of sun and mild temperatures regenerated us. In addition, we happened on the Great Gulf Coast Art Festival, a yearly art market in Pensacola’s downtown that is very entertaining and chock full of good arts and crafts. Plus it was walking distance from Palafox Marina. The Marina is really first class, completely refurbished from the hurricanes that have plagued the Gulf Coast through 2005. Floating docks, lots of space to accommodate large Cats and trawlers, power up to 100 amps, the usual services plus cable at your slip, WiFi, and a restaurant with a great view of the harbor and outside bay. The only thing missing was a grocery nearby. You can get coffee, meals, museums and attractive walks in, but you would be hard pressed for groceries.

We decided to go out into the Gulf to reach Destin. Weather sources reported a N/NE 10 knot wind, good for motor sailing. But instead the wind ended up right on our nose, therefore (slower) motoring. Slow movement means we were able to appreciate the schools of Dolphins that seemed to accompany us along the way and an abundance of jellyfish (that explains the sting medication at all the ship stores). We even saw a stingray jump out of the water.

We would have anchored Gulf side, but the winds increased by the time we got to the Destin Pass. Luckily we had researched another option, which was to enter Destin Harbor. For a boat with a shorter mast, going under the Destin Bridge and into the Choctawhatchee Bay would have been another option. However, that was a no-no for us given that Talisman requires 49’ clearance and the Bridge only provides 48.9’. By the time we entered the Destin Pass it was quickly becoming dark. Depths became a real problem as soon as we turned toward the very narrow channel that leads into the Harbor. The depth sounder went off too many times, and visibility was almost nil, not to mention how confusing the markers were for a first time entry. Yet, somehow, we were able to see (Gina leaning as far forward as possible) what seemed like masts pointing to the sky. Next morning we were greeted by the vision of a calm and protective body of water, like a giant swimming pool. We were surrounded by 7 or 8 sailboats at safe distances. How pleasant and what a relief! Our position, in case: N 30° 23.412’ and W 86° 30.181’.

Again out in the Gulf and heading toward Panama City, we finally saw a sailboat moving parallel to us. At last, we commented, another sailboat going our way. Though we were both motorsailing into varying NE 6 mile winds, it quickly overtook us. As we entered St. Andrew Bay where Panama City is, there it was anchored in back of Shell Is.

One of the more attractive features of the large Bay is the amount of trees and other vegetation. After viewing the ever so Spartan beachfronts from Pensacola to the Panama City Pass, this was a nice view. We decided that next time we’d have to anchor at Shell Is. as well. This time, however, we went into Panama City Marina to use the services of the Marina and explore the old downtown which is just 1 block away. Marina staff is very welcoming and bend over backwards to please. Though older it has plenty of slips (240 in total) with some accommodating Cats and other large boats.

Downtown Panama City, at least the 10 blocks or so that we walked, are like a throw back to the 1970’s with some improvements. Panama City will not be high on our list for next time, unless we need a marina. The Bay is, however, because it is the next logical point between Destin and Port St. Joe, our ultimate destination.