New Orleans to Florida I

Mon 10/29/2012 We moved all the essentials onto AVENTURA and hunkered down in our marina for the night given heavy winds, choppy waters and cold weather that made us rethink when to depart. Good thing because we had a lovely evening/meal with our good friend George, our neighbor at the dock and proud Catamaran owner to boot. He lavished us with steaks for dinner and we shared wine plus great conversation until late.

Tue 10/30/2012 From Lake Pontchartrain we traveled through the Rigolets and out into the Gulf of Mexico's Mississippi Sound (ICW - Intercoastal Waterway)to the first island we could safely anchor at. Leaving at 8:45 a.m. we were able to drop the hook at Cat Is., MS near its northeastern edge (30 degrees 14.305 min N, 89 deg 03.816 min W) by 6:30 p.m.,in time for sunset. We had traveled 60 NM at speeds that sometimes reached 8 knots. Good speed, but we also had help from the following seas.

Wed 10/31/2012 Eager to move on, we pulled out before 8:00 a.m., hoping to reach Mobile Bay before evening. We chose to move outside the barrier islands of MS, out in the Gulf, in order to make better time. Of course, being out in the open Gulf in unprotected waters meant choppier seas. Once we got to the shipping lane between Dolphin Is. and Ft. Morgan, we headed into Mobile Bay. The winds and waves were increasing. We were carried by 14 knot winds. Overnighting in Mobile Bay did not seem a good option. So, we decided to continue our course and find protection within the Alabama Canal (ICW) which cuts through land between Mobile Bay and Pensacola Bay. By 9:00 p.m. we were anchored at Wolf Bay. In case you are considering a run like that (13 hrs), keep in mind that Mobile Bay is not lighted, and the Alabama Canal does have lighting but not consistently. We used flashlights to spot the unlighted markers and kept in line with the NOAA chart. Furthermore, we had help from the full moon. Wolf Bay proved to be an idealistic place to relax and recharge. A great way to spend Halloween! Anchorage: 30 deg 19.012 min N, 87 deg 35.430 min W.

 Thu 11/1/2012 We stayed anchored in Wolf Bay for a second night in order to enjoy a day of R&R. Relaxing, rowing around the Bay, enjoying a good nap and meals was the purpose. The only setback was when we took the dinghy out again. The idea was to go further in our exploration of the surroundings, therefore needing to use the motor. That only worked for all of 10 min. I'm confident Capt. Mike will figure out the problem and resolve it. Not withstanding the small inconvenience, this was an almost perfect day.

 Fri 11/2/202 We left around 9:00 a.m. for the 25 NM run to Pensacola Bay and Palafox Marina where we planned to spend a few nights. We had happened once before on the arts & crafts festival that takes place 5 blocks away at this time every year. And we wanted to enjoy it again. Plus our good friend Margie will be rendezvousing with us here for a couple of days on the boat, festival and all. We took our time traveling the Alabama Canal with its many attractive communities, crossing Perdido Bay and Big Lagoon on our way to Pensacola Bay. The weather was beautiful. Fishing, motor and sailing boats were out and about. People were flocking to the many beach fronts. Palafox Marina is a great marina with modern facilities and really good service. And a superb location downtown Pensacola and close to the Seville Park/quaint area which hosts the festival and attracts visitors. We arrived at Palafox at 1:30 p.m. and have been enjoying the marina's amenities throughout the afternoon, plus dinner at Jaco's overlooking the marina. It doesn't get better than this.