From Apalachicola, we headed back to St. Joseph Bay via the inland Intercoastal Waterway (ICW). As Mike slowly pulled out from Apalachicola Marina, I took pictures of the town's wharfs, buildings, boats and river traffic to illustrate what this area of "Old Florida" is about. The ICW was its usual enchanting self with wilderness all around and an occasional vessel meandering through or fishermen stalking their prey. White City was again a nice stop-over. We met trawlers heading for the western coast of Florida both going and coming back from Apalachicola. They all have interesting tales of how, when, where and what it means to travel inland America and the coastal waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico and up the eastern seaboard.
White City is approximately 3 1/2 hrs. from Apalachicola and 1 1/2 hrs. from St. Joseph Bay motoring at 5.5 - 6.5 knots. Aside from good tie-up and depth, there's a clean bathroom and water. And a country store, namely the Wimico Country Store, about .5 mi. from the dock, and a sign that says "Beer, Bait and Ammo." That pretty much sums up priorities and perspectives for the region (author's opinion).
Early morning we witnessed the start of a fishermen's race. Then on to St. Andrew Bay, which was a day's journey. Once we crossed St. Joseph Bay and entered the Gulf, we motorsailed to the entrance of St. Andrew Bay with winds on the beam or aft quarter and clocking 6 - 7 knots. Nice weather invited us to anchor in Bunker's Cove, just east of the Panama City Marina. Location:
30 deg 8.406'N/85 deg 38.979'W. This is where some of the 1% live judging from their boats and homes. We got into the dinghy and motored/rowed around the get the lay of the land and then settled into a calm overnight.
We had hoped to explore another anchorage we've been wanting to try out, namely Smack Bayou, just across the way. But, alas, no water left in the tanks! There's always something happening to remind you that boats are like independent islands that require much work in keeping them afloat and functional, which includes the necessary power, water, food and other supplies, and the list goes on. So we headed for Panama City Marina. And that's where we are for a week because unkind weather has delayed a departure. For those occasions, shift into tourist mode and turn your vessel into the proverbial "cabin on the water." Besides, the Marina offers deals for weeklongs; so, ask.
What is there to do besides chores? Plenty. In terms of chores, the usual: laundry, cleaning, maintenance, use electricity and great Internet plus Cable, grocery, turning the cockpit into our back porch, checking in with other boaters, etc. In terms of what else:
- walks through the historic downtown and nearby neighborhoods
- buying fresh fish at a nearby fish market
- coffee and poking heads into small shops and bookstore
- take the special Panama City Bay Town Trolley to Panama City Beach and St. Andrew Marina/community
- bike
- eat a few meals out but also fix wholesome meals in
- enjoy our cabin on the water with cockpit/back porch and great sunsets
As one sailing acquaintance once said, "It's all good," meaning relax and make the best use of your time away. So, double click on the slideshow to get a better view. And, of course, stay tuned!
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