Aventura Eastbound II

Thu 10/30 - Mon 11/3/14

Knowing that we would face strong winds on the nose and much wave action, we determined to set out at 7:00 a.m.  for Destin.  Usually an 8-9 hr. run on the outside, in the Gulf of Mexico. Of course, I couldn't sleep since I wanted to get up before boat preparations to do my yoga.  Weather predictions had underestimated conditions.  After 4 hrs. of 25 knt. winds on our forward quarter and 3 ft. waves, making only 4 - 4.2 knt. speed at best, we decided to turn back.  At that rate and discomfort we would have probably made it to Destin after dark, and would have had to start all over again slugging forward to St. Andrew's Bay (Panama City area) the next day.  Fall was up to its old tricks of warm and little wind, then cold and heightened wind.

Back to Palafox and enjoyable downtown Pensacola for long bike rides, Saturday Farmer's Market, meals and chores.  Good provisioning at Ever'man Grocery and Joe Patti's Seafood, both within 1 mi. of the Marina, easily done on bikes. Our outings took us to East Pensacola, which is quaint and different, and to the Bayou Chico area with its marinas.  Last sailing trip we had met a group of avid Catalina 22 sailors that rendezvous and caravan along the Gulf Coast and elsewhere every year.  This time around we met the Fort Walton Yacht Club boaters that were loosely travelling together along the ICW's Sta. Rosa Sound, Pensacola Bay and the Alabama Canal.  Just having a great time together, and probably old friends by now, as they do this often.  Always good to meet others and swap stories over drinks/food.

Mon 11/3/14

Our plans have changed since I only have a month to vacation.  No problem.  We  turned our attention to the Sta. Rosa Sound, with notions but no plans.  We started out around 10:00 a.m.  Sailing and/or motoring along the Sound is very pleasant because there are communities on both sides and plenty of places to duck into.  At the Pensacola Beach Bridge, we turned South to explore Sabine Bay and check out anchoring possibilities.  Very cute, indeed.  We determined to come back for a night.  Then we proceeded East toward the Navarre Bridge area that another sailor had raved about, namely the south side Navarre Beach anchorage.  The winds were a little strong that day for an unprotected spot; so, we decided to stop halfway (kinda) at Big Sabine, on the south side of the Sound, where a jetty of land with some trees would somewhat protect us from Easterly winds expected to pick up during the night.  Another sailboat must have come to the same conclusion; so, two of us anchored nearby overnight.  Position:  30 deg. 21.238' N/87 deg. 03.511' W

Tue 11/4/14

We left around 9:00 a.m. and arrived at the Southwest side of Navarre Beach Bridge at noon.  Juana's Pagoda loomed on the horizon, a place we were told we must experience.  Getting there was tricky: head south off the ICW just before the Bridge (when coming from the West); stay between the markers for pipelines, but also watch out for a shoal area like a finger that intercepts the "passageway."  The light wasn't right to even notice the difference in color of the water that might indicate shallower areas.  We were grounded but briefly in a sandy bottom.  Mike backed us out of it swiftly.  Most of the area has 16 ft. depths.  We got in as close as possible to Juana's.  Position:  30 deg. 23.065' N/86 deg. 51.911' W

The day turned lovely and warm.  We rowed our dinghy to shore, sat under one of Juana's palapas, had a beer and watched Aventura resting on smooth waters.  Ah, nothing like a nice afternoon in a pleasant, new place to erase the memories of nasty weather and broken plans.

Wed 11/5/14

Off to Little Sabine Bay at the other end of the Sound, by Pensacola Beach.  We left at 9ish and arrived at noon, the wind and possible current moving us along nicely.  Little Sabine Bay is quite attractive: not too large nor small so that one appreciates the surrounding community of pretty homes, boats and commerce without hearing much of the noise.  There was another Lagoon 37 anchored there!  We rarely run into any others as there was a short production line before Lagoon moved up to its 38 model, etc.  Position: 30 deg. 20.018' N/87 deg. 08.710'W

The water was flat, mirroring everything.  Fine weather for dinghying over to Shaggy's Restaurant and a walk on Pensacola Beach.  Shaggy's is a small chain with restaurants in Pass Christian, Biloxi and Pensacola Beach.  Good atmosphere along with fetching views.

Thu 11/6/14

We left Little Sabine Bay towards noontime to make the 45 min.run to the Northeastern side of Pensacola Beach Bridge where the Sta. Rosa Yacht Club (SRYC) is at Gulf Breeze.  Weather conditions would be deteriorating over night with high winds and cold setting in towards the late evening.  Plus we needed provisions and, why not, some landlubber pleasures such a biking and lattes. 

Stay tuned for the rest of our stay at SRYC in Gulf Breeze and the rest of the journey headed back home, with stops at new and favorite anchorages and marinas.  Hasta luego!