Port St. Joe

We planned to spend 5 days or so here.  The town is just a short walk away so we explored the shops, restaurants, and Piggy Wigglys.

Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach are one of three places in the world that officially celebrates New Year’s Twice.  The other two places are Tweed Heads & Coolangatta, Australia – Tornio, Finland & Haparanda, Sweden. We picked up some information on this so we could experience this tradition.

New Year’s Eve we began with Margaritas and then went to one of the bars on the Trolley Stop and had a few beers.  The Trolley did not start until 8:00 PM so we had plenty of time.  Our Marina is also on the Trolley stop, but another bar on the stop was just a stone throw away so we walked over there.  They had a live band and it was nice.  There were fireworks in Port St. Joe at 10 PM in a park beside our marina.  We met up with other loopers on (Salty) and watched from their fly bridge since it was raining out.  They decided not to “celebrate twice” so we went back to the bar and watched the band until the Trolley came by.   We decided to stop at a restaurant that was just on the edge of the time zone to get a snack and bring in the New Year.  We got off the Trolley and found the restaurant was just closing but would server us at the bar.  So we go oysters and a couple beers.   We had to wait for the next Trolley to come and we just got on as the New Year turned in the Eastern Time Zone!  Woo Hoo!!  We found ourselves at a bar in Mexico Beach that had two bands and a DJ.  There was a lot of people there but it was not overly crowded.  We were able to find a table to listen to one of the bands.  It was right by the windows to the beach so we could see the fireworks that Mexico Beach put on at midnight.   They provided champagne for everyone and we celebrated again as it was the New Year in the Central Time Zone!  Woo Hoo! Again!

On New Year’s Day there was nothing open so we laid around and watched movies all day.  We were worn out since we have not been staying up pass midnight (9pm) during our trip let alone doing twice!

Saturday we began to watch the weather and decided when to make our next move. We also had to complete some chores – boat cleaning and laundry.  We took a walk for lunch to the west side of town and found a great BBQ place.  It was just a trailer with some picnic tables outside but the pork sandwiches we got were great!

On Sunday, we met up with Sax and Sherri on Red Eagle.  They are Steeler fans! We decided to travel to Mexico Beach by taxi to a sports bar where they have every football game on their TV’s.  They set us up at a table where we could watch both the Steeler vs Cleveland game and also the NY Jets versus Buffalo game.   Go Steelers!  We are in the Wild Card!