We are off From Port St. Joe to Carrabelle which is the launching pad to much warmer climate. As hard as it is to believe, there are still many loopers milling around the panhandle. We are collecting friends like crazy! Meanwhile, we said good bye to Sax and Sherri (Red Eagle). We will push past Apalachicola straight onto Carrabelle. In the crispy early morning air we pulled out of the small protective cove of Port St. Joe. With no fog we easily made the U turn back into the canal that takes us to the ICW. I told Janis all we need to do is pass those stumps in the water and we’ll be clear to enter the canal. She informed me those stumps were people fishing. Ahhh slow down again.

As soon as we entered the canal we were hit by a swift current that drug on us like lead boots. Paraiso had to push at 2100 RPM to maintain 8.5 mph. There were reports of flooding on the Apalachicola River and we were mildly concerned. We are now concerned about the afternoon portion of the trip when the APP River meets up with the ICW. We cleared the T intersection of the canal/ICW and made a right turn to Apalachicola. Still 5mph head current. The river is going to be interesting! All in all it is still very scenic along the way.

Along the way a lot of local flooding. Here some really nice homes have water on the first floor and more. We tried to put out a small wake but it still washes up on the walls. A small marina has their fixed piers totally underwater and water in the shelters. Some fisherman sit on the ramp wondering how they are going to launch their boat. VERY FAMILIAR

The river was so swift it pushed us by downtown Apalachicola so fast we almost missed the opportunity to photograph the docks.

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!

Due to the weather we stayed an extra day at Baytowne Marina.  We walked over to “the Village” and checked out the shops.  They had a place selling $2.00 16 oz. Miller Lite!   Had to have one.

We found a cute game where you pay for time to drive boats around a small section of the pond. Chris took his hand at this and parked the boat first time!  Chris also made a new parrot friend.  We checked out the oyster bar at Acme and the guys shucking the oysters were great to talk to.

Tuesday we headed out to Panama City or Port St. Joe – depended upon when we reached Panama City. We had to finish crossing the Choctawhatchee Bay and then cross the West Bay and St. Andrews bay.  It was a bit tricky near Panama City with the markers but between the Garmin on the IPad and the Raymarine chart we figured it out.  It was noon when we reached Panama City so we decided to go ahead and continue to Port St. Joe.   Once out of St. Andrews Bay we entered a canal like area called the Great Canyon.  It was a pretty ride but we passed a number of boats that were sunk or about to sink.  We made a right into a 5 mile canal that took us from the ICW to Port St. Joe.  We passed a number of fishing boats and one floating house.   We had crossed into the Eastern Time zone and made it to the dock by 4:30 PM EST.

Today was mail day on Paraiso! Our good friend Nikki sends us care packages each month with mail and goodies! Janis opened Christmas cards and read all the returns out loud. Thanks to everyone who sent us notes about life. It was fun getting caught up!

December 27, 2015

We decided to push to Destin today. This is an 80 mile trip.  We pushed off at 8:00 AM.

The waters in the bays near Orange Beach had a light chop but not a big deal for Paraiso!

The Inter Coastal Water way is a beautiful ride.  We saw dolphins in the water near our boat but none swam with us as we cruised east.  We reached Perdido Key and caught up to the historical ships that were in Cincinnati area – Nina and Pinta.  We have now seen them three times – on the Ohio River from our house windows –docked with us in Demopolis, AL and now in Perdido Key!  Next we officially crossed the Florida boarder! We passed Barber Marina which is owned and built from scratch by a regional Dairyman who  just wants a classy marina for the average boater. Everyone speeks very highly of these guy. I hope we get a chance to stop there someday.

Shortly after these beautiful pics we went into an area where we had fog. It was 11 AM and foggy?? Weather radio called it sea fog!

We could only see from marker to marker for a while. We both were on duty to make sure we did not lose our course.  Then finally we could see three markers out and it was better and more comfortable ride.

When we passed Fort Walton and reached the Choctawhatchee Bay it was really choppy.  We had about 10 miles or so to go.  Boner looked a little green when we finally reached Baytowne Marina at about 2:30 PM. He was too sick to talk! Due to the weather will we most likely stay until Tuesday.

We walked over to a “Village” area where there were shops and restaurants.  We found a great band called “Something Fishy” They played all good songs we know including some Steely Dan!

After a few beers we were finally relaxed and set for the night!

Saturday December 26, 2015

We had fog (again) so we waited until 12 PM before pushing off.   Mobile bay was not too bad there were 3-4 foot waves.  We left before our buddy boat “Terri-Fied”. We followed a route that we plotted and had no issues finding the Inter-Coastal Waterway (ICW). About three quarters of the way to the ICW here came Terri-Fied!  They were trying to make up time.  They blew our doors off and beat us to The Wharf!

The ICW was nice, a bit narrow, but nice.  We passed three barges and had a couple boats pass us.   We went by LULU’s this is Jimmy Buffet’s sister’s place and they have great burgers.   We reached The Wharf and got settled.  We decided to walk around the shops.  House of Jerky was a great stop.  The man who opened it was excited to hear we were Looper’s.  He said he is beginning to collect information from each group he meets and intends to have a wall dedicated to the Loopers he meets.  We got a number of different flavors of Jerky and will try them out over the next few days.

Next we needed drink to celebrate our escape from Fairhope.   Margarita for Chris!

On our way back to the boat we noticed a heron had decided to use our boat as a perch! We hoped he did not leave us any presents.

Tomorrow we will move on to Bay Shore Marina near Destin, FL.

Merry Christmas from Fairhope area. We began the day watching “A Christmas Story” as we enjoyed fresh baked cinnamon rolls and coffee. We took a walk to check out the bay and to stretch our legs.   It was 74 but cloudy.  There was fog in the AM but it cleared.  We did not think we should travel on Christmas since if we did get in trouble then no one would really want to come out to help us or it would cost an arm and a leg which we already are one short.

Today for Christmas we fixed collard greens w/Hungarian hot wax peppers, turkey breast,  mashed (beaten up) potatoes,  stove top stuffing, Christmas cookies (toll house dough), corn, and crackers n cheese. Tonight we’ll watch Captain Ron and be thinking of past holidays with the kids.

Tomorrow, we will take the boat to the wharf as seen below.

On Sunday we met up with our friends from Big Bone – Gary and Vicki – They rented a house in Gulf Shores neat Fort Morgan.  We took a walk on the beach, drank a few beers and Gary cooked hamburgers.  We decided to spend the night instead of driving back to the boat.  We got up early on Monday to return to the boat and make sure all the parts and such were in and define the repair schedule.   The shaft was put in to plug that big hole and the through hull Ray Marine transducer installed after the drilling of a second hole!   We have some weather coming in so they decided to put the boat back into the water and finish the other repairs in the covered slip.  We returned our rental car and will now use the courtesy car if we need to run out to get something.

Above Paraiso had to be towed to it’s slip by a Boston whaler. It felt great to be back in the water. The maintenance man, Dewells was in early on Tuesday to finish the water pump engine work and was also able to finish the work on the generator.  We now just need to have the stern thruster replaced and we should be set to go.

Wednesday AM we awoke to a tornado warning on our phones at 6:20 AM!  We got dressed and went up to the block building that is on the property in case we were in the tornado’s path.  You could see across Mobile Bay the storm coming in.  Lots of lightening, wind and rain.  The strong part of the storm went just north of us.  We had a strong 55 mph straight line wind that blew over a few ladders but no other damage was done to anything.  At our marina, however at the yacht club next to us there was a sail boat that sunk.  Appears that the bilge pumps did not work.   The maintenance man was working on the stern thruster by 8:00 AM.  At 11:00, we were ready for a trial of the engines.  He felt that the bay was not too bad due to the weather so we took the boat out.  Go with the waves we had no issues but coming back against the wave we had water coming up over the bow of the boat and over the canvas of the fly bridge!   Everything sounded and looked good with the engines, generator and thruster.  No more vibration in the back either.   We parked the boat and then had to settle up with Eastern Shores Marine.  (B.O.A.T.T.)

Sunken sailboat next to us. Sea Trial in poor weather.

Wednesday night at the shrimp dock is band night! They have a fire pit on the wooden dock and 5-6 musicians doing a round robin of playing.  They even had a single string washtub bass.  I took notes from the owner and he let me play it. All in all pretty cool. They played many xmas carols, Mobil originals by John Reno, and songs i never heard of! No Hank.

On Thursday we wanted to head for the Intercostal Waterway, however there was a dense fog advisory until Christmas day at 12 Noon. You could not see across the bay.  We thought we could make it but we decided to wait and leave on Saturday. We located a buddy boat “Terri Fied ”  to travel with on Sat.

It wasn’t me! It’s my twin brother! We don’t even have a tree!

Meow! I’ve been in kitty jail for a while.  Seems jumping off to the dock and running around is not allowed on this boat trip. Now I have to wear a collar when I leave the boat and be escorted around. It’s not fair, out my window I see plenty of cats and dog running around the yard.

Well I can protest! just wait and see. Here’s a few of my current activities. Destroying my mouse, turning off some breakers, hide in the loft so no one can find me.