Last night at Ft. Walton Beach city docks, the water was shallow in the docks that were left when we arrived. Four or five boats got there before we did. We had to tie Aunt Aggie across the dock, blocking two boats. Several guys came out to help us tie and arrange fenders. We spent a quiet night in spite of the high winds in the bay. However, this morning everyone was moving early. So we ended up coming off the dock at 6:55 am. Yes, it was sunny. Yes, we were ready. No, I did not want to go then. Why? The winds were predicted to be 13 mph all morning. We were moving across a wide bay, so waves would build up on our beam. When we considered traveling on Friday, George said (promised?) that we could stay at the dock until noon, when the winds would calm. Now peer pressure and good manners dictated an early departure. We were rocking on the bay for a few hours. Here are two movies we made to show how we saw the trip:
This is Martha's view from the floor, where she sat for an hour.
This is George's view from the lower helm, where he had to "drive the boat" all morning since I wasn't much help.
(Movies had to be removed in order to print this.)
After a four hour trip across Choctawhatchee Bay, we entered a twenty mile ditch that connects Choctawhatchee with West Bay. West Bay is behind Panama City Beach.
 |
This is the type of boating Martha likes. Smooth sailing! We ate lunch in this break between the bays.
|
As we entered our anchorage in West Bay, mile 278, dolphins and pelicans entertained us. We are now at anchor in a beautiful spot. We can see Panama City's high rises in the distance. All we hear is water lapping at our stern. The wind is now just 5 mph.
Safe!
ReplyDelete