Trip Day:
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246
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Latitude:
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30°09.00'
N
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Locks Today:
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0
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Miles Today:
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0
|
Longitude:
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085°39.86'W
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Locks Total:
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108
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Total Miles:
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5,392
|
Location:
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Panama City, FL MM 290
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While doing the laundry this morning, one of the ladies in the office suggested we ride our bikes along the shoreline to St. Andrews three miles away. Ron got the bikes out of the locker and we took off. It was good advice—large, beautiful homes with huge oaks dripping with Spanish Moss were our reward for the effort.
The view from the mainland looked out at the barrier islands and St. Andrews’s pass.
St. Andrews was a small fishing village with a park-like setting and active shrimp industry.
The basic problem with riding three miles to a destination is that you have to ride another three miles to return to your original spot. It felt really good to ride so we tried not to complain and just enjoyed the view.
After a brief rest back on the boat, we took off on the bikes again to savor more of Panama City. Along the waterfront we found this 9/11 memorial—small, but nicely done. Tomorrow we head out again, bikes back in the locker until the next time we hit dry land.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19th
The engine was hesitant to start this morning, so while Ron did some diagnostic work I made biscuits to share with the girls. We stayed behind as they followed the path along the bridge. Once Ron completed the engine work, we got underway picking up the channel in 
Choctawhatchee Bay. It was cool, but the bright sun promised us a good day on the water. After having crossed the bay we entered a cut known as the Grand Canyon which connects Choctawhatchee and West Bays. 
Nearing the end of the narrow cut, we caught a glimpse of wide-open bay. With clear air and good wind, we raised the main and unfurled the screecher for a nice run across the bay.
The big trawlers were destined for marinas along Panama City Beach, but we chose to dock at the Panama City Municipal Marina which is right downtown. As soon as we checked in at the office we took off on foot to explore the downtown area. The marina had rows of covered slips that sort of matched the 1930,s vintage art deco theater building, The Martin. 
Dinner at Bayou Joe’s was a nice way to end our day.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18th
Well, it was just the Louise and us as we raised anchors to leave Joe’s Bayou. The dolphins visited early in the morning while we drank our coffee—nice!
It was cool to begin the morning, but we gradually shed layers as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Katie and Jessie on their boat, Louise, had a great sail with us on the ICW.
It was an uneventful day with only a few power boats on the bay. Everyone must be at home watching NFL games.
In no hurry, we only went 20 miles today into the Choctawhatchee Bay. We crossed under the bridge then ran parallel with it and anchored close to the shore. Reggie, Katie’s dog, seemed happy to have the shoreline to do a little running.
This spot proved to be a nice, quiet anchorage in spite of the bridge traffic. After watching the news, we played a few rounds of cards then settled into reading mode.
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