Fort McRee to Port St. Joe
Scooting on down the ‘ditch’ as seasoned ICWW boaters call it, we entered Florida for another fabulous anchorage at Fort McRee where crystal clear water beckoned us.
The Naval Air Station across the way in nearby Pensacola provided attention grabbing flyovers and a great beacon at night.
It was here where we lowered TT Odysea II down for a spin around the cove and ashore to sink our toes into the sugar white sandy beaches. She had been waiting for her first excursion and performed her dinghy job well.
Technically our first anchoring out on the loop did not disappoint as we were blessed with another amazing sunset. And neighbors.
After a quick rain storm the next morning, we motored along past Pensacola Beach and waved to an RV park we enjoyed with an Airstream a few years ago. Beach activities were out in full force announcing the arrival of summer holiday.
Our arrival into Fort Walton was uneventful as we pulled into a marina in Shalimar in time for dinner and a sunset. I had more fun saying Shalimar than anything else at that port of call.
Panama City was our next destination where we spent an extra day for laundry and provisioning. Timing was great for our visit to the St. Andrews Yacht Club on their weekly Trivia Night, although our team of two was hideous! But we had a great time and a great meal.
Since our marina was in Panama City, we felt it was imperative to visit Panama City Beach for the full review of the area. After a bit of research we ended up at Schooners on the beach for sunset because the Captain likes a good canon and they mark the setting of the sun each evening with a boom!
For live music we headed to Tootsies Orchid Lounge and our entire experience was embellished all because we ended up at a table with a cool couple who are repeat customers.
We were attacked by the smallest clearest nuisance bugs on Wetappo Creek on our way to our next port of call. Apparently they are in for a few weeks each year like Mayflies or Lovebugs and we were lucky enough to meet them. Small enough to enter the window screens, Odysea II was closed up for a few hours.
The views helped keep our mind off of swatting. I really want to know the story of the Noah’s Ark display so let me know if you have intel.
Port St. Joe captured our hearts as we spent Memorial Day weekend amidst the locals of a town of 3,400 friendly citizens of a warm community who have taken the responsibility of recovery from Hurricane Michael in 2018 seriously.
This sweet town deserves its own post so I will leave you here.
Thanks for following along.
❤️ The Crew