Tuesday, 11/15, was a short run through Appalachicola Bay and St. George Sound to Carrabelle.  It took about 3 and a half hours.  The intracoastal ends here and picks up at Tarpon Springs, just north of Tampa.  There were many things to consider before we would leave on the next leg of the journey, for we'd soon be in the open sea.

We spent the next 2 days on bikes and got to know Carabelle quite well.  It was easy.  Such a great town - - - with the finest of people.  Although it's small, it seems to have whatever you'd want or need.  What we were looking for most was local knowledge, good weather, and sound advice.

Way back in Evansville, IN, we learned about a certain group of boaters known as "loopers."  These folks travel a circle route (loop) down the rivers and gulf, up the east coast, across to the great lakes and back to the rivers.  We met loopers along the way and wanted to cross from panhandle to peninsula with these other boats, if possible.  Jimmy also decided to have the Lucky Lady lifted out and looked over.

Monday, 11/14, saw the Lucky Lady off to an early start as she left her quiet mooring in West Bay. It was another beautiful day and the water was as calm as we've seen since leaving Louisville. From West Bay we entered St. Andrew Bay and then into East Bay. Back into a narrow canal for a while and then across Lake Wimico . . . a very shallow Lake Wimico with mullet jumping everywhere. The wide open water narrowed again and we were on the Jackson River and then the Appalachicola River. Back in the Eastern time zone.

We passed a swing bridge. Until then I didn't know that such a bridge existed. Soon we'd reach another bridge, Hwy. 98 as it crosses the river and into (or out of) Appalachicola - - - the oyster capital of the world.

This was the first swing bridge we had ever seen. The disconnected section swings into place when needed. 

As seen from the back of the boat at the entrance of Lake Wimico.

As seen from the port side at the enter ace of Lake Wimico.

Entering Lake Wimico.

Secluded camp on the Jackson River.

Mike and Jimmy. Lotsa fun in Destin, FL.

Jimmy and Holly. 

Approaching St. Andrew Bay and Panama City, FL.

Unfortunately, some aren't so lucky. . .

Not able to update the blog due to poor service. There's some interesting info coming and some new photos as well.
The Lucky Lady will arrive in Tarpon Springs,  FL on Saturday and I think we should be OK.
Stay tuned.

Myself, Mike, Holly and Jimmy at the beach.

                                        The narrow canal between Destin and Panama City.

Would love to have stayed here but needed to keep moving.

The Lucky Lady has made herself right at home in this very quiet place.  This is yet another view from the back porch.

                                                         Along the way to Destin, FL

                                                                 Almost to Destin

                                                                        Destin, FL

                                      Staying on this boat is like having "a room with a view."

We're anchored at Navarre, FL.  This is our backyard for the night of 11/11/16, looking east towards Destin.