Panama City

We had a great sail to Panama City and raised the jetties around 0530. We were tied to the dock at Sunharbor marina around 0800. We recieved packages of stuff I had ordered and had shipped here. It supposed to be some wonderful stuff called hypervent which goes under the mattress and keeps everything nice and dry. Our water tank is under the V-berth and the bedding stays damp to wet, so we shall see if this works.

The water tank under the V-beth.

I hope we finish today because we don't have the room to sleep on the setties while the bedding is apart.

So long for now.

Christmas in Pensacola

We had a Christmas get together with other cruisers in a vacant room at the harbor in Pensacola. It was informal and a covered dish affair and was a lot of fun. Carolyn thought it up and spearheaded the party and did a really good job.

Very nice indeed.

Carolyn and I.

Pensacola Bay lighthouse at the entrance of the bay.

A beautiful beach along the bay near where we anchored for the night.

The lighthouse at night from our anchorage just behind old Ft. McRae Pt. In the morning we left around 0900 for Panama City.

Pensacola

Just an update and a few more pics of Pensacola. We will spend Christmas here and sail on as soon after as possible. Pensacola is a very nice place but from the marina not that easy to get around. The bus system takes time to get use to and gocerery stores and supply stores are too far to walk to. Australian John (a fellow sailor in the marina) let us borrow his car to get to the needed stores for provisioning.

Moondance in Palafox marina.

Statue of Andrew Jackson in the square near the marina. West Florida was handed over to Jackson, by Spain, in this square in 1821.


Visitors in the marina.

Hoping everyone a Merry Christmas.

Pensacola, Fl.

I would like to comment further on our last entry. We are indeed in Pensacola, Fl. It took us 6 days to get here, mostly because of fog. We could not leave early or travel fast or far because of poor visability. At times it was thick enough that we would not have gone at all except that visability was not bad when we left, so occassionally we got caught in it while underway.

In Lake Ponchatrain, the bow of Moondance was often buried and awash with waves as we drove her to the east. Pushing a boat like that is hard on the boat and the crew but conditions were worsening and we had to get across in time to make anchorage south of the Rigalets.

Carolyn's favorite sea sickness fix is Ginger beer (not really beer) and soda crackers. I like the ginger beer and ritz crackers. And finally I would like to say that although we did not sail directly to the keys as was our original plan, I am reminded daily that mother nature rules. Sometimes it is difficult to make yourself sit back and take your time and enjoy the moment, day or week but if you don't, mother nature will make you wish you had.

Carolyns favorite sea sickness remedy.

Following Grace into the fog.It became very thick as you can see, or not!Loons Pelican

Carolyn shopping in New Orleans before we leave for Florida.

Lake Ponchatrain kicked up her heels and really got rough.

Rabbit Island at the end of a long rough day.

Beautiful on Rabbit Island anchorage.

We have been in New Orleans waiting for a break in the weather and we wake one morning to something rarely seen in La. much less in New Orleans. SNOW. By the time it was over we had close to two inches of accumulated snow. We plan to leave in the morning and go as far as we we can with the coming nice weather. Enjoy !

The Big Easy

We are in Orleans Marina on the south side of Lake Ponchatrain. The locks and bridges that we had to navigate and pass through were not too bad but we were very tied and ready for a hot shower at the end of the day.

Homes along the way in Lafitte, La.

Definitely getting close to New Orleans

Locking through the Harvey Locks.

The mighty Mississippi river as the Harvey Locks opened up.

Believe it or not, this is a fender (boat bumper) in the Miss. river. A mid size car can easily fit inside.

Morgan City to Houma, La

We made to Houma, La. and have a few pictures along the way. It was a very beautiful part of the ICW and we even saw a young Bold Eagle along the way.

The locks out of Morgan City headed for Houma.

Scenery along the way.

Houma City Docks. We met Paul and Lisa of Nikki Mae and Sam and Ginger of Grace here.

This is a very large structure on a barge going down the ICW. It did pass under the bridge believe it or not. It is amazing to see this kind of thing happening just a few feet away.

Nikki Mae and Grace as we lay to anchor in Lake Salvador on the way to New Orleans.

Morgan City

We are in Morgan City at the public docks (the only place actually). It's quite rolly at times but only $20 a nite. (no water or restrooms). We walked around yesterday and managed OK. Tomoorow we will try to make it to Houma, if the weather cooperates.

Shell Morgan in Intercoastal City on our way to Morgan City.

Carolyn's fist pressure cooker bread came out perfect.

On our way to Morgan City.

The Shrimp Boat of Morgan City.

Danny's Fried Chicken. Yes, Carolyn made me stop and eat here.

Lake Charles to Mermentua River

We spent a few days in Lake Charles and even did a little gambling. The casinos were in walking distance or a short dinghy ride thanks to friends Teri and Jim. By the way Teri became a thousandaire the night we were at La Berge. Congrats Teri. We are at present in Morgan City waiting on weather but here are few pics along the way.

Wash day at Bridge Point Marina, Lake Charles

One of the several locks you have to go throughon the ICW.

A beautiful oxbow lake that we anchored in on the Mermentau river. I had to go in the water to check the prop after we ran aground earlier. Very cold but the prop was fine.

An old cable ferry.

PARTY TIME

Carolyn and I want to thank all the wonderful people in Palacios, Tx. As we were preparing to leave on our adventure along with friends Pam and Steve, the four of us were treated to a going away party. Here are a few pictures.

Thank you all and Carolyn and I miss all of you.

PS. We will be leaving Lake Charles and heading for Intercoastal City and Morgan City. I know Steve and Pam are right behind us so we expect you guys to catch up.