November 4 and 5, 2012; Pirates Cove Marina, Panama City, FL

Sunday: 
Waited for the fog to clear and got going by 06:45. Last night we changed back to standard time. I forgot all about it so we were up by 04:30. Had lots of time to get ready. After the fog cleared it turned into another beautiful sunny day with highs in the 80's.

We saw a lot of dolphins today. They would follow the boat jumping just as fast as we were going. We originally planned on stopping at Fort Walton Beach for a free tie-up but the city dock was damaged so we went about 6 miles further and anchored at Joe’s Bayou. We got to our anchorage by 14:40. Put out extra chain because it is supposed to get windy and rain later tonight.

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Monday:
Used the generator for the first time since it was fixed at Dog River. At first it didn’t work but after about 10 to 15 minutes it worked just fine. I guess we have to let it warm up before it produces enough voltage to run things.  We also can run our microwave on designated sockets on our inverter so I was happy about that.  Another smooth day on the water. We crossed Chotawatchee Bay which is 10 miles long and it just had a little chop. We made good time again today and got to our marina by 12:45.

The dolphins were jumping along side the boat again today. This time I was able to get a few pictures; they are so much fun to watch.

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CO's comments:  All is good.  We backed into our slip and tied up for tidal waters as we will leave the boat here for a good month or so.  Not bragging but with the new boat, be it backing in, tying up sideways, or on the face dock, so far I haven't touched a piling.  This last time I did not even have to use the bow thruster.  Just like flying a Beach 18 on floats.

Dolphins following the boat on Chotawatchee Bay

Cruising the GIWW