Jan 062017
 

We were off and running this morning by 7:00 AM. The day would be sunny and warm with calm winds. We are not sure what to expect for speed zones so we want to give ourselves time to travel. We decide that Panama City is the next stop. On the way out we pass through several large bays that do not require us to slow. Similar to yesterday we slow for bridges and shore structures. There are not many fisherman or boats in the water so we can get going easily. We spot a couple dolphins swimming not far off our boat.

We are interested to see on the charts areas that say “danger, unexploded bombs” or restricted area. The Gulf has many air and naval bases that do testing. There are several bases that are large. Eglin Air Force Base, which is in Fort Walton, is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. The skies are dotted by the sounds of military jets but we don’t always see them as they practice or test. At one point there was a large boom that shook the boat. Scott and I jumped, shut down the speed and then another blast happened. At this point we realized it wasn’t us. We thought someone was shooting at us at first. We look out the window and a cloud of smoke in the distance is billowing up. We conclude they must have been testing some blasting of some sort. It was an interesting feeling to feel an aftershock that literally shook the boat several miles away.

Coming down “The Narrows”, a small canal cut looking area we are welcomed by black and white sand. It does look like snow on the shore. This area is beautiful with its mostly unspoiled lands. This opens up just prior to Panama City. We decide to stop at Panama City Marina because Aiden spots an F14 onsite on google maps. We fill up with diesel and head to our space on the “wall”. I clean up the place because we are still drying out from that storm a couple days ago where the tarps leaked. I think with the warm temps and the fan blowing we are settled again.

The historic area of the town of Panama City is a walk from the marina. There is a 911 memorial that is well done right here at the marina park. Small shops, antiques, pawn, that sort of thing is the main staple here. It’s quaint and quiet. We head back to the marina where Aiden feeds the birds. It’s quite a site having the terns and seagulls at the ready for any dropping of food. The best part is we meet Fred the local celebrity heron. He’s very interested in humans and isn’t afraid to be within a few feet. These birds are notoriously shy so seeing one up close is exciting.

Panama City Marina is a clean and welcoming facility. Restrooms, showers, a ship store, and just about anything you need is here. There is a lot of structure and cement at this marina. A park and a small beach are within a couple minutes walk. It is a sleepy town so if you’re looking for excitement at this time of year it won’t be here. I bet its crazy busy in summer.

 Posted by at 1:10 AM