November 7, 2009

Port Departed: Harbor Marina, Pensacola FL
Port Arrived: The Boat Marina, Fort Walton FL
Miles Traveled Today: 51.6 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 1112.6
Hours Traveled Today: 9
Total Hours Traveled: 183

Departed the Harbor Marina and crossed the Pensacola Bay. I thought that Mobile Bay was a rough crossing. Well Pensacola Bay was a choppy rough crossing with salt spray was in my face. The island of Santa Rosa acted as a barrier between me and the Gulf for about 4 hours. Then I crossed the opening that leads into the Gulf. The tide was going out. My speed over ground instantly dropped from 6.2 knots to 2.8 knots as we motored across the open channel. 4 to 5 foot waves and a 2 plus knot current made this an interesting passage. Thought for a moment that I might be swept out into the Gulf with the tide. The 10 horse Honda was at full speed. When I looked behind me, I noticed a Coast Guard vessel following me. This was nice to see. They followed me for about an hour and when it was clear that I was not going to get swept out to sea they turned and headed back to their Pensacola station.

There are beautiful sand dunes that separate the Gulf ICW from the Gulf. The sand is as white as sugar. Several Islands are included as National Seashore.

Arrived at The Boat Marina about 3:30PM. Headed to church for Mass. Arrived an hour early so I returned to the Marina and took a shower and changed my clothes.