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Great Loop II Date: 11/09/2014

Day # 98 (Sunday): 91 miles (2840 total miles)
Locks: 0 (25 total locks)
Port #45: Cape Haze, FL
Marina: Palm Island Marina

You know you have a good mechanic when he comes to repair your boat at 4PM on a Saturday afternoon. John Brock is 73 years young and still loves his diesel engines. He brought a young fellow with him to help him install the needed part on OB’s port engine. In an hour, OB’s engine was running and no more diesel was spewing forth.

While we were waiting for the repair, I noticed there were many, MANY tours available from Clearwater Beach. A tourist could go out on just about any kind of boat and have fun. Surprisingly, there were very few wakes from all the traffic. Most of our wakes came from boats outside of the harbor hurrying to wherever.

Tour boats of every kind…

Happy to have OB in running order once again, Todd and I went out to celebrate at Cooters, a restaurant recommended by one of our Looper friends. The food was delicious, the drinks cold and the clientele lively. By the time we left, the rain that had threatened all day had set in in earnest.

By the time we got back to the boat, it was time for Todd to tune in the OSU/MSU football game. I finished getting things ready for the morning. By the end of the first half, I headed off to bed to read.

This guy was so into protecting his territory, he gave us a stare down until we were within 4 feet of him!

OB’s hangout in Clearwater Beach.

The clock went off at 5AM. It was like sleeping in compared to most of the times I’ve had to arise during this last 3 ½ months. The sun was coming up later so there was no need to hop out of bed too early. In less than 2 hours we were on our way south once again.

The morning was overcast and chilly. After we’d been in the ICW for an hour, we were falling behind on our ETA to Englewood because of all the NO WAKE/IDLE SPEED zones. We had looked at the weather models and knew the waves in the Gulf were doable. Todd took OB out through John’s Pass at Treasure Island and we spent the next 5 hours with barely a view of land off to our port side. The waves were on our stern and quarter stern. Even when they got up in the 2 foot range, they were not uncomfortable. Periodically we had to dodge crab pots, even out as far as 36 feet deep.

Homes along the ICW…

The Holiday Inn at Indian Rocks.  We stayed here with OB in 2010 and watched a fantastic Christmas Boat Parade.

Derelict boats in the Bays…a real problem in Florida.

And then there’s the occasional sunken boat.

John’s Pass at Treasure Island.

Heading back out to the Gulf.

Land ho…again.  Venice Inlet ahead.

Back into the ICW at Venice.

And treated to another fabulous Florida Sunset at Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze.

Great Loop II Date: 11/09/2014

Day # 98 (Sunday): 91 miles (2840 total miles)
Locks: 0 (25 total locks)
Port #45: Cape Haze, FL
Marina: Palm Island Marina

You know you have a good mechanic when he comes to repair your boat at 4PM on a Saturday afternoon. John Brock is 73 years young and still loves his diesel engines. He brought a young fellow with him to help him install the needed part on OB’s port engine. In an hour, OB’s engine was running and no more diesel was spewing forth.

While we were waiting for the repair, I noticed there were many, MANY tours available from Clearwater Beach. A tourist could go out on just about any kind of boat and have fun. Surprisingly, there were very few wakes from all the traffic. Most of our wakes came from boats outside of the harbor hurrying to wherever.

Tour boats of every kind…

Happy to have OB in running order once again, Todd and I went out to celebrate at Cooters, a restaurant recommended by one of our Looper friends. The food was delicious, the drinks cold and the clientele lively. By the time we left, the rain that had threatened all day had set in in earnest.

By the time we got back to the boat, it was time for Todd to tune in the OSU/MSU football game. I finished getting things ready for the morning. By the end of the first half, I headed off to bed to read.

This guy was so into protecting his territory, he gave us a stare down until we were within 4 feet of him!

OB’s hangout in Clearwater Beach.

The clock went off at 5AM. It was like sleeping in compared to most of the times I’ve had to arise during this last 3 ½ months. The sun was coming up later so there was no need to hop out of bed too early. In less than 2 hours we were on our way south once again.

The morning was overcast and chilly. After we’d been in the ICW for an hour, we were falling behind on our ETA to Englewood because of all the NO WAKE/IDLE SPEED zones. We had looked at the weather models and knew the waves in the Gulf were doable. Todd took OB out through John’s Pass at Treasure Island and we spent the next 5 hours with barely a view of land off to our port side. The waves were on our stern and quarter stern. Even when they got up in the 2 foot range, they were not uncomfortable. Periodically we had to dodge crab pots, even out as far as 36 feet deep.

Homes along the ICW…

The Holiday Inn at Indian Rocks.  We stayed here with OB in 2010 and watched a fantastic Christmas Boat Parade.

Derelict boats in the Bays…a real problem in Florida.

And then there’s the occasional sunken boat.

John’s Pass at Treasure Island.

Heading back out to the Gulf.

Land ho…again.  Venice Inlet ahead.

Back into the ICW at Venice.

And treated to another fabulous Florida Sunset at Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze.

Great Loop II Date: 11/06/2014

Day # 97 (Thursday): 183 miles (2749 total miles)
Locks: 0 (25 total locks)
Port #44: Clearwater Beach, FL
Marina: Clearwater Beach Marina

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! 4:00AM had arrived. I put on my sweatshirt, crawled out of bed and went to the salon. I opened my computer, put on my reading glasses (because I left my regular glasses on the bottom of Yellow Creek a month ago) and hoped I could see the weather and wave models without putting in my contacts. Every model I looked at said, ”GO…TODAY IS THE DAY!”

I turned on the generator, started the coffee and headed for my shower. Todd heard the generator, brought the weather and wave models up on his phone and knew what I knew. He was in his shower minutes after I was taking mine.

We met in the salon as I was making the second pot of coffee to take us through the morning. By then Eddy’s Weather Wag was posted and his predictions concurred with ours. We were crossing the Big Bend today.

As soon as we could see a peak of dawn in the horizon, our lines were off, our fenders were in and we were on our way under the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge at Apalachicola. We wound our way out the channel putting OB on plane briefly for one last check to see how she’d respond, then slowed her to no wake speed and nosed out way out Government Cut into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Dawn at the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge that leads into Apalachicola from the East.

Looking back at Government Cut and Apalachicola Bay.

Once through the Cut and into deeper waters, Todd put the throttles to OB and sent us Southeastward on plane at 18 MPH. The waters started out with 1 to 1 ½ foot rollers that didn’t affect OB at all. She was a happy girl running as she had been made to run.

Sunrise over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

The sun rose and we were committing ourselves to a day at sea. We began our hourly Lat/Lon documentation, MPH readings, OB’s compass reading over our autopilot compass reading. These numbers would help the Coast Guard find us if we ran into problems out in the middle of the Gulf where no one else was around. We were totally alone running in waters we’d not been in before.

This is what we saw all day…looking south (actually southeast, the direction we were heading.)

Looking west.

Looking north over OB’s wake.

Looking east.

Charlie’s impression.  Although he wasn’t a happy boy, he managed a few naps.  He’s not used to hearing OB’s big engines run at 2500 RPM.  It did make him a nervous puppy.

In 2010 during our first Loop, we chose to leave from Carrabelle to cross the Big Bend with 6 trawlers in an overnight, 23 hour passage. We had a rough time during that crossing with building seas that led to an uncomfortable, totally dark night. There were no watches that night, no bathroom breaks. We were hanging on for most of that trip, trying to stay in our seats, worrying whether we’d see the light of day the next day.

After living through that drama, we decided if at all possible OB would be on plane for a daytime crossing IF we ever did the Big Bend again. Today we were doing just that. In the end, it was the best decision we’ve made. OB ran like a charm, our ride was comfortable, and 288 gallons of diesel, 9 ½ hours and 183 miles later, we pulled into Clearwater Beach Marina. We were tired but not beaten up.

Always the absolute best thing to see on the horizon after a long day of water…Clearwater Beach arising out of the Gulf.

We took OB to the fuel dock, filled her diesel tanks and pumped out her holding tank before making way to our dock for the night. Once we were tied up at our assigned dock, we could smell diesel fuel. One look in the bilge told us we had a leak in the port engine. We both thanked God that the leak didn’t occur during our transit over the open Gulf waters. OB had held herself together until she had us safely at a dock.

The following morning, Todd contacted a well known, well respected diesel mechanic. He diagnosed the fuel leak, ordered the needed parts, and had the overnighted for installation Saturday. After he left, Todd and I spent the entire day containing the fuel that had leaked into the bilge, bottling it for disposal and finishing the cleaning with Tide and bleach. Tired but not out done, we spent the evening on the bridge with wine and cheese, watching a beautiful full moon rise in the East.

Nothing like a quiet view with a glass of wine and knowing the BIG BEND crossing was behind us.

Great Loop II Date: 11/06/2014

Day # 97 (Thursday): 183 miles (2749 total miles)
Locks: 0 (25 total locks)
Port #44: Clearwater Beach, FL
Marina: Clearwater Beach Marina

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! 4:00AM had arrived. I put on my sweatshirt, crawled out of bed and went to the salon. I opened my computer, put on my reading glasses (because I left my regular glasses on the bottom of Yellow Creek a month ago) and hoped I could see the weather and wave models without putting in my contacts. Every model I looked at said, ”GO…TODAY IS THE DAY!”

I turned on the generator, started the coffee and headed for my shower. Todd heard the generator, brought the weather and wave models up on his phone and knew what I knew. He was in his shower minutes after I was taking mine.

We met in the salon as I was making the second pot of coffee to take us through the morning. By then Eddy’s Weather Wag was posted and his predictions concurred with ours. We were crossing the Big Bend today.

As soon as we could see a peak of dawn in the horizon, our lines were off, our fenders were in and we were on our way under the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge at Apalachicola. We wound our way out the channel putting OB on plane briefly for one last check to see how she’d respond, then slowed her to no wake speed and nosed out way out Government Cut into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Dawn at the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge that leads into Apalachicola from the East.

Looking back at Government Cut and Apalachicola Bay.

Once through the Cut and into deeper waters, Todd put the throttles to OB and sent us Southeastward on plane at 18 MPH. The waters started out with 1 to 1 ½ foot rollers that didn’t affect OB at all. She was a happy girl running as she had been made to run.

Sunrise over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

The sun rose and we were committing ourselves to a day at sea. We began our hourly Lat/Lon documentation, MPH readings, OB’s compass reading over our autopilot compass reading. These numbers would help the Coast Guard find us if we ran into problems out in the middle of the Gulf where no one else was around. We were totally alone running in waters we’d not been in before.

This is what we saw all day…looking south (actually southeast, the direction we were heading.)

Looking west.

Looking north over OB’s wake.

Looking east.

Charlie’s impression.  Although he wasn’t a happy boy, he managed a few naps.  He’s not used to hearing OB’s big engines run at 2500 RPM.  It did make him a nervous puppy.

In 2010 during our first Loop, we chose to leave from Carrabelle to cross the Big Bend with 6 trawlers in an overnight, 23 hour passage. We had a rough time during that crossing with building seas that led to an uncomfortable, totally dark night. There were no watches that night, no bathroom breaks. We were hanging on for most of that trip, trying to stay in our seats, worrying whether we’d see the light of day the next day.

After living through that drama, we decided if at all possible OB would be on plane for a daytime crossing IF we ever did the Big Bend again. Today we were doing just that. In the end, it was the best decision we’ve made. OB ran like a charm, our ride was comfortable, and 288 gallons of diesel, 9 ½ hours and 183 miles later, we pulled into Clearwater Beach Marina. We were tired but not beaten up.

Always the absolute best thing to see on the horizon after a long day of water…Clearwater Beach arising out of the Gulf.

We took OB to the fuel dock, filled her diesel tanks and pumped out her holding tank before making way to our dock for the night. Once we were tied up at our assigned dock, we could smell diesel fuel. One look in the bilge told us we had a leak in the port engine. We both thanked God that the leak didn’t occur during our transit over the open Gulf waters. OB had held herself together until she had us safely at a dock.

The following morning, Todd contacted a well known, well respected diesel mechanic. He diagnosed the fuel leak, ordered the needed parts, and had the overnighted for installation Saturday. After he left, Todd and I spent the entire day containing the fuel that had leaked into the bilge, bottling it for disposal and finishing the cleaning with Tide and bleach. Tired but not out done, we spent the evening on the bridge with wine and cheese, watching a beautiful full moon rise in the East.

Nothing like a quiet view with a glass of wine and knowing the BIG BEND crossing was behind us.

Great Loop II Date: 11/04/2014

Day # 95 (Tuesday): 61 miles (2566 total miles)
Locks: 0 (25 total locks)
Port #43: Apalachicola, FL
Marina: Apalachicola Wharf Dock

We were on a march through the Panhandle of Florida to position ourselves for crossing the Gulf. Todd and I could see a possible day crossing forming for Thursday or Friday. The day was clear and cool again making us very anxious to get OB to her dock in Cape Coral.

The Panhandle has it’s own interesting features. Most of our trip was through East Bay and the last of the GIWW canals. There was very little in the way of industry or homes. Moving through this are gave us time to worry out all our possibilities for crossing the Gulf. We talked mostly about putting OB on plane, burning some diesel and crossing during the daylight hours.

We passed this ship building company before.  The last time it looked like they were building a cruise ship.  This time it looked the ship they were building was a freighter.

This part of the GIWW is more rural with salt marshes, pine trees and other brush natural to the area.

This house caught my eye the last time.  It looks about the same…dilapidated and the tree continues to grow well through the roof!

This old fishing boat looked abandoned.

And this shrimp boat was done in, as well.

The railroad here is abandoned and the swing bridge stands open all the time…no waiting to pass.

We arrived at Apalachicola mid-afternoon and saw the City Wharf in front of the park had plenty of open space. We tied up ahead of the only pleasure craft there…a sailboat. One of the sailors had his sails spread out on the park lawn and was making some repairs.

OB on the Wharf Dock at Apalachicola.  Thanks to Jackie on Eufloria for the great picture.

Our last time in Apalachicola, we stayed on the edge of the city at Scipio Marine and saw little of the town. This time we were right in the heart of downtown. We walked around to get a feel for what was available. There were many quaint little shops, a sprinkling of restaurant/bars and a nice looking local brewery, the Oyster Bay Brewing Company. We enjoyed a fine afternoon of cold beer there at happy hour prices.

The Wharf Dock is right in front of Apalachicola’s City Park…a really nice place to stay and no charge.

The town is the Oyster Capital of the world…and home to numerous fishing and shrimp boats.  They respect their watermen highly here.

An awesome little brewery with 4 great crafted beers.  Just what we needed!

Another glorious sunset.

Todd and I decided to stay put in Apalachicola and cross from there. We discussed our options. More and more it looked like a window of opportunity was developing to cross the Gulf on Thursday. If we felt too uncomfortable with the idea of a lone crossing, we could wait for the pack of Loopers that were making their way toward us for a group overnight crossing the following Monday or Tuesday.

We made our way to the brewery the second afternoon to cool our apprehension with some more of their good beer. I set my clock for 4AM so I could look at all our weather models before disturbing Todd. I closed my eyes, said my prayers and tried to put myself into a restful sleep.

Great Loop II Date: 11/04/2014

Day # 95 (Tuesday): 61 miles (2566 total miles)
Locks: 0 (25 total locks)
Port #43: Apalachicola, FL
Marina: Apalachicola Wharf Dock

We were on a march through the Panhandle of Florida to position ourselves for crossing the Gulf. Todd and I could see a possible day crossing forming for Thursday or Friday. The day was clear and cool again making us very anxious to get OB to her dock in Cape Coral.

The Panhandle has it’s own interesting features. Most of our trip was through East Bay and the last of the GIWW canals. There was very little in the way of industry or homes. Moving through this are gave us time to worry out all our possibilities for crossing the Gulf. We talked mostly about putting OB on plane, burning some diesel and crossing during the daylight hours.

We passed this ship building company before.  The last time it looked like they were building a cruise ship.  This time it looked the ship they were building was a freighter.

This part of the GIWW is more rural with salt marshes, pine trees and other brush natural to the area.

This house caught my eye the last time.  It looks about the same…dilapidated and the tree continues to grow well through the roof!

This old fishing boat looked abandoned.

And this shrimp boat was done in, as well.

The railroad here is abandoned and the swing bridge stands open all the time…no waiting to pass.

We arrived at Apalachicola mid-afternoon and saw the City Wharf in front of the park had plenty of open space. We tied up ahead of the only pleasure craft there…a sailboat. One of the sailors had his sails spread out on the park lawn and was making some repairs.

OB on the Wharf Dock at Apalachicola.  Thanks to Jackie on Eufloria for the great picture.

Our last time in Apalachicola, we stayed on the edge of the city at Scipio Marine and saw little of the town. This time we were right in the heart of downtown. We walked around to get a feel for what was available. There were many quaint little shops, a sprinkling of restaurant/bars and a nice looking local brewery, the Oyster Bay Brewing Company. We enjoyed a fine afternoon of cold beer there at happy hour prices.

The Wharf Dock is right in front of Apalachicola’s City Park…a really nice place to stay and no charge.

The town is the Oyster Capital of the world…and home to numerous fishing and shrimp boats.  They respect their watermen highly here.

Another glorious sunset.

Todd and I decided to stay put in Apalachicola and cross from there. We discussed our options. More and more it looked like a window of opportunity was developing to cross the Gulf on Thursday. If we felt too uncomfortable with the idea of a lone crossing, we could wait for the pack of Loopers that were making their way toward us for a group overnight crossing the following Monday or Tuesday.

We made our way to the brewery the second afternoon to cool our apprehension with some more of their good beer. I set my clock for 4AM so I could look at all our weather models before disturbing Todd. I closed my eyes, said my prayers and tried to put myself into a restful sleep.

Great Loop II Date: 11/03/2014

Day # 94(Monday): 67 miles (2505 total miles)
Locks: 0 (25 total locks)
Port #42: Panama City, FL
Marina: Panama City Marina

Before we left Orange Beach, I had posted our next itinerary on Facebook. Our youngest nephew, Chris, saw the post and messaged Todd. He and his sweet wife were ‘workationing’ in Panama City Beach and wondered if we’d be nearby. We made plans to meet them at Panama City Marina.

We were underway at sunrise. Most of our travel was through large bays and narrow canals that form the GIWW in the Panhandle region of Florida. Dolphins played in our wake and dove under OB.

There’s always work to be done…desalting the windows (with a RHB bucket!).

Of course there were working tows and barges to address.  We had to lay back for this one so we could pass on the ‘one’.

Terry Ann catching up and following us.

Grand Canyon of the GIWW.

Evidence that four wheelers play out here on the weekends.  We saw these tracks before.  It almost looked like snowmobile tracks in the snow before.  It was more ‘muddy’ looking this time.

We arrived at Panama City Marina mid-afternoon, gave OB a good drink of diesel fuel and settled into our dock. Chris and Leigh arrived, we toured OB and explained the navigation of our adventure, and sat on the bridge for another beautiful Florida sunset. Chris drove us to a good casual restaurant not far from the marina in downtown Panama City where we enjoyed good food and lots of great conversation. We’ve been fortunate throughout this trip to cross paths with family and friends.

Chris and Leigh Russell visit OB.

Sunset as we sat on OB’s bridge.

Great Loop II Date: 11/03/2014

Day # 94(Sunday): 67 miles (2505 total miles)
Locks: 0 (25 total locks)
Port #42: Panama City, FL
Marina: Panama City Marina

Before we left Orange Beach, I had posted our next itinerary on Facebook. Our youngest nephew, Chris, saw the post and messaged Todd. He and his sweet wife were ‘workationing’ in Panama City Beach and wondered if we’d be nearby. We made plans to meet them at Panama City Marina.

We were underway at sunrise. Most of our travel was through large bays and narrow canals that form the GIWW in the Panhandle region of Florida. Dolphins played in our wake and dove under OB.

There’s always work to be done…desalting the windows (with a RHB bucket!).

Of course there were working tows and barges to address.  We had to lay back for this one so we could pass on the ‘one’.

Terry Ann catching up and following us.

Grand Canyon of the GIWW.

Evidence that four wheelers play out here on the weekends.  We saw these tracks before.  It almost looked like snowmobile tracks in the snow before.  It was more ‘muddy’ looking this time.

We arrived at Panama City Marina mid-afternoon, gave OB a good drink of diesel fuel and settled into our dock. Chris and Leigh arrived, we toured OB and explained the navigation of our adventure, and sat on the bridge for another beautiful Florida sunset. Chris drove us to a good casual restaurant not far from the marina in downtown Panama City where we enjoyed good food and lots of great conversation. We’ve been fortunate throughout this trip to cross paths with family and friends.

Chris and Leigh Russell visit OB.

Sunset as we sat on OB’s bridge.

Great Loop II Date: 11/02/2014

Day # 93(Sunday): 60 miles (2438 total miles)

I’d been waiting to see this sign for 10 days.  FINALLY! FLORIDA!

The Pensacola Lighthouse on the Navy Base.

When we arrived, the trawler Terry Ann was there and helped us in. We hadn’t seen them since Manitowoc, WI.

We tied OB to the outside T-head of the dock and headed for Fokker’s Pub, a cute little pizza parlor we’d found in 2010. It was close to the docks and had mighty fine pizza. Their specialty is the Mother Fokker. We bought one with plenty left for lunch the next day.

The free docks are well lit with security lights. I was glad we had the new covers made for our hatches and put them on to shield us from the light for bedtime. The free docks have no power so we bundled up and tucked under the covers for a good night’s sleep.

Ahhh…those Florida sunsets!

Great Loop II Date: 11/02/2014

Day # 93(Sunday): 60 miles (2438 total miles)

I’d been waiting to see this sign for 10 days.  FINALLY! FLORIDA!

The Pensacola Lighthouse on the Navy Base.

When we arrived, the trawler Terry Ann was there and helped us in. We hadn’t seen them since Manitowoc, WI.

We tied OB to the outside T-head of the dock and headed for Fokker’s Pub, a cute little pizza parlor we’d found in 2010. It was close to the docks and had mighty fine pizza. Their specialty is the Mother Fokker. We bought one with plenty left for lunch the next day.

The free docks are well lit with security lights. I was glad we had the new covers made for our hatches and put them on to shield us from the light for bedtime. The free docks have no power so we bundled up and tucked under the covers for a good night’s sleep.

Ahhh…those Florida sunsets!