Moving On

Our time in Port St.Joe finally came to an end and we worked out way back to the east.  We had hoped to get a weather window that would allow us to make it all the way to Perdido Pass in Alabama but that wasn't going to happen for almost a week so we decided to sail back to the Panama City area but visit Pearl Bayou.  We had heard a lot of great things about the beauty of the area and it has great 360 degree protection so that was our destination.  Unfortunately, we chose to go on the gulf rather than the Intracoastal and I really had a case of seasickness.  The wind was dead aft of us causing us to roll back and forth for 6 VERY LONG hours.  Oh well, it was worth it and David didn't need my help anyway.  Once we were on the bay things straightened away with my stomach and I was able to enjoy the sunset toddy.  The bayou really is gorgeous with many little fingers jutting off of it to explore.  Sadly, it also seems to be a popular place to anchor and unwanted boat and abandoning it.  There was one or two that were either active works in progress or at least cared about.  We met the man working on an Irwin 52 ketch.  It was a big project but he seemed up to the task with the requisite skills and patience.

The bayou is surrounded by Tyndall AFB.  one of the base missions is to
launch and recover drones over the gulf.  Here are some of the vessels used
in drone recovery.

This paper mill is alive and kicking.  We always know when it's 7 am,
noon and 5 pm as the whistle blows to let the workers know when to stop,
start and eat.

This seemingly tiny pilot boat guides the 500 foot container ship out the pass.

Sure hope all those containers stay on board.  The dread of every offshore
sailor is hitting one of those huge hull eaters in the dark.  They are too
low in the water when they fall off to be detected by most radar.

The DuPont Bridge.  The DuPont family is responsible for a large part of the industry
in this neck of the woods.

Our dorad cowl vent was shiny enough to act as a mirror.

One of the sad derelicts abandoned in the bayou.

This is the Irwin 52.  A huge boat but with loads of potential to
become a sea going vessel once again.  Good luck Dennis.  We
hope to see you out on the water.

This is the most unique boat we've ever seen.  It is obviously
cared about since the topsides were freshly painted and all stainless and wood
was in good shape.  You might notice the boarding ladder is
permanently affixed to the transom.  The only way on is to crawl up the steps
at a steep reverse angle and then grab a handhold at the top.

The decks are all sloped so there is no easy footing except in the
pilothouse and cabin. Her shiny hulls really reflects the water.

Shipshape and Bristol!

Another seemingly abandoned vessel on it's way to decrepitude.