Anticipation in Apalachicola

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thanksgiving in the panhandle of Florida

It wasn't as warm as we had hoped Florida would be, but we weren't trudging through snow either! We wanted to do something special for Thanksgiving, considered a pot luck, but there just was no place to have it - plus that would mean some of us had to cook. We finally called around and found Caroline's restaurant that could seat 8 to 12. Word got out and soon we had 20 boaters wanting to attend and at last count - about an hour before our reservation, that number was up to 26! The restaurant accommodated us - many thanks to our friend Mary from TA TA who called to change the number so many times that she had a personal relationship with the hostess.

At Thanksgiving dinner with Mark and Becky
 

We were seated out on an enclosed porch at tables for four. We sat with the crew from M/V Mara Beel who had just arrived and are joining our flotilla to cross the Gulf to Dunedin.

The crews of 12 boats waiting at Apalachicola to cross the Gulf
 

We all exchanged stories, took lots of photos and heard some good advice for making the long crossing. It was great to see some old friends and make some new ones. We never know when we might meet again somewhere along the loop.

So thankful for the great adventure we are having together
 

Went here for lunch one day - right next to the marina on Scipio Creek
the sign says "Beer/Wine & Hard Likker"
 

Friday, November 28, 2014 - Christmas comes to Apalachicola

Three boats left this morning from our marina. TA TA went to anchor at Dog Island and we will meet back up with them tomorrow on our way out through the pass, and the other two are going to "bounce" around the Big Bend going to Steinhatchee first and then to Cedar Key and finally to Tarpon Springs.

Trawler Beach House backing out into the creek and headed for the
Alligator Bay anchorage on their way to Steinhatchee
 

We are encouraged with the weather forecast and worked today on getting everything stowed away on the boat and fastened down in case it gets rough on the crossing. If the weather holds we will leave in the morning on Saturday and arrive in Dunedin on the west coast about 28 hours later.
Before that, however, we had to walk into town and welcome Santa. This is the only place we know of where he comes by Shrimp Boat!

Here are a few colorful pictures from our day:
 

Fisherman's Christmas Tree
 

We are getting into the spirit of the season!
 

Here comes Santa with two of his elves!
 

Which way should we go?
 

We could use a new life preserver for the boat
 

Crab trap markers - we don't want to hit one of these on the crossing
 

Potential boots for a Florida gardener
 

Our stay here in Apalachicola has been great but we need to get to Dunedin where the boat will be fairly close to our home and we will take a little break while we celebrate Christmas with our family and friends. It's time to put a few more miles on the engines and put our chart plotter, auto pilot and radar to good use!