We enjoyed a two-night stop in Panama City where we could plug in and warm up in a marina – evening temps got down to the low 30’s (near freezing), and there was a small craft advisory with high winds. Good decision to stay sheltered and warm!
On Saturday, Dec. 10, we left Panama City at first light (06:15) and prepared for a long day on the water to reach our staging stop for the Gulf Crossing, Carrabelle, FL. We had been told that there is nothing in Carrabelle and not to plan to be there for long. This is a popular spot for Loopers to wait for the crossing window and we expected to find quite a few familiar faces when we arrived.
Enroute, we passed through Apalachicola, FL, a small, sleepy fishing town. On our way into the bay, we had to pass a dredging operation that was right in the boating channel. It was low tide and we radioed ahead to the dredge operator to figure out how to proceed. Picture a large barge operation with dredging pipes and equipment hanging off the platform. We also noticed that a large shrimp boat was approaching us, parallel to the dredge operation.
The dredge captain informed us that in fact, the shrimp boat had run aground trying to pass, and that we would have to pass BETWEEN the dredge and the shrimp boat in order to proceed in the channel. Great. As we approached the small opening, we felt our bow dig into the sand (we draw 3’8”). Quick – back up and pick a different angle. It was one of those times when Eric politely said, “hon, don’t talk to me right now”. He did an amazing job of navigating us through the small opening with perhaps 2 feet on either side for Catan to pass through. We made it! Sorry, no photo of this - too stressful to even think of the camera. Onto to Carrabelle, another 90 minutes along the channel.
We pulled into town around 4:00, along the winding river into the heart of Carrabelle. We noticed a lot of activity and street vendors with tents along the main road. Turns out that it was Carrabelle’s Christmas on the River Festival which included a street market, a river Christmas parade of boats and fireworks! What a treat!
We docked along the river’s edge and wandered around the market. After a quick dinner, we headed up to the fly bridge and settled in to watch the 20+ boats parade right in front of us. So beautiful! After a beverage re-fill, we enjoyed an amazing fireworks display with a front row seat! Truly, we had no idea that this festival was happening as we floated into town. It was certainly a new twist on a Christmas parade!
We really enjoyed our two nights in Carrabelle and will visit again if we are ever this way. It is a quaint fishing village with all of the amenities within walking distance. We enjoyed Sunday worship at a small Southern Baptist church, shopped in a few local stores, stocked up on groceries and mainly, watched the marine weather forecast … like every hour.
Today, Monday, Dec. 12 is looking like a good overnight crossing window. Our plan is to pull lines at 2:00 ET and head off with about 20 other boats. We’ll be motoring with 2 others who have similar travelling speed & destination in mind.
And yes, God has been included in this decision & conversation. Let’s get this party started!
