We started out about 8:30 yesterday as we had 57 NM to cover to Apalachicola and we were unsure how slow the Gulf ICW would be and we preferred not to travel fast and conserve fuel we expected good sunlight and leaving early was the best way to insure that. Also today we would go from Central time to Eastern Time effectively loosing an hour but of course not sunlight because starting today sunset is after 6:00 not 5:00 like in Central.

Chris was primary captain and getting out of the marina and Andrews Bay it was very windy and lots of turns to stay in the safe channel. The Bay was quite windy as well but together we navigated starting with Green right and red left then a little Red Right and back to Green. Watching these navigational aids is the tricky part based on what channel we are on it is some Red right return and others are considered departing channels because today we did not go out to the ocean we stayed in the ICW.

We arrived in Apalachicola about 3:30 and a sister Looper boat where the only ones to meet us at the Ice House Dock, Erin and Chris on “Barefeet” this dock is a special place only holds 3 boats and it is right downtown this little charming fishing town on the bay. See pictures below.

Once settled we walked into town (3 blocks) and first stop was the Famous Gibson Hotel and the Parlor Bar in the Lobby, historic and nicely renovated. Had a local micro-brew beer some great tasting seafood dip and chips then back to the boat.

About 6:00 went back to town for dinner at the Seafood Grill/Up to No Good Tavern.

This morning I have NCHM IT on my computer for updates at 9:00 and NIST Leaders Update video conference 9:30 – 10:30 we plan to push off by 11:00 AM.

Today we are off to The Moorings at Carrabelle to wait for good weather. We want to Jump the Gulf by the end of the week. Wednesday we already know 100% chance of rain so first window is maybe Thursday. Only 26 NM today to Carrabelle.