Dec 9-14 Panama City to Apalachicola to Carrabelle.

As predicted, the sun finally came out on Dec. 9!  It was in the 30s in the morning with brisk winds, but by the afternoon we were actually able to shed a few layers.  At Panama City’s waterfront is quite the 9-11–01 memorial.  Each bench commemorates the airplanes as well.

On our way to visit Paal and Betsy (M/V Eleanor) who have a condo in Panama City, we noticed this nearly sister ship to “Boomerang.”

M/V Eleanor conveniently docked next to Paal and Betsy’s condo.

With binoculars we could see our boat in the Panama City Municipal Marina.

Hoping to see the green flash, but not to be.

The annual Christmas Boat Parade commenced shortly after nightfall.  Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer led the parade.

One of the decorated sailboats.

Fireworks followed the parade.  Fabulous evening  – thanks again Paal and Betsy for your hospitality.

Dec. 10:  Another cold morning but sunny!  Passed this holiday decorated boat along the way to Apalachicola.

Pretty pelican beach.

Looking for alligators in Clark Creek, but too cold for them today!

Landed near a bar in Apalachicola.

We are finally back in Eastern Standard Time, but here in the bar it doesn’t matter since it’s always 5 O’clock.

Enjoying happy hour with Dennis and Jan (M/V Mother Ocean).

Jan dancing with a bar patron.

Dennis kicking it up with another bar patron (to New York, New York of course).

Talented local singers.

Dec. 11:  Bob and I took an extended walk around town.  This cemetery established in 1830 had a walking tour map to literally stroll through the history of the local community.

OK, what do Rob and Sherrie know that we don’t know?  Saw this in a family plot dating way back to birthdates in the late 1700s.  It will be interesting to know how their lives actually play out.

Walked by lots of beautiful homes. Loved seeing so may flowers as well.

Private pier ending at two blue chairs…

and a public pier ending in a fishing wharf.

This wall of poinsettias was filled with monarch butterflies…

as was this neighboring white flowered bush.  We literally saw hundreds of monarchs as we walked around town. A local woman out gardening said she had never seen so many monarchs land in Apalachicola before.  A new over wintering spot for them perhaps?

Live oaks reaching across the streets….

and houses…

and stop signs.

Going by the Gibson Inn which is apparently a landmark hotel in Apalachicola. We then ran into fellow loopers at the local brewery.  Another fun evening.

Going by the nautical themed city Christmas tree on our way back to the marina.

December 12:  Traveled 25 miles to Carrabelle which is where the north section of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway ends. Not exactly a welcoming site as we entered the harbor, but further into the bay we found a very friendly town.

The Moorings Marina placed us next to our friends and right next to their Captain’s Lounge complete with bathrooms, showers, laundry, pool table, poker table, large screen TV and comfortable chairs.  Made waiting for the “weather window” to cross over to Tarpon Springs very nice. If all goes well, Bob and I will depart today (Dec 14) at around noon to make the overnight crossing of nearly 170 miles.  Fingers crossed!