Yesterday was stunning! We woke up to sunshine and warmish weather that stayed with us the entire day! Totally awesome! Went for a walk-about but not much to walk to here. We passed an RV park next to the marina and then saw a car lot. This car lot was amazing. It’s about an acre of old/antique cars, plus a bulldozier, amphibious four-wheeler, small single engine tug boat on a trailer, among many other interesting sites. They were in all states of repair – from buffed-out-pristine to rusting with flat tires. The prices we saw were from about $2,995 to $49,995. There was nothing else to walk to from here so we walked back.

We thought we’d have lunch at LuLu’s. They have a huge patio overlooking the ICW with about 50 tables – two of which were occupied – not much going on here this time of year. We asked if we could have lunch on the patio with the doggies and they said no, not unless they are service dogs. Too bad. We went back to the boat and had lunch aboard with Snooki and Duke. We were finally able to open the doors and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

They apparently don’t allow men to do laundry here either. The laundry room and the women’s restroom share the same entrance. Hmmmm. I thought it was interesting although Michael didn’t see any issue.

Today was a different story all together. Started raining about 3:00 this morning and it sounded like ice-rain. We pulled the covers up and slept on and off til time to get up which for me was about 8:30. Glad we have a good heating system on this boat cause we sure have used it. The wind also picked up and it was freaking cold outside again. Huddled inside all day.

Interestingly enough, this is ACTUALLY the start of our Great Loop trip. We are 18.6 miles east of the point in Mobile Bay where we will eventually cross our wake. The last 623.2 nautical miles has been a “trial run” and considered a to be a”side trip” since it’s not on our Great Loop Map. With the route we have chosen we will cross our wake in Mobile Bay instead of when we exited the Harvey Lock in the Mississippi.

Our plan is to leave here tomorrow morning for Pensacola Yacht Club, a short three and a half hours away. Will probably stay there a couple of days, then off to Ft. Walton Beach Yacht Club.Then someplace in Panama City. After that we’re off to Apalachicola/Carrabelle where we have to make the important decision whether to travel 177.9 miles from Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs across open waters which would be about an 18 hour trip for us. This trip has to have just the right weather window. Sometimes boats have to wait a week or longer to make the journey across. Or we could choose to do the Big Bend route which is longer but more protected. We think we know which route we’ll take but will wait until we’re closer to make the final decision. Will give you more details about what’s involved and what our decision is later…..