Apalachicola to Panama City and Fort Walton Beach FL

When it rains in Florida it rains in buckets and sideways. That's how it was when we docked at Apalachicola.  After one night in that hopping town, we left Apalachicola and motored up to Panama City where another 'severe' storm was set to kick up.  On our way we enjoyed more dolphins playing in our wake.

It was a nice quiet and easy river run to Panama City from Apalachicola so we were surprised to see the dolphins show up as we entered Big Cove and East Bay just east of Panama City.

We were told that a tornado watch and HEAVY winds and weather on its way that night and to double tie all our lines and hold on for dear life.  right.  Nothing happened Friday night so we had a get together with some "loopers" (cruisers doing the Great American Loop).  Loopers have their own cruising association, the Great American Loop Cruising Association and by being a member they get numerous discounts at marinas and fuel docks along the way.  There was even a GALCA host at Panama City offering them a car and any help they might need.

Well, we got up Saturday morning to nearly clear skies and beautiful day, all of us wondering where the big storm was.  "It's comin" so we decided to stay another day and go see Don Williams in concert Saturday night at the Marina Civic Auditorium. Pretty good stuff. Finally late Saturday afternoon the winds really got going.  No rain until we got back from the concert Saturday night (which was convenient).  A little thunder and lightning and the winds on Sunday were even worse.  So we stayed another day.  Finally this morning we were able to get out of there and move on to Fort Walton Beach. Another run up the river and now we actually have banks on the rivers.  It's sand but at least it's not swamp.

Not a lot going on in Fort Walton Beach.   Highlight of the evening was talking to Jen on the phone.  Tomorrow Pensacola.