Scipio Creek Marina Apalachicola to Port St Joe Marina Aproximately 21 miles on the ICW and 8 on the Gulf County Canal from the ICW to Port St. Joe and the Marina, miles traveled today 29.
Last night we had some pretty bad weather, a line of strong thunderstorms with lightning and high winds came through Apalachicola. A tornado watch was issued but thankfully one did not materialize, strong winds and some rain did though. We didn't get much sleep but no damage occurred, but the fenders between the boat and the dock pilings had to be adjusted several times as the wind shifted during the storm. In the morning things were back to normal cool and a bit breezy but nothing like yesterday. We left our slip to bring the boat to the marina's fuel dock to take on 150 gallons of diesel which brought the two 150 gallon tanks back to full. We headed out onto the river to retrace our trip for about 20 miles to the Gulf County Canal which connects Port St Joe with the Intracoastal Waterway. After about five miles on the canal we entered St. Joseph Bay. The wind had picked up a good bit and the bay was quite choppy but we only had a short way to go and after a mile or so we coame around the marina's breakwater and it was calm, but still breezy. We went to the spot they assigned us on the dock and got everything tied up and the electric cord connected so we would have electricity on the boat. About 3:30 PM everything was ready laterin the afternoon we walked into town and had an early dinner.
To see our location at Port St. Joe Marina
Click on the link below
http://fms.ws/BhObP/29.81531N/85.30960W
Below are some of today's pictures
Leaving the marina we passed by some of Apalachicola's riverfront, this is the city docks where cruising boats can tie up for a stay but it is very exposed to the wind and they don't have electric supply there.
More riverfront, walking around apalachicola it appears, and is, very touristy nice gift and clothing shops, bars and restaurants but the seafood industy is very important too. here are some of the shrimp boats at the docks.
On the Apalachicloa River we met this nice cruising sailboat heading for the gulf. That big "propeller" on the back of the boat is a wind generator which spins to produce electricity to keep his batteries charged. Because of the current and lack of room sail boats don't sail well on rivers so the run their engines, once he gets to the Bay and Gulf he can put up his sails and shut off the motor, that is a lot of fun too.
There are lots of Ospreys on this stretch of the river, the navigation markers make a great nesting platrorm for them. The nests are a huge mound of sticks with lots of Spanish moss to hold it all together
Two more Osprey on marker #4. They usually eat fish, once in a while you can see them swoop down to the water and grab a fish in their talons them bring it to the nest for supper.
Sunset at port St Joe Marina
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