14 December, 2019 End of the Gulf Inter-coastal Waterway

47 Sm traveled today, 6.7 engine hours.

Whoa--stormy night, specular lightening display and monsoonal rains; then it was over.  Seemed to last an hour, thankfully, no real heavy strong wind.  Marine weather advisory issued late last night included gusty 35+ winds.  Our little anchorage in the oxbow was keeping us safely secured all night.  Up this morning, what a change.  Clear skies and the remaining full moon illuminated our little oxbow.

Headed out for the remaining 47 miles of the GICW.  It ends at Carrabelle, FL. (Carrabelle) We have several choices to make regarding transit from here to the west coast of Florida.  The shortest perhaps is about 70 miles to Steinhatchee, then 50 or so the crystal river then another 50 or so to Clearwater.  Lots of water, plenty of opportunity to make this part of the gulf snotty and unacceptable.

We were only going to go about twenty miles today and anchor beside Apalachicola, the forecast was acceptable so we continued 20 + miles across St. George's Sound.  Last five miles were the rudest as the NW wind component grew and gusted to 20.  We were glad to enter the more protected waters of the Carrabelle channel.  Almost 2 miles at no-wake-speed we approached our desired anchorage.  There is a boat Christmas parade tonight and there were temporary lighted markers close.  We believed we were ok and set the hook in 8 feet @1430.  The local tow boat US guy who is in charge of parade ask us to relocate.  He was extremely helpful and gave us directions to safe and deep water.  So we moved; we are still in good position to watch the parade.  (map)

Carrabelle anchorage

A bit of a westerly wind at 10, fighting the incoming tide so we are a bit bouncy.  Good day traveling today.  Boat has done well.  Sea surface temp (SST) 64 degrees  1186 Sm elapsed; 1269.4 Hobbs

The Christmas boat parade began at 1830.  Seems everyone from miles around came and lined the banks of the river and were hoop'n and holler'n as the boats, brightly decorate with lights, trees and Santas made their way from the south to the north.  At our anchorage, we had the best seats; as the parade passed twice, once going north along the east bank, then again as the boats rounded around and came long the western bank of the Carrabelle river.  Then, as the boat parade was ending, a fabulous fireworks display erupted.  We were maybe 1/4 mile away.  Specular evening.  Once the smoke cleared, local live music began to play along the water front.  Great evening on the water, great anchorage for the night.

Not a good picture, but colorful waterfront before us.

Brightly lit Christmas boat