The Next Stop Is....

...........  Pensacola Naval Air Station. We left our Ono Island moorage after waking to blue skies, fair weather, and singing birds. From there it was only a short distance to the Intracoastal Waterway [ICW] so we were back on track really quickly.

The twenty two mile journey today took us past many nice waterfront homes with unusual architecture and decor,             




many beach side condos,

miles on white sandy beaches,

and some very narrow passages.

As we got close to the NAS, there were a number of landmarks for us to get oriented including the old lighthouse.

The entry to the marina was a little tricky with several tight turns in shallow water. This was enhanced by the fact that a key channel marker was missing. Apparently it had a collision with a catamaran a few weeks ago or perhaps it was the other way around.

We were greeted and guided in by our new looper friends Joel and Debby whom we met a the Great Loop Rendezvous in North Alabama last October. They call Minnesota home and own a Fathom yacht very much like ours. Since that time we have stayed in contact intending to meet up while here.

Joel is a retired Navy pilot so has access to the NAS at Bayou Grande marina.

They were kind enough to sponsor us for a few nights there while we passed through. Our landing was a little bit exciting as there were 20 knot winds when we arrived with a few  higher gusts.

We were glad they were there to catch us. Once the landing is made and the boat tied off, then the time to relax begins.

Later Debi had a chance to demonstrate the positive attributes of having a "dammit doll". I know I am better off having it on board.                                                           

On Wednesday we woke up to clear blue skies once again but the wind was still in the 20+ knot range both in Pensacola as well as our next destination so we did stay the second day. This gave us time to organize a few things, catch up on laundry, and go for a nature walk on the way to lunch.

Earlier in the day there was a "fire" on the dock and the NAS fire department responded. I think it was a smoke bomb that was used as a training device for the new recruits. There were plenty of fire fighters there to deal with the "smoke" bomb.

The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the next part of our journey along the ICW to the Fort Walton Beach area.

Nautical Word For The Day: [from seatalk.info]

Abeam:

1. To the side of a ship or in a direction 90 degrees off the bow or stern.

From Great Loop Jargon:

2. I think his first name is Jim.....