Tuesday was a delightful day on the outside. Before departure, Dakota romped on the beach for a good long while. We try to make up for his being on board for 24 hours straight. Then it was a smooth, four hour trip from Clearwater to St Pete's. We are off the beaten path at Harborage Marina...but just down the street from Lippincott Marine Canvas, the folks who are going to re-do our canvas. Cold and rainy on Wednesday so we picked up a rental car, helped our friends shuffle their car, took Dakota to a local vet for booster shots, and made contact with our girls on WHY KNOT. That whole musical car thing worked really well for me...we returned to the place of the great burgers...and we got one!! Yes, super good!

Today Dakota visits the groomer/day care...and we meet with the Lippincott folks. Laundry is on the list as well. Cold and rain should be moving out...this weekend is suppose to be in the 70s. Yes, my friends, I'll run the air conditioner...not because I have to...but because I can!! Just for you!! Oh, and I always wear sun screen!! Stay warm!!!

We found the good burger place...but alas, it had closed at four. So off we went, to Crabby Bill's...very good meal ...we both had mahi mahi...I had fish tacos, Floyd had grilled sandwich...probably better for us than burgers and beer!! But just not the same. Dakota and I found the beach...but in the late afternoon is was crowded with tourists...we plan to take him back this morning before departure and let him run....the boy does love being in sand.

Spent a very pleasant evening visiting with John and Diane who we met in Carabelle. They had hired a crew to bring over their boat TUTE BENE. No auto pilot and a skittish first mate made that a good choice for them. They are thinking about joining us in St Pete's so we had lots to talk about. Later Mike and Lois joined us from INCH-N-ALONG. So that early bed time didn't really happen...and our Lady Shocks pounded ahead without much supervision from us.

Today we head outside to travel fast to st Pete's ...well, 7.5 MPH is pretty speedy for us.

Tuesdays plan is to travel outside...inlet to inlet....following the coast to Tampa-St Pete's ...last time we used the intercostal and it was a slow, no wake, narrow area that took forever. We'll make better time this way...our destination is Harborage Marina, which will be our home for the next three weeks as we are getting TUMBLEWEED outfitted with new canvass. Carolyn and Susan from SOJOURNER ...now with a new boat WHY KNOT...are in the area so I'm sure there are social events in store. Rental car, dog groomer, and a visit to the vet for his booster shot are on the short list.

Pizza from the IGA store fueled the many plans that were made Saturday night about the Sunday GREAT Gulf crossing. Can I just say that of all our experiences...and we've already done this loop...this long overnight crossing is truly intimidating.... We are old folks who really like our jammies and being in bed at 10 PM is not unusual. Just the thought of being alert and driving this big boat all night cleared my arteries. Floyd, on the other hand, was eager to face this challenge.  (Last time we came around we took the shorter 7 hour route and crossed to Stienhatchee , then made daily hops down the coast to the friendly waters of Tarpan Springs. We were lucky in that we got three days of good weather.)..we knew we wouldn't be that lucky this time. Plus this was one of those reasons we are going around again...to do the things we missed out on.... So big crossing...from Carabelle to Clearwater. That was our plan...and we stuck to it!

We pulled out of Carabelle at 10AM...going with us was INCH-N-ALONG, BEACH QUEST, FIELD TRIP and PEREGRINE. All couples we knew. Cold and calm day...at 7.5 MPH we knew it would take us 23 continuous hours of boating. We had run the dog, made sandwiches, and loaded in supplies. Boy, are we glad we did. Rough sea (it really wasn't too bad) is not the place to be involved in food preparation.

Dark is dark...and was it ever! So comforting to see other friendly navigation lights and hear and talk on the radio during the experience. Floyd and I were able to take shifts at the helm...started with one hour shifts...moving to two. A few showers, rougher spots, and then FOG greeted us. But the temp had warmed to the 60s...and smooth water for our entrance into Clearwater. Right on time...we docked, secured two lines...then Dakota and I made the MAD DASH to a grassy area. We did not take him to his "Soddy" place in the dark on rough sea...and then this morning when we did take him, he refused to "do it"! So he spent the night curled up with one of us...and yes, held it for 23 hours.  We giggled at the mess that sod is making on our bow...and almost at the same time suggested that on tomorrow's run to St Pete's , it is going overboard. We can't think of a single time where we will need it...and it doesn't seem to be working any how.

So breakfast of champions (leftover sausage gravy and biscuits and eggs) ....naps...and we are headed out this evening to find a good burger. I hope we can stay awake long enough to help our Lady Shockers win...but I'm just saying they might have to do this one without much help....unless they consider snoring to be loud cheering!!

Today is THE day....we've had great fun...eating at Fisherman's Wife, having a chili pot luck, and last night was pizza / planning....but today is the day. Tom Conrad " crown royal" of crossings....but then the one that disappeared he called magical... So we'll see. FIELD TRIP, BEACH QUEST, INCH-N-ALONG, TUTTO BENE, PEREGRINE, ATTITUDE CHANGER are boats of people we know who are making the crossing with us....some are headed into Tarpon Springs and some to Clearwater with us...hard to keep track. Dakota has played more in the last couple of days...and we certainly have tried to wear him out this morning....he's the one we are most worried about...our reluctant furry one. We know he'll be much happier on the other side...for one thing, it'll be warmer. Next up for him is a visit to a vet (booster shot time) and finding a groomer!! 10:00 is lines away...so we'll see you on the other side!

Soooo...plan D....we pulled into Carabelle right on schedule. Had our lists and were ready to roll....but wait...the forecast has changed. A cold front is expected to blow in at 4 AM...which means we won't have the 23 hour window of low waves to make the crossing. Well, crap!! That wasn't what we wanted to hear!

So, did they have a slip we could occupy until the weather cleared?? Of course, .....but measuring and plotting....estimating and re-thinking....the finger pier just isn't long enough to allow Dakota and I to exit gracefully. So walked to the next marina where they were more than accomadating. Three hours later, and we were greeted by maybe 8 other looper acquaintances....docktails....supper with some lovely folks from Holland...quick shower...and I'm ready for bed. Must be 9 o'clock....I'm disappointed we couldn't cross...but I'm tired...I need a haircut, pedicure and Dakota needs a groomer...maybe we can find someone in this small place to help us out. Don't think we're going anywhere for a while!

Sooooo...how things change ...quickly!! Tuesday started with howling winds...so we cancelled the mechanic ride and faced the fact that we just weren't going to be able to cross the gulf on Wednesday night with the "magical" weather window that our faithful weather people were predicting.

And then....and then... Poof, the mechanic came...and true to form, the noise did not return...we did everything...fast, slow, forward, reverse, one engine, two, ....NOTHING!! So...we gathered, got a refund and headed out....6 hours later...following some night driving in a freezing cold ditch...we arrived at the White City bulkhead. Ample room...but no electricity. Ran the generator long enough to warm us up...then out...

600 this morning we headed into the sun...still in a ditch...our plan is to make Carabelle around 130 (time change)... Gas, water, pump out, groceries, walk the dog, MAIL....and cross the Gulf tonight...I'm sure we'll have lots of company. We've seen and been passed by several other loopers and many folks we've met along the way who are all waiting for the winds to die so they too can cross. It'll be a really long couple of days for us. But at least we'll be on the other side...which we think beats waiting for the next weather window. My real concern is for sweet Dakota...who even though he has his own "grassy area" is quite resistant to using it.

Sunday was a great down day...Dakota had a little beach to run on and we all caught up on our sleep!! Weather was nice enough to allow the Captain a couple of cigars on the aft deck...and eating those leftovers meant minimum galley time. A WSU WBB victory and a couple of games of Rummikub (I'm winning this trip!!! Very unusual!!! ) ...it's a day!!

Monday we back tracked 10 miles to Miller marine and boat works....those folks could not have been nicer or more efficient. The haul out provided no clues as to what that noise is....though I guess it did eliminate quite a few things....it is not props, shafts, or struts....we also don't think it is transmission...I'm mean really, we have two new ones! A mechanic who everyone considers a real expert on gas engines and velvet-drives even paid a visit. He thinks it has something to do with the carburetor ....wants to ride with us and hear what is happening.

So back in the water and we head to Panama City Marina....at least this time we are headed in the right direction. Though we have totally given up on making the weather window this week for crossing the gulf.

Arrival at 2ish....Lots of ladies working here and they are super friendly. Helped me find an open nail salon...call a taxi...and off I went for a much needed manicure!! Not the great one I get from my friend back home...but sure beats the job I would have done. Taxi ride cost more than the services!! Shoulda, woulda, coulda...gotten a pedicure and haircut while I was there!! Oh, well, live and learn. Floyd and Dakota enjoyed home alone time and helped the lady shockers win another one.

The wind is howling this morning...so no mechanic ride at this time. There are worse places to be stuck..and I think we've been in some. Anyway, we'll get to the bottom of this annoying noise before it gets too troublesome...and cross the Gulf some day soon. We are close!!!

That annoying clanking just won't disappear. Every morning as we go from idle to cruising speed...and not for very long really....but it sounds like something is beating against the outside of the boat...starboard side...aft....this morning Floyd removed all sorts of things from aft cabin storage compartments to try and locate the exact spot. His diagnosis is cutlass bearing!! Which is not an easy fix...would require a haul out...shaft removal....oh, the joy!! Or maybe the last diver didn't get all of that pesky crab pot removed...so...no vibration, no over heating, no pull to one side....and so the phone calls begin. Hopefully, we can get another diver to look when we get to Sun Harbor this afternoon. We do have several options...two boat yards in that area ...but that means hanging around until Monday morning. Since it looks like we won't be able to cross the gulf any time soon, might as well. Why do things things develop on the weekend???

Anyway, the marina last night was certainly interesting. First slip finger pier was so short we couldn't get off the boat...slip two had a "just barely" finger pier and we had to use two different electrical boxes....then the rule about no outside cooking. So we went to their restaurant which was nothing to write about...and had wine and beer...so no Jack for the Captain.   Then at 10-11, the love birds next door decided to move in...hatches banging and surf boards clanging. Which is usually no biggie for us, but it seems to make Dakota bark...and bark...and bark.  Lol, we probably got pay backs this morning when we fired up those engines at o'dark thirty!! Though Floyd mentions that he saw the guy running around in his BVDs...and the pair watching the sunrise from their fly bridge....bbbrrrrrr, not my idea of romantical.!

Can you say cccccoooollllddd!?.?? Temp this morning said 38.... But it was breezy...and really just about the coldest start we've had. Once again, we are praising the boat gods that provided us with a lower helm. The only thing we are missing down here is a depth sounder...and there's a part of me that says " sometimes you're better off not knowing".... Captain strongly disagrees!

Sad to say, nothing seemed to work ...so we were unsuccessful in spending any time with Sydney Kniep. Navy regulations and timing conspired against us!

Floyd managed to spend significant time at the Navy Aviation museum....Dakota and I stayed behind and frolicked on the beach ...oh, and did 4 loads of laundry. Hey, it was free...so why not?? Dakota loved running the beach....needless to say he will sleep gggggoooodddd!! Though we are not complaining....he pretty much sleeps from the time the sun goes down until I get up. I sure he'd sleep more during the day if he could  figure out a way to keep track of us, keep the sun out of his eyes, and quiet the engines. But that's not gonna happen. So far, we have to think he is the perfect boat dog! Even with that sod at the front of the boat!!

We are headed east....Blue Water Bay tonight, which is close to Niceville. Then on to Sun Harbor, port St Joe, then Carabelle. Gulf crossing is quickly looming in our future! Stay tuned for that bit of news!

We are in contact with friends we made on FIELD TRIP and BEACH QUEST....might be catching up with them in the next couple of days....we are also talking with the ladies who were owners of SOJOUNER but are now moving into their new boat WHY KNOT in St Pete's. We should get there before they leave....and TOURIST Rick and Pam.......so many boating folks we haven't seen in forever!! Woo hoo...dock tails !!!

Wind is howling...but we are taking it on the bow. Another day that makes us grateful for a lower helm station. Around the bend...into NAS Pensacola Bayou Grande Marina...where the wind blew us right into that slip!! Power and water... Dog ashore, where he managed to find the sticker patch...2ish and Floyd is headed off to find the air museum. But alas, not today. Dock master suggests that tomorrow would be better...he'll provide transportation...and it is pretty much an all day visit. I might even be convinced to tag along...though I must admit at this stage of life, I'm about done with touring boats, planes, and RVs. Just saying! Cold front coming through again tonight...temps should drop to the teens....very bearable for this Kansas crew.

Entertainment again today was provided by dolphins...we never grow tired of having them play around us. Dakota has even started noticing them. But there will be no photos....I've got bunches of almost shots...those suckers are hard to catch in the frame. But it is fun to have them back in our life. 

We were also given a private showing by the Blue Angels....twisting, turning, smoke on, smoke off, in formation, catching up, loops, rolls, low pass (right over the boat) ...now do it all again...again, makes you proud to be an American...but it was too dang cold to be on the bow trying to get a photo. So just google that!

Enchiladas are out...we should be joined for supper this evening by our new favorite sailor Sydney Kniep ...

Oh, yes!! Thirty minutes....$80 ....cute male divers to the rescue!! The small remains of a crab pot making all that noise....photo to follow!! For now, we are on our way....NAS Pensecola marina, air museum...and, hopefully a visit with our newest sailor friend, Sydney Kniep....sometimes things just work!

So far today has shot crap!! Hideous clanking noise off the starboard aft quarter...sounds like something serious !! So we did the about face back to Orange Beach....contacted divers...hopefully, it is just a crab pot wrapped catch on something...and we'll be on our way to Pensecola shortly!! Great plan, don't ya think!? Stay tuned to see how that works for us!!

Best laid plans....all went well leaving Fairhope. Though the wind just about rocked us outta bed between 1-5 AM, it had settled quite nicely by 7...captain wanted to be out by 8....we were long gone by then. Following seas, rocky, rolly...and yes, I said it! "Just get me to the ditch"!!!...what a difference!!! Very pleasant arrival at Lulu's...only to discover it was CLOSED! So much for my chance at a cheeseburger from paradise!! We motored on another couple of hours, arriving at Orange Beach Marina around 2..... Dakota is in doggie heaven....there is more grass and running room here than he has seen since we left College Hill Park!!!! Twenty minutes later, he is passed out!! Running around can wear you out!

We bought souvenir coozies and made plans to eat a burger at the bar...and of course, we'll be on Shocker Vision cheering our Shox to 18-0!

At 11 on Monday, the travel lift finally went silent....and at 11:01 the rains began. It rained all day. We made a quick trip to Winn-Dixie, the local hardware store, and Walgrens....then napping and planning. We ended our day at Master Joes Sushi bar.....and one last visit to Mr Gene's Beans for ice cream. Next stop Lucy Buffets for lunch and on to Orange Beach. Still no word on the depth sounder cable...but we've lived without it for so long, we don't really miss it. It certainly should not be holding up our travel plans.

Special thanks to Captain Larry of BUCKET LIST for clearing the way for us to stay at the Pensacola  Naval Marina....we are pumped about that!!

Okay, we are the only transient boaters at this reasonably small marina in Fairhope. There are three big "shrimper" boats parked a few yards away from us. My comment last night was that I wondered if they were working and would fire up early to wake me.....the answer is no! However, the marina crew did fire up the travel lift at oh-dark----7ish....to move the boat right behind us into the water three slips away....way noisier than a shrimper...those guys would have fired up and LEFT the area....these guys are still moving boats! Their travel lift needs a muffler!!

Our Sunday tradition of big breakfast was a huge success...two burners on, coffee on, toaster oven toasting, and microwave waving....all at once!! No breakers popping!! That's a first in my experience!! Sausage gravy, eggs, and real bacon...the best we've ever tasted!! The sun is shining, the Dog is using the private potty, there is a beach near here...we're gonna have some fun today!!

Oh, a word about coffee!! The coffe pot saga continues...why is it so hard??? As you well know, counter space is at a premium around here. We have (had) a lovely attached under the cabinet model...but I broke the carafe in November...lesson learned...no need to clean the carafe. After many hours unsuccessfully searching for a replacement carafe, we gave up. Seems they don't make under counter models any more. Floyd found a "working" different overpriced  model on the internet...so we ordered it. Brought it back to the boat and installed...yes, it works....but the coffee tastes terrible and the heating element doesn't keep the coffee hot. So we are now the proud owners of three coffee makers...one that works well, but has no carafe; one that has TWO carafes, but doesn't work so well; and a cheapy that works well, but takes up space on our counter!! Gggrrrr, momma needs coffee! We think we'll have time in St Pete's to renew the battle of the coffee makers.

Saturday...January 11... a new plan in place. While Roger was tracking down those depth sounder cords and checking with Raymarine about issues...his theory sounds good...and he'll come to Fairhope to do the rest...so we did laundry, returned the rental car and headed to Fairhope. A lovely two hour cruise across Mobile Bay...sunshine, temps in the high 60s, not much chop....and then the fog....but we had no trouble seeing what we needed to see. A quick pump out, a little gas...park the boat (twice because those finger piers aren't long enough) ,walk the dog, get the courtesy car...into local bar for late lunch/early supper...watching the crowd favorite Saints go down...ice cream at Mr Gene's Beans....home to a feline invader and the shocker game...Dakota was oh so surprised to see that furry one on board...spent the rest of the evening wondering where she went....while we weren't successful with the whole ESPN3 experience, we managed to listen on our favorite radio station..Floyd's snoring...I mean, loud cheering .... got us an exciting OT victory over those Bears....winning by an eyelash...uncurled, no mascara.....17-0, baby! We'll be flying that shocker flag!!! It is here somewhere!

Friday ...January 10...up and at 'em....Roger Turner was on board for sea testing the depth sounder, auto pilot and fluxgate compass....Dakota had successfully completed all his chores on his new sod potty!! So even though it was cloudy and cool, we were hopeful....but  alas...not to be! While Roger and Floyd were ever so frustrated, Dakota and I were VERY entertained by the 10 plus dolphins playing in our wake....momma and cub....and the whole group hung with us for quite some time. But even they tired of the constant circling....we headed back to the marina for plan B...new compass! Second outing.....no dolphins...more circling....but! Hey, That fixed the auto pilot issues...but no luck with the depth sounder.  We've been messing with that since we left Washington, DC....Roger to the rescue...we'll see how that works.  Meanwhile, rain was coming our way...so we moved the sod to the bow of the boat. And the rain came pouring down....and Dakota quickly learned that sod was a good substitute for his normal routine! Woo hoo!! We are doing the happy dance!

Days full of hope...it is getting warmer.we think we are on track to fix electrical issues and Roger Turner thinks he can solve our chart plotter compass/depth sounder issues..so on Wednesday we were invaded by the electrical crew to chase down currents and overloads. Since installing the new heat/air conditioning unit in the bow while we were home ...and our return to a cold winters greeting.... we've spent most of our time popping breakers. Something was not right!! Turns out that several things weren't right...and haven't been...so things like stove top, microwave, toaster oven, and gallery circuits were routed to their proper breakers. Seems to have solved all sorts of problems! (At what cost???)  Oh, and we picked up a good sized bit of sod. The lady was so nice...made sure we knew to bring Dakota with us. After play time with her, she announced she was giving us sod for free....we just needed to let her know if it worked. Not too sure the car rental agency will be thrilled with the mess sod makes in the trunk?? We put it on top of the green astro turf carpet on the dock...and that sweet dog began using it immediately.!!! Several other dogs also made donations! Life is getting better! Our day ended with Shocker Vision successful viewing of our favorite fellas beating those pesky Redbirds...16-0 !!

On the boat again !! We couldn't wait!! And from the looks of Kansas weather, we got out just in time. Though things are cold here...not near what it is in Wichita. We had to laugh at the school closings...all because the weather was expected to be in the teens!! We are snug as bugs waiting for a few last minute repairs ...hope the warm front arrives on schedule...we should be outta Dog River the end of the week. Yesterday we did a little tourist action...visited the world famous Bellingrath gardens and home. What a sight! Pleasant tour on a sunny if cool day. Glad we went. We are hoping to spend a couple of days at Fairhope Ala...a quaint place we missed last time around. We plan to stop at Lulu's for lunch and Floyd wants to visit the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola....then new canvas work awaits in St Pete's ....we are excited for that. But first there is that long gulf crossing. This time we'll have the auto pilot...but we'll also have the four-legged passenger, who so far is resisting all our efforts to teach him to "do it" on the astro turf. We do have one more trick up our sleeve...we ordered a square of sod...hopefully, that will provide the proper incentive to sweet Dakota. If it doesn't , he's not going to enjoy boating so much. Stay tuned to see how that works. Stay warm wherever you are!