My Klepper foldable kayak (the dark red bag on the settee) proved to be the most difficult to stow. It seemed to be in the way no matter where I put it, even on this roomy Irwin 38. Yes, that's a dog leash on the table — Nicki would accompany … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida's Panhandle on the Charlie K
We voyage with our friends Jon and Ginger on their 38' Irwin, the Charlie K, from New Port Richey to Florida's Panhandle and back.
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 2: The Night Crossing from He**
Part Two: Oct. 15, 2006 Through The Minefield Sonja studies the chartplotter manual while the autopilot keeps the boat on course. After a late (8am) start, we headed up to Seahorse Reef before making our turn toward the panhandle. There … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 3: Dinghying to Dog Island, Fixing Things
We took the dinghy to go exploring on Dog Island, which seemed like a land that time forgot. There was much hurricane erosion in evidence on Dog Island. There were more cars on Dog Island — junked out and rusting in the salt air — than either … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 4: Apalachicola and Scipio Marina
Charlie K docked at the Scipio Marina in Apalachicola. Apalachicola is a waterfront junkyard dominated by sinking fishing boats and broken docks Boss Oyster was Apalachicola's version of a glitzy waterfront restaurant. It's not often that the … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 5: Kayaking in the Bayou, Repairing the Boom Vang
Anchored sailboats at dawn in Scipio Creek Sunken and derelict commercial fishing boats were a common sight along the waterway. A cypress appears to be levitating above the water. It was actually bolted to a piling, and had a bird house for … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 6: To White City and the Alligator Hunters
Apalachicola is prettier from out in the river than it is up close. A sunken sailboat at the city marina. The spate of hurricanes turned a lot of docks into just pilings. Many have still not been repaired or replaced. A barge … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 7: We Make Port St. Joe
A heron taking flight A pine clings to the bank for dear life Winner of the junky boat contest — and there were a lot of entries on this trip! It was rough and crudely built, but this makeshift gangway did its job. Part Seven: Oct. 21, … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 8: A Relaxing Day in Port St. Joe
The marina's breakwater was a popular fishing spot. These "fish havens" are sprinkled around on the bottom of the bay around Port St. Joe, making it a fine fishing spot. Part Eight: Oct. 22, 2006 A Day In St. Joe Marina With not much going on, … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 9: To Carabelle We Go
We passed many friendly boaters on our trips along the inland route. Nicki the Navigator has found her sea legs and is enjoying the trip. Part Nine: Oct. 23, 2006 Cold Weather, Even in Florida I woke up around 6 am and it was COLD! Made … [Read more...]
Cruising Florida’s Panhandle — Part 10: The Weather Changes Our Plans Yet Again
Part Ten: Oct. 24, 2006 Carabelle, Not Carabelle, Cedar Key, Not Cedar Key Morning coffee was enhanced by aromas from the galley of toast frying in butter, to be topped with the last remaining avocado I had brought from home, which was slightly … [Read more...]
