Our friend Leonard Ingalls flew in from Fort Worth, Texas, shortly after New Year’s Day, just in time to experience the Florida manifestation of the Polar Vortex. One morning it was so cold that there was ice in the marina basin. We survived, and of course I shouldn’t complain as I know many of my friends and family are suffering even harsher weather. We made some great new friends who kept us sane, Peter Robinson, David Stone and Jeff and Rhonda Guy. And for a short time, Steven and Butter.
there is the ice
After a while the weather window began to look less frosty and one afternoon we took Night Music out into Pensacola Bay for a spanking good sail. She can handle much more than we can, shrugging off 25kt gusts like a snooty rich girl ignoring the paparazzi. The next day we laid on a few supplies and headed to the Big Lagoon to anchor for the night in anticipation for the run to Destin. Thursday was a most beautiful day, seas were for us, winds light but somewhat helpful. We motorsailed and safely navigated the tricky channel to an anchorage in the middle of a small lagoon. A very festive coastal town - Florida coloured buildings housing restaurants and bars, chockablock docks with huge sportsfishing boats - a tourist’s fantasy come true. It was somewhat quiet because of the weather, but I can envision the place in the summertime. The best part was the frolicking dolphins. 
DestinWe spent 2 nights in Destin due to, what else, weather, then made Panama City on Saturday of the MLK weekend. We settled into the city marina there for 2 nights, did laundry, had showers and our friend Bambi, who is now sailing the Caribbean with her husband, had us get in touch with Charlie, her brother-in-law, and he let us use her car, so we got a few more groceries. Food is very important when one is cold and at sea. Leonard introduced me to this wonderful stir fry sauce that can be refashioned to one’s whim of the moment and used as a marinade or dressing. I’ve also been making English Muffins as they are delightfully easy to make and eat.
Lots of wind at nights these days, so sleep is restless, checking for anchor dragging or spring lines holding. Sunday morning we woke to an almighty blast of wind which flung us out of our warm beds, cats and all. A rain squall with 33kt winds attacked us for no good reason, except to say “get out of bed, you lazy sots!”. It’s duration was mercifully short and the rest of the day, though windy, was sunny and warm.
Monday early we left Panama City and had a very lumpy ride, (swells were broadside), across to St. Joseph Bay where we picked up the ICW, a ditch really, and made for a settlement called White City. There a nice park with a free dock awaited us. The cats could wander about on grass instead of docks and boats.
After a fast run we are now in Apalach, as the natives call this town, waiting out another front. Tomorrow should see us in Carrabelle and waiting for a good window for the jump to Tarpon.
We really do appreciate Leonard’s company. He is gaining sailboat experience and we are getting great help. I can stay below out of the weather so I make warm breakfasts and more coffee or tea. And almost all these gorgeous photos are from master photographer Leonard Ingalls.
In White City
