Oct 20-21, Panama City, FL

We left Destin and went back into the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway and headed east in the wide Choctawhatchee Bay toward Panama City. We have not seen any barges since leaving the Tenn-Tom but know that they travel these waters. We are suprised that we see two barges on our cruise today.

A tug pushing two barges passes us on the 'one' in the wide Intercoastal Waterway. We are heading in opposite directions.

A bridge over the wide Choctawhatchee Bay connects the mainland (right) to the barrier island east of Destin.

We leave the Choctawhatchee Bay and enter a cut channel with the banks reaching as high as forty feet above the water on both sides. Known locally as the 'Grand Canyon' of the Intercoastal Waterwaay.

Almost no development along this whole stretch of waterway.

As we leave the cut channel we overtake a tug and four barges in a narrow shallow portion of the West Bay near Panama City. We called the tug on vhf channel 16 and requested a pass as he is going 5 knots and we are going 8 knots. At the tug's request, we have just passed him on the 'two'.

A 'waterman' is harvesting oysters in the bay. First we have seen.

We pass the port of Panama City and see several large tankers here. The KOPERSAND heads out the main channel at the same time we are going past and so we go right along and make sure to stay clear. He is heading for the Gulf of Mexico.

Dolphin jump out of the water boosted by his bow wake as he gains speed. 'Click' on any picture to enlarge.
Beautiful!

Bay Point Marina in Panama City is a first class facility associated with a Marriott Hotel and large housing project.

We are staying at the Bay Point Marina in Panama City Beach. This is a large marina with a nice restaurant and most of the other facilities and services we like (but no free internet and no loaner car). Bay Point is a popular stop for 'loopers' and others who like to stay longer periods of time. There is a special rate for 'loopers' of $400 per month. Great deal for such a nice place.

We need to head home to take care of some personal business and will celebrate Chuck's daughter, Maggie's, wedding so we will leave KOKOMO II here for about three weeks before returning to finish our trip. October 22nd, we rented a Hertz car and returned to Stuart. We will suspend the 'blog' until we return to the boat.