Shell Island - First Trip of the Season

We headed out for our first weekend of the season at Shell Island. It was going to be a little windy, but we looked forward not having to run the generator all night. Those days will come soon enough.

We anchored stern in to the Island so we could just walk to shore. That is our favorite part about where we go (Spanish Ante) is that the water shoals quickly and you can have your running gear in plenty of water but still have your swim platform over waste deep or less water.  You need to have two stern anchors since the winds can change quickly


A beautiful sunrise over St Andrews Bay. We were also treated to an air show from Tyndall AFB with the Thunderbirds. We really enjoy it when there are not to many boats out here.

Weekends are just to short

St. Patrick's Day Dock Party

 Their was a St. Patrick's Day Dock Party at our marina. Everyone brought there favorite Irish dishes. There is always a reason to have a dock party.  Roy from "Roy El" was the unofficial master of ceremonies since he was the only one with the leprechaun hat.

 

New Window Covers

Living in Florida heat is a major problem during the summer. Mer Soleil is equipped with two 16K BTU air conditioners. There was black window tint on the windows when we purchased her. During the summer the inside of the windows would get so hot you could not touch the windows. We had curtains but by that time the heat was already inside the boat. We decided to stop the heat on the outside of the boat.

We had window covers made from Phifertex mesh, a 70% opaque. We like the look, very clean.

We are not a fan of curtains on the boat since it blocks our view. We like the open feeling of no obstructions. Even though the material is 70% opaque from the inside it is easy to see out.


No we don't have to remove the front window cover to uses the lower helm like we did with the sunbrella.







Another added benefit is we don't need the screens to keep the bugs out

Haul Out 2011

After a year of ownrership it was time for a new coat of bottom paint. It was sad to see her leave the water.  

Cruising through the parking lot. There were alot of strange looks from the people in their cars.

Settled in at her temporary home on the hard

 We decided to change the hull color from black to blue. The color goes very well with the yellow hull. 

After two weeks back home in her slip.

New YearsCruise-Baytowne Wharf to Panama City

We decided to return to Panama City on the inside (Itracoastal Waterway), the seas were going to be 5 to 7 ft offshore. That would have been an uncomfortable trip.

Leaving Choctawhatchee Bay.

In the ditch between Choctawhatchee Bay and St. Andrews Bay. Not much to look at.

The ditch was partially man made so the sides in some areas are like cliffs. Saw an eagle and a few deer.

The wind was out of the west and with an outgoing tide we were averaging about 10 knots.  Fast compared to our usual 8 knots.

Not much commercial traffic since it is a Sunday. We only passed two tows heading west with fuel barges

After two hours we entered St Andrews Bay. Wind was picking up about 15-20 kts.

Passing the underneath Hathaway Bridge (Hwy 98) cruising past the port of Panama City.

A water eye view of the Port. There is quite a bit of commercial traffic at the port. They announce there entry on VHF 16 so keep an ear on the radio.

Approaching St Andrews Pass. Before we made the turn into Grand Lagoon Vickie asked if we had enough fuel to make Tampa Bay. A quick calculation in my head and yes we do. Tempting, but it will have to wait for another time. The weather has cleared as the front passed and the wind has laid down. Barely 5 kts now. Maybe we should have kept going.

In Grand Lagoon. A few minutes later we were tied up in our slip.

We were treated to an awesome sunset

New Years Cruise-Baytowne Wharf

New Years was a little cold and windy but we made the best of it. We grilled steaks on the barbecue and watched the fireworks from the flybridge. The fireworks were right in front of our boat. What an awesome display. Our first of many New Years aboard Mer Soleil

New Years day was rainy in the morning but cleared a little by the afternoon for a couple of hours. Typical Florida weather it changes every hour. With her yellow hull Mer Soleil always stands out in a crowd. Went out for breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe in the Village. Walked around the village for a while to stretch our legs before heading back to the boat. Will leave in the morning for the trip back to Panama City.

New Years Cruise-Bluewater Bay to Baytowne Wharf

Left the slip at Bluewater Bay about 10 am and headed over to the fuel dock. We had planned to leave after lunch but the weather is building to the west and there are squall warning in mobile bay. After taking on 100 gallons of diesel we left the marina for the hour long trip to Baytowne Wharf.  Captain Ron was waiting for us at the dock in his golf cart to welcome us.

Settled in for the next three nights at Baytowne Wharf where we will celebrate New Years Eve. We have always wanted to do that and now we are.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a wharf-side Village with many charming shops and boutiques, restaurants, and at exciting nightclubs and bars.

We ran into quite a few people we new that had the same idea.

The weather cleared and we are off to Baytowne Village tonight for drinks and dancing.