S/V WAHOO: Time to Slowwww Downnnn

Luckily we aren't in a hurry —

We had a lovely sail from New Orleans to Pass Christian, wind was light and out of the SE. The squall before we arrived couldn't possibly dampen our spirits.

Where's my French Fries??

Lindy 'n Babara's seafood spread in the Pass

We checked in at Pass Christian Yacht Club where the slips are only $25 a night including water and electricity thanks to our membership at NOYC. Quiet power and all the water you wanted - pure luxury (especially after 3 1/2 months living on a generator and schlepping water at West End.) Unfortunately, we couldn't meet up with Roy's sister, Dawn, and brother-in-law, Jerry; poor planning on our part. We did, however, spend time with Dale's sister-in-law, Lindy. Not only did we get a "welcome to the Pass" visit but also a great evening with boiled seafood and the fun of seeing another friend, "Fancy Nancy", from those old French Quarter days.

We ended up spending a 2nd day in the Pass as it seemed a good idea to finish with caulking the windows with that Dow product that seems to work so well.

Dauphin Island

On 4/13 we turned East and headed to our favorite Dauphin Island anchorage. Once at anchor it was time for Sheba's first dingy ride and beach visit. Roy & I loved feeling sand between our toes again. Later, watching the sunset towards New Orleans with some Louie Prima on the stereo made us happy to be sailing again.

4/14 We headed across Mobile Bay hoping the Marine Forecast was going to be wrong. A high wind advisory went into effect that afternoon and we saw gusts as high as 38knots as we crossed the Bay. Bye bye to our plans to anchor in Big Lagoon near Pensacola and make Destin by the next afternoon. Sailing is nothing if it isn't about loose plans. The wind was whistling but the sky was blue. We decided to stop near daybeacon #65 on the ICW (Orange Beach area). Two great Marinas face each other across Arnica Bay. Saturday afternoon we tied up to the free dock at Pirate's Cove Marina. No electricity or water but the price was right and there was live music and a bar for a Saturday Night in Alabama. Pirates Cove bar and restaurant has been at that point for 90 years. The bartender said that due to the shifting sand bars it was a pirate hideout in the old days.

too much fun to take pictures!

4/15 Sunday, the wind was still high so we crossed Arnica Bay to Bear Point Marina for a rollicking Sunday afternoon session with a singing guitar player and a bar full of regulars who knew all the words. Platters of boiled crawfish and shrimp could be had for 5 bucks! Who would even want to cook!

On the 16th the wind was calming down a little so after doing some laundry and a few other chores we motored the 10 miles to our anchorage on Big Lagoon behind Perdido Key, a National Seashore. How many times can you say beautiful, lovely...

Perdido Key Dingy Approach from lagoon side

Gulf Side, WOW!

Wahoo at Rest

White sand beaches and dunes with the Gulf just stretching out to the horizon. That's the view. When we dinghied ashore and took a look at the surf. Wow! Think we'll hang here a couple more days.

On 4/17 (what day of the week is that?) Our wise decision was rewarded by our own private Blue Angel air show. Something to watch!! Our pictures certainly don't do it justice.

FOUR planes in formation!!

So fast you can't even see the planes!

We finally got to sail out of Pensacola Channel on the 18th and in quick succession spent nights in Destin and Panama City. We are now secure in Apalachicola at Miller's Marina (all of 4 slips) as we once again wait for a front to pass. Luckily Boss Oysters is right next door and there's the cutest liquor store a few blocks away.