This part of Florida is dubbed the “Forgotten Coastline” but we will never forget our time here. Port St. Joe (PSJ) deserves a full page spread in the Destination section of “The Waterway Guide.” We almost didn’t come here but got a recommendation from fellow Looper, Madison Groves on “Joy@Sea” and we are so glad that we visited. Looper rate is $.75 per foot--that is a deal!
Port St. Joe Marina has certainly earned its title as “Florida’s friendliest marina.” P SJ Yacht Club Commodore, Ray Whitney, greeted us warmly when we arrived, offered us his car and he and his lovely wife, Patsy, fellow boaters, Jim and Rita, and visiting friends, Luke and Mary from Chicago, took us out for Thanksgiving dinner at Tindell Air Force Base. We felt so at home with them.
We also met Rudy and Jill who built their 34’ wooden trawler, “Briny Bug”, over a 4 year period and took it cruising up to Lake Eire. Fellow boaters lent Bob some tools he did not have so he could do some engine maintenance. We have not had any mechanical problems so far which is a testament to Bob's preventative maintenance program, the sturdy 135 Ford Lehman engine and some luck. Everyone we met is working on their next cruising plan—these are our kind of people.
The area is favored with spectacular beaches—St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was voted America’s #1 ranked beach in 2002. Port St. Joe was a mill town as late as 2000 and it is to be commended for reinventing so successfully as a tourist destination. Local residents who have transplanted here all talk about the beauty of the area, the amenties available and the charming 1950’s small town feel.
We will be back.
Port St. Joe Marina has certainly earned its title as “Florida’s friendliest marina.” P SJ Yacht Club Commodore, Ray Whitney, greeted us warmly when we arrived, offered us his car and he and his lovely wife, Patsy, fellow boaters, Jim and Rita, and visiting friends, Luke and Mary from Chicago, took us out for Thanksgiving dinner at Tindell Air Force Base. We felt so at home with them.
We also met Rudy and Jill who built their 34’ wooden trawler, “Briny Bug”, over a 4 year period and took it cruising up to Lake Eire. Fellow boaters lent Bob some tools he did not have so he could do some engine maintenance. We have not had any mechanical problems so far which is a testament to Bob's preventative maintenance program, the sturdy 135 Ford Lehman engine and some luck. Everyone we met is working on their next cruising plan—these are our kind of people.
The area is favored with spectacular beaches—St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was voted America’s #1 ranked beach in 2002. Port St. Joe was a mill town as late as 2000 and it is to be commended for reinventing so successfully as a tourist destination. Local residents who have transplanted here all talk about the beauty of the area, the amenties available and the charming 1950’s small town feel.
We will be back.
