We are getting closer to the Eastern Time zone and daylight comes earlier in the morning so we were able to leave at 6:30 for a 61 mile trip to Panama City. We were pushing it a bit today as we are still undecided if we will try to cross the Gulf on Thanksgiving which looks like the next opportunity.
We crossed Choctawhatchee Bay and then squeezed into the narrow Cedar Swamp part of the GIWW. The name sounds dank and dark but this part of the GIWW is like a coastal version of the Cumberland River with evergreen covered sandy banks. It is a beautiful 20 mile ride along a 40 yard channel and the only company was the occasional fisherman and another Looper boat, “Lady Margaret”. We had adequate depths of 10-17 feet. We were also visited by dolphins again but sorry, still no pictures. Bob saw them this time so I am not making this up.
It is a shift when you emerge back into the broad West Bay and then St. Andrews Bay as the boat traffic increases as do the size of the boats.
Picking a marina for the night is always a little difficult for first timers to an area. We always appreciate recommendations but sometimes, we just have to wing it. We pulled into Panama City Municipal Marina and it is ok. We did get a side-tie dock, staff helped us tie-up and the bathrooms are clean. We’re passing this info on to you as it may help with your dock choices. We walked around Panama City, and like so many small and medium size towns, it has been hit by an economic turndown. They do have a bakery and coffee shop within walking distance of the marina so that is a plus but no grocery store or courtesy car. "The Nutcracker" ballet will be performed here on 11/29 and there will be a "Star Spangled Christmas" boat parade on 12/13.
We crossed Choctawhatchee Bay and then squeezed into the narrow Cedar Swamp part of the GIWW. The name sounds dank and dark but this part of the GIWW is like a coastal version of the Cumberland River with evergreen covered sandy banks. It is a beautiful 20 mile ride along a 40 yard channel and the only company was the occasional fisherman and another Looper boat, “Lady Margaret”. We had adequate depths of 10-17 feet. We were also visited by dolphins again but sorry, still no pictures. Bob saw them this time so I am not making this up.
It is a shift when you emerge back into the broad West Bay and then St. Andrews Bay as the boat traffic increases as do the size of the boats.
Picking a marina for the night is always a little difficult for first timers to an area. We always appreciate recommendations but sometimes, we just have to wing it. We pulled into Panama City Municipal Marina and it is ok. We did get a side-tie dock, staff helped us tie-up and the bathrooms are clean. We’re passing this info on to you as it may help with your dock choices. We walked around Panama City, and like so many small and medium size towns, it has been hit by an economic turndown. They do have a bakery and coffee shop within walking distance of the marina so that is a plus but no grocery store or courtesy car. "The Nutcracker" ballet will be performed here on 11/29 and there will be a "Star Spangled Christmas" boat parade on 12/13.
After talking with other boaters, it would probably be better to stop at either St. Andrew Marina which has been renovated and has floating docks or Bay Point Marina in the Lagoon area.
