We are still alive! Survived Thanksgiving on the hook, rafted with 3 other loopers. A great three days of feasting, with all the traditional foods including pies and a smoked pork loin! With beautiful sunsets to boot. Thanks Wes and Amy of Toscana for organizing the festivities!
After T-Day the raft broke up and we went to Ft Walton Yacht Club. Very nice place, nice people and good docks. Most importantly a great bar to wait out the cold and raining weather.
We headed out toward Panama City and Sun Harbor to meet up with the 20-30 loopers there. All waiting for a weather window to make the open water crossing to the rest of Florida. Panama City is a convenient place to stage before going to Dog Island to cross the Gulf.
It’s about a 10 hour cruise for us to Dog island.
Our plan was to leave Panama City on 12/10 for a 12/12 crossing. In preparation for leaving, we noticed a leak at the rudder post. I repacked the stuffing box which did not stop the leak. We had a mechanic look at the issue and he gave us the bad news, we needed to be pulled to resolve problem. He recommended Miller boat yard, located just North of Panama City in SouthPort. Go figure, SouthPort is North…
Tuesday 12/9 we headed to Miller’s. It was our anniversary.
On the way up to Miller’s, the voltage regulator on the alternator failed… which if it had to happen, this was a good time.
The yard looked over Oma, disassembled the rudder, found the issue and ordered the parts. They also checked our Cutless bearing and pronounced it as on life support.
We celebrated our anniversary at a nice hotel with a rooftop bar with lovely sunsets.
The parts should arrive tomorrow and hopefully we will be on our way before Christmas
Comments
4 responses
What events, like Murphy’s Law in full swing. At least you’re at a good place to fix all of it.
Your Thanksgiving sound good, the pics are beautiful. We’re envious of your weather.
And when you’re out doing that loop, avoid at all cost going around Key West — as our Navy might take your speeding craft for drug smuggling ! Godspeed, and keep up the posts.
What events, like Murphy’s Law in full swing. At least you’re at a good place to fix all of it.
Your Thanksgiving sound good, the pics are beautiful. We’re envious of your weather.
And when you’re out doing that loop, avoid at all cost going around Key West — as our Navy might take your speeding craft for drug smuggling ! Godspeed, and keep up the posts.
Happy Anniversary, dear friends! Wonderful to hear of your adventures. Glad the repair needs were identified in port and could be addressed readily. Sounds like you’ve got quite a large gang making the loop. I’m sure the camaraderie makes for some great nights of storytelling! Stay safe and dry! Miss you.
Happy Anniversary, dear friends! Wonderful to hear of your adventures. Glad the repair needs were identified in port and could be addressed readily. Sounds like you’ve got quite a large gang making the loop. I’m sure the camaraderie makes for some great nights of storytelling! Stay safe and dry! Miss you.