Fort Walton Beach and Panama City

Thursday, September 22, 2016

On the move again!  We depart Pensacola and head east down the length of Santa Rosa Sound, past our previous anchorage.  The waterway transitions to "The Narrows", with dense vegetation along the shoreline.

As we near the outskirts of Fort Walton Beach, we see some lovely homes along the north side of the ICW.

 The south side is mostly undeveloped.

Soon, civilization appears with Fort Walton Beach in the distance.

Closer to Fort Walton Beach and it's outlet to the Gulf, the homes and boats get larger.

We are tied up for two nights at the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club.  This is a delightful, laid back spot with friendly, welcoming club members. This sandy beach, also on Club property, was perfect for a swim.

We are able to walk in this residential neighborhood to give Boka a long overdue squirrel fix.  We also got some much needed exercise.  It has been a challenge to get enough exercise as we travel, but hopefully that will change as the weather gets cooler.  It's just been too hot to be out and about during the heat of the day.

Our view and another perfect sunset!

Saturday, September 24, 2016

After departing Fort Walton Yacht Club, we cross another vast, open bay.  Destin lies on the barrier island in the distance.  The bays in this area are quite deep compared to Texas bays, with most waters 25' - 40' deep. 

Once past Choctawhatchee Bay, we enter a man-made canal connecting to the next large bay.

Sand dredged to create this stretch of the ICW was piled on the sides, creating high banks on both sides.  Dense vegetation makes for a lovely, if isolated, passage.








We are now tied up at the Panama City Municipal Marina for a couple of nights and more great sunset views.  We plan to leave Monday for Port Saint Joe.