Mike and Beth's Adventures

Sunrise in Smack Bayou The morning fog was slowly lifting as we glided across Destin Harbor headed for the Bay.  Once Amy Marie entered the large open bay, she received a good saltwater spray spa treatment as we started our trip to Smack Bayou.  The wind was 10 knots gusting to 15 which insured wind chop and waves as we crossed two bays that had plenty of wind fetch.  Fortunately, our Ranger Tug R27 handles these conditions well.  She does like to throw spray as she cuts through the chop and then the wind throws the spray back onto the boat.  As a consequence, the windshield wipers going constantly.  Contrary to what you might believe, the vessel handles the chop best if you speed up.  This raises the bow and improves her ability to slice thru the rough water. Air Boat ready for action During the first couple of hours of our voyage visibility was reduced to about half a mile to a mile.  With radar and AIS we were able to keep track of other vesse...

Destin Florida - Morning Fog Burning Off December 9 th , 2021 Our challenge today was not Loop related.  It was however nautical in nature.  Prior to purchasing our Loop boat, Amy Marie, we had Patience, a 38’ Californian trawler.  She carried us on many wonderful adventures along the California coast, to Monterey, Avila Beach, Moro Bay, Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands, all over the San Francisco Bay area, and up into the California Delta.  It was not feasible to move her to the east coast for the Loop.  We had earlier made the decision to allow a new family to enjoy her.  We will miss her greatly and treasure our memories of unforgettable times aboard with friends and family. Patience in San Simeon Bay   Today we had to find a notary to witness the signing of the Bill of Sale, and then overnight the document back to the Marine Title Company.  Additionally, we had to get our bank to provide a release of lien document to the Coast Guard so t...

Sea Water Pump with Failed Seals and Bearings December 1st, 2021 On our way to pickup a new antenna for our Icom handheld VHF, the seawater pump started complaining about doing its job.  This is an important piece of equipment as without it, the engine will overheat.  We needed to get after this right away.  We reduced speed and arranged for a slip back at the Wharf.  Here's what a new pump looks like We called Charlie’s Diesel, and they had a mechanic already in the area.  He verified the seawater pump was failing.  They got a pump, new belt and a new intake air filter on order.  It took 4 business days for the parts to arrive.  The day after they received the parts, one of their mechanics brought them by and had them installed in 2 hours.  Well worth it as the pump was in a difficult to reach location.  It was installation by Braille.  One downside to smaller boats is the reduced space makes maintenance tasks more challenging. T...

December 8 th , 2021 What a great feeling.   We are underway after a week of waiting for a new sea water pump.   Charlie’s Diesel, in Foley Alabama, order the part.   Also ordered a new drive belt and air intake filter for the diesel.   Their mechanic, Blaine, had all the new parts installed within 2 hours and we were good to go.   First things first though.   We woke to a foggy morning so headed up to the showers.  The fog and early morning lights were a bit eerie.  When we exited the showers, a squall line was moving through the area.  The coffee shop was closer than the boat so w e walked to Southern Grind for coffee and breakfast.   Beth had their Avocado Toast and I had quiche.   Yes, real sailors eat quiche.   The squall line passed as we ate breakfast so b ack to the boat to top off the water, then to the pump out station to empty the holding tank.  Now we were ready for sea.  Let's go! The new parts work...

November 30th, 2021 We discovered tranquility.  It is near Pensacola, sandwiched between two barrier islands. Officially, it is on maps as the Fort McRee anchorage, but we named it Tranquility as that is the feeling which completely engulfs  you.  It is so tranquilizing. Cares disappear.  Your pace slows. Bird tracks in the sand become fascinating.  Sea shells are intriguing. The sounds and smells of the ocean soothing.  It cleanses your soul. Spending time walking the white sands quickly convinces one that we must protect our delicate planet.  The sense of rejuvenation is so strong, you can't imagine not having the opportunity to return for another dose.  Unfortunately, with climate change, we are perilously close to loosing spots like this.  I hope we can overcome the forces which deny climate change and reverse the damage which has already occurred.  Future generations should be gifted the opportunity to experience the natural beauty ...

Here's a map showing our the route we have travelled in our first 6 weeks.  For those who like statistics, here's our numbers. We have travelled 823 mile Our Average Speed was 7 knots We put 100 hours on our diesel engine.

November 29,2021 Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels, Joe Patti Seafood, warm weather and blue skies.  We berthed at Palafox Marina, right on the downtown waterfront.  The area had the appearance of recent redevelopment, all tastefully done in a traditional late 1800's early 1900's style.  Sprinkled through the area were refurbished original buildings, both brick and wooden.  Old warehouses, in the Seville district, had been converted into restaurants, bars, retail and residential use.  The architecture leaned towards New Orleans style with cast iron columns and adornments, and second floor balconies providing shade for those at street level.   Our first night, we joined the couples on three other Looper boats for an excellent dinner at Jocho's.  It is located on the sea front at Palafox Marina.  Beth and I split a appetizer and an entrée so we could have key lime pie for dessert.  Always leave room for dessert! Seville District The next ...