Hello Apalachicola

After 2 very overcast and rainy days in Panama City, we finally got a change to put some water under the keel of our new boat.  We pulled out of the marina this morning and made our first real trip of 62 miles to Apalachicola, FL.  We had a great day on the ICW complete with some very friendly dolphins.  Gail was in complete amazement as she had three different pods of dolphins ride in our wake today.  She said that the first group was almost touching the swim platform as we ran a leisurely 8kts down the canal.

We docked tonight at Scipio Creek Marina in Apalachicola.  We were all set to have dinner at Papa Joe's Oyster Bar at the marina.  However, when we got in tonight, the place was shut down and out of business.  We were so disappointed.  I checked online and found out that Papa Joe's simply moved into town.  Lucky for us!  We walked a few blocks and had a feast to remember.  Our dinner was complete with 6 dozen raw oysters (however, a dozen oysters at Papa Joe's is either 14 or 16 oysters), then some scallop and crab bisque followed by soft shell crabs all washed down with a few ice cold beers.  Now this is what we had in mind.

The weather is still really poor off-shore, so we will spend another day in Apalachicola and try to make the crossing to Clearwater on Saturday.  We already have our sights set on some shopping for the boat and another oyster dinner out tomorrow.  We are really enjoying the new boat so far.