Saturday, July 12, 2014

Made it to Mobile

Captain's Log: 12 July, 2014; Hour: 2346

We made great time today and had hoped to make it beyond Mobile but the closest thing beyond Mobile is 12 hours up the river. Just as well, we didn't figure it would take so long to get across Mobile Bay. You have to follow the shipping lanes for the best depth.

Yesterday's little sister
We pulled into Grand Mariner Marina in Mobile at hour 2033. What great folks. Even though we were much later than we had told them we would be, they were waiting at the dock to help with the lines. And they were very reasonable.

Which reminds me, if you're traveling the waterway stay away from Legendary Marine in Fort Walton Beach. The only thing legendary about them is their price. Three bucks a foot! And no laundry facilities. Just one shower and a dinky little "store," if you want to call it that, with some ice and soft drinks. Even though we called ahead, there was no one waiting to help us get this beast up to the dock. And we were right on time. The current is swift by the bridge and you'll come in hard. And to the Sea Tow guy who just stood there on the dock and watched us struggle: Thanks for nothing. I guess he was like a vulture hoping for a fresh kill.

Right around Pensacola. Beautiful scenery.
Hate we missed the Blue Angels show.

Speaking of great marinas, Panama City Marina was fantastic. Very professional. The lady from the marina was standing there waiting to help us dock. That makes all the difference in the world when we're trying to land this thing.

We're up at the crack of dawn tomorrow. The next marina is at least 120 miles away. We're on the home stretch. Still working on the new video. Hope to have that up by tomorrow night.








9 comments:

  1. It is good to see ya'll are now pointing the bow towards north... and soon heading up the inland waterways and rivers to home.

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  2. I like your boat, I also want to thank you for keeping us informed about our country, I care very much for my country and I don't like what the liberal.progressives are doing to this nation. God bless you Phil. Paul from Smyrna TN.

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  3. Phil,

    Did you happen to notice Lulu's at homeport marina in Gulf Shores? It was probably pretty hard to miss from the water. We ate there on vacation this year and really enjoyed the atmisphere.

    Where are you planning to stop next? I had heard that the demopolis yacht basin facilities were not that great, but but that information is 5 years old. I did not hear whether or not the staff there is hospitable.

    Anyways, good luck through the rest ofyour trip. I wish i could be right there with you on this trip. Cant wait to one day own a boat and complete the Great Loop.

    -Kurt, White House, TN

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  4. Hey Phil, glad you got through that treacherous Gulf crossing. Gives new meaning to "hanging in like a hair on a biscuit". Great crew you have there. Looks like you are making good progress now.
    Becky in Columbia TN

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  5. I enjoy keeping up with your adventures on the sea...Looking forward to the next report Phil...
    as Jimmy Buffett said....
    The sea's in my veins, my tradition remains
    I'm just glad I don't live in a trailer

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  6. I was going to try to meet you at Mobile on my way to Destin from my home in South MS but I was delayed and missed you by a day. Anyway, best of luck on your adventure. I listen to you via I-Heart on WCOA. Robin W.

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  7. thanks for all the detailed information uncle phil im too broke to go on vacation so i went with you on yours and it was very interesting it was like a good book that you couldnt put down but you may need a vacation from your vacation stay safe

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  8. I listen to your show at 5 pm everyday driving home from work in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. I have LOVED reading the blog and hearing about this journey on the radio. I love the pics! Keep on posting!!! I want to wave at you from a bridge somewhere when you make it into Tennessee. Will you give your listeners a heads up when you make it to Tennessee waterways? Kathy Ditmore (not anonymous)

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