Day 149, 150, 151: Waiting out Weather in Fort McRee Cove

Day 149: December 14: It was a very windy morning; the strong winds were holding our boats against the dock. We helped Summer Fling push off before we did the same, getting UW at just about 10:00 a.m. We were in no hurry, only planning on traveling about 20 miles to Fort Pickens area. We cruised between Alabama and Florida, passing Ono island, AL, Perdido Bay and Big Lagoon. The winds kicked up, creating white caps and sloshing all over the boats. At one point we were traveling in 4 foot waves. The ride was actually fine with the waves coming over the bow not hitting us on the beam. In jest, Frank, known for keeping his boat immaculate, radioed back that he was turning around and going back to the rivers. This salt water was not for him. 

Rather than continue to be bounced around, we made the decision to cut the trip short and pull into Fort McRee Cove, just south of the spoil island formed by the dredging that goes on at the Pensacola land cut at the east end of Big Lagoon. Some reviews had mentioned that the entrance might be shallow so we made our way slowly, entering from the west and not the east through the Pensacola ship channel. The cove is located between sand islands, was formerly the home of Confederate soldiers and is a perfect spot for watching the Blue Angels jetting by overhead. We rafted comfortably in about 10 feet of water. 

We had fun watching the Blue Angels practicing. The sound of them taking off from the Naval Air Station: Pensacola sends chills through the body. Every time we heard the roar we ran out on the bow to snap some pictures. One time 4 of them flew directly overhead; that was exhilarating. Sometimes the roar of their engines can be heard but the planes are either flying so fast or so high that they disappear into the sky. 

From a post by the 2024 Commanding Officer "The Blue Angel team consists of 138 world-class, active-duty sailors and marines, each one bringing experience and expertise from their service in the fleet. They have the unique ability to highlight the importance of naval aviation while honoring its historical significance".

Spaghetti dinner on Slàinte Mhath followed by a game of Euchre topped off the night. 

Days 150 & 151: December 15 & 16: Due to weather conditions; winds shifting from 15 to 20 with 30 or 40 knot gusts, we stayed in the Fort McRee cove through Sunday. It's been overcast and windy with a little rain on Saturday night. We were thankful for the rain; it washed the salt off the windows! Three other boats, one a Looper, have joined us in this "stay put" mode. No matter the situation, there is never a dull moment; we have shared dinners, laughs and Margaritas, read books and watched movies. 

It looks like Monday will bring better weather, a bit more sunshine and diminished winds so we plan on getting UW and traveling for about 6 hours to Destin. Time will tell.