Extra Days on the Naval Base, Pensacola,FL.

November 7,8,9,2015

Saturday,Sunday & Monday

Miles traveled-0

Total miles Traveled-883

Days 56,67,58

Saturday was to be a repeat of our afternoon on Friday.. Watching the air show from the Crowsnest at the marina. However, there was a weather front rolling in and the show got moved up by a few hours and the skies are not so blue.. But still, it was spectacular! The roar of their engines is thrilling!!!! Watching their skills -amazing!!

It was another amazing show.. From what we heard it was this group of pilots last show as well as the commander in charge.. They did NOT disappoint!

 After the show and before the rain we took Buster over to "Buster Island".

Some of you may know Buster.. And the command to come is a command that he chooses to ignore. Therefore, he is not ever permitted off his leash.. The boy has no street smarts and for his safety and our peace of mind.. He doesn't get to run freely too often..

When we can get him to a small island , that's a real treat for him to run.. And run and run and run is what he does!!! It's also a great  time to explore.. He found a horseshoe crab.. 

It was the perfect size island . Big enough to run, yet small enough to catch him..

Sunday was a total washout... It rained all day.. It was a good day to catch up on the news, do a little reading and

Do a little Thanksgiving decorating.

And vacuum all the dog hair this boy sheds.. You would think he was bald by all we vacuum up!

We thought we were to head east on Monday, but it too was rainy and cold.. Not good boating weather. Susan and Jeff had rented a car for the day and were going to the National Naval Aviation Museum. They asked if we would like a ride... Super way to spend our day!

It wasn't far from the marina and you could easily spend weeks in there looking at all the exhibits.. 

It was truly quite impressive!

It was very interesting how they had it all displayed. I would easily recommend this to everyone to see it..

Awesome to see these Blue Angel planes up close after their performance.

Their collection is outstanding! The Museum is free yet I highly recommend leaving a donation to meet your enthusiasm. They also had several IMAX shows at various times to add to the experience.. We saw the 1:00 show on D-Day. Excellent!!

Ingram Bayou, AL to Bayou Grande Marina, FL

November 6,2015

Friday

Miles traveled-22.7

Total miles traveled-883

Day 55

Our day started off in a fog.. Yet the temperature was pleasant and the coffee was perfect.. We enjoyed the peace, relaxed and wait for it to lift.

Skies cleared and the Bayou was still. Nice reflection of Knot Yet, after Buster excursion to shore.

The waterway is a bit more populated and many nice properties to view.

These were quite colorful.

It was great to see this sign.. Our charts tell us where we are along the water, but it hard to know where you are on land.. It's official... We are now in Florida!

We were passed by several.  "Go Fast boats " pretty... But they must suck fuel like a thirsty camel!

We have seen this boat,on again off again, for the last few weeks.. Valentine. This couple is from California.. And have traveled all over the place..

Here's a rather remote campsite! 

We were able to get on Base thanks to Jeff and Susan from "Act III" 

The Air Show from the Marina has been spectacular!! We watched from the "Crowsnest"  We are in Aw! Hard to catch on camera, cause they are hauling!!!!

The Blue Angels and all the other planes/jets will perform again tomorrow. We hope to view and photo their performance.. The noise is incredible and their skills are unbelievable!!!  

Fairhope Al to Ingram Bayou

November 5,2015

Thursday

Miles traveled-41.3

Total miles traveled-860.3

Day 54

After saying our goodbyes and Thanking the crew for their work and kindness, we left Eastern Shore Marina. It was another great day.

Buster loves to travel.. 

We were greeted by a large pod of dolphins that swam along the side of our boat.. It is so awesome to watch them.. 

As we entered the Intracoastal Waterway we passed a lovely sailboat going out to enjoy this beautiful day.

Timing was perfect. We were at Lulu's by 12:30.. 

We tied up along the restaurant, then took Buster to find a patch of grass.

It's a fun place..

Not too busy today

 We had a leisure lunch and continued on our way.

The Wharf is a great place to stay or visit, but we opted to stay out on the hook tonight.

We pulled into Ingram Bayou and saw more Dolphins and Pelicans.. This cove is safe from North, east and west winds.. It is going to be another calm evening.

We got Buster to shore

 And saw a sting ray along the waterline

It's very peaceful in here.

Buster loves a ride in the dinghy.

We met another couple who also dropped anchor in here. He's headed to the Naval Air Base tomorrow and is ex military.. He's going to see if he can get us into the marina as his guest.. That would be fantastic.. He'll call tomorrow. Our fingers are crossed!

The clouds are spectacular.!

They got more intense as the sun began to set.

Wow!

Last day/night at Eastern Shore Marina

November 4,2015

Wedsnday 

Miles traveled-0

Total miles traveled-802

Day 53

We have been here in Fairhope for almost  two weeks.. There was work to get done and parts to be ordered and delivered.. The folks here have been wonderful.. Many thanks to Ed and his wife MaryAnne also to the guys there on property..  Always friendly and wanting to make our stay quite pleasant.

It's not a "country club" marina, it's a working marina and there is a lot going on.. Shrimp boats sell from their boats before making their delivery to market. It doesn't get any fresher than that!

We have met several other boaters getting work done.. Evening together for Docktails and on Wedsnday nights is live music at the ice house.That is such a treat, by some very talented folks..

We were lucky to see them twice!

 The work has been completed, it's time to move along.

Leap frogging the truck and runabout boat

October 31, November 1,2,3,2015

Sat, Sun, Mon &Tuesday

Fairhope to Scottsboro, Scottsboro to Huntsville , Huntsville to Chattanooga, Chattanooga to Clermont (Orlando) and Clermont back to Fairhope

Miles traveled ( by car) 1500

Truck and run about closer to the Keys

Days 49,50,51 &52

The next many days had us hanging out at the marina while we wait for parts and repairs. Rather than just hang and rainy weather in the forecast, we rented a car and drove to Scottsboro where we had our truck and run about boat stored (our camper is there too). Thinking we could get both of them closer to the keys.

We had hoped our good friends might be at their boat in Scottsboro, so we called Mike and Tina to see if they were available for meeting for dinner. They had a better plan, and invited us to their home for the evening. 

How could we pass up such a warm and welcoming offer.. We have truly enjoyed our friendship with them and look forward to many more visits or travels together with them... Thank you Mike and Tina Walley!

We caravan to Kate's. This was my view most of the day as I let Phil lead the way ..

It was a long day with the time zone change and the day light savings change last night too.

It was great being able to spend time with these little sweeties. 

 

While Jayce and Emry had school

And Josh had work , we spent the day with Layne and Kate at the citrus groves.

Layne loved the kitties there!

 The tangerine juice was delicious and our dinner that evening was quite Greek and also delicious too ...Opa!

Here the truck and boat will wait until we come back for them sometime in December.. Thank you Castlemans!!

Oh yeah, while in Clermont , we walked to the music store.. I now have the gadget that helps me tune my ukulele.. Now I need to practice, practice, practice!