10/17 - 10/19 - Gulf Coast Extravaganza

Wefings

Brenda and I will be cruising in from Gulf Shores, AL. as we did in 2006 and 2007. This is 212.8 miles one way cruise in to Apalachicola, FL. that will take three or four days depending on weather. We will launch our 22 C-Dory "Falcon" on Cotton Bayou ramp at Gulf Shores AL. late in the afternoon on Sunday, 10/12/08. On one cruise we had dinner at Lulu's and anchored out in Wolf Bay that evening 30 18.669 87 34.975.

We will stay at the Water Street Hotel 888-211-9237 when we arrive in Apalachicola 29 43.927 84 59.299 before going over to John's house.

"Falcon" likes challeging waters or maybe Bill likes adventure.

Good time are here again.
 
Billl , Brenda , Ill get that room reserved with slip for Fri Night ! You guys are a great asset to our gathering ! We look forward to seeing you . Hope we have smooth weather for you this time around !
 
We are also planning to trailer to Gulf Shores and cruise to Apalach. We've never done it before. Could it be done in two full days or is your three/four day estimate conservative?
 
Stolf--We have done it in 8 hours or less several times in the Tom Cat. The only "no Wake" zones are along Perdido Key, just near Holiday Harbor, and in Fort Walton. Most of the rest of the way, you can easily go 15 to 20 mph. Remember that on the ICW mileage is in statute miles. If you run 5 hours at 20 mph you will make 100 miles a day--or if you run slightly slower (not sure what power you have in the Cruise ship). you can take more days. We probably will leave on Wed or Thursday-and when we stop it is usually in Panama City area. PM me for other anchorages along the way--there are literally hundreds available.

We live up at the head of Perdido Bay, and it is 12 miles to the ICW. It is a good trip from Gulf Shores. The only areas of caution are some roughness in the larger bays--and there can be debris (tree limbs) in the narrow areas of the Cuts between the larger bays--more as you get closer to Apalachicola.

See you along the way, or there.
 
Looks like we will have a pretty good gathering shaping up . I am getting excited and looking forward to it . John is working on the perfect sourdough pancake recipe .His 88 year old mom is helping with that

Marc
 
Skip , We will have a special slip for the "floating man cottage" if you put the boat in the water this year. We are getting excited around here and I am starting to dream about Gumbo , Bar B Que ,Sourdough Pancakes, and Fresh Oysters . That means the gathering is getting closer .
Marc
 
Marc, a couple of us are first timers (and yet so old). Will you post some what's & when's guides? Not a schedule, just a W.A.G. based on past events.
 
Allan , the events so far aside from eating and drinking are as follows ; We have our own Dr Bob "thataway" Austin doing a safety at sea seminar Saturday Eve. as well as showing us pics from their trip to the northwest this summer . A Saturday group cruise is planned , weather will determine where we will go ,we will stay in the river system if its windy, if its nice a barrier Island [St Vincent or Little St George] trip or possibly St Joe Bay might be in order .We will let the group decide . Morning fishing trips are always a possibility as well as an offshore trip if there is interest and cooperative weather. We will have breakfasts Sat A.M. and Sun A.M. and dinners Fri P.M. and Sat P.M.
We are always open to new ideas or activities !
And if you just want to hang around and enjoy the surroundings , thats ok too !
Marc
 
How about the fresh oyster eating? The sitting around on the seawall/walk/docks next to the rafted up boats and visiting? Meeting all of the other C Dories--and re-establishing connections with old friends. Looking at all of the other boats, and what people have done to them. Also often there are new boats to be seen. Marc always has a great "cruise" for all.
 
There will be oysters ! I have already lined that up ! Shrimp too ! Hanging around John's place is a very pleasurable experience . Should be a good crowd !
Marc
 
Marlene and I sure looking forward to our first get together in Apalachicola with other CDs. We will cruise from Valparaiso to Panama City and stop at the City Marina for the night and eat at Bayou Joe's for some of the finest seafood. Friday we will arrive at Apalachicola. We will look for other CDs along the way in the ICW. :D
 
Hey Marc,
Shirley and I will be there for sure...with or without Time Bandit. We're looking forward to meeting many new friends and, I'm even willing to endure frightening flashbacks of camp outs with Skip in the old 400 MP days...but, that's another story:)
Cheers,
Tim
 
Excellent news, Tim. Sounds like the timing could be right for us to tag along on Time Bandit's maiden voyage. You bring the maiden.

Skip
 
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