Good photo Pat. What we don't see in the photos is the loss of infrastructure due to 10 foot storm surge and wind damage, Even though docks look good from the air, it is our experience that the surge pulls up the pilings and causes deformity/stress in the stringers, so they have to have pilings reset. Stringers replaced and re-do the decking. Power is a problem. I understand that Mark diverted to Atlanta to pick up and then resell Yamaha generators at his cost to folks who have no power. We were without power for over a month after Ivan--this area could be longer. Internet, cable TV and cell towers all have to be established, and that comes after the power.
From what I gather at this point; Dog River, the ICW marinas to Fort Walton are going to be in business. Destin has significant damage. Panama City at this point is not having municipal marinas back in service before the first of the year, if then.Bay Point is unknown. They had substantial damage and are out on a peninsula.
The major issue is getting fuel. A gas truck got into Apalachicola yesterday, so that is good news. If I was planning this part of loop today, I would fill up at Fort Walton and go at slow displacement speeds to St. Petersburg. That is a distance of slightly over 300 miles--at 6 knots two days and nights plus. Unfortunately few loopers are comfortable with even one overnighter....One of the Carabelle Marinas claims to have minor damage, and should be back in business shortly--but power may be a problem.
It is possible that fuel can be arranged directly from tanker trucks in a place like Apalachicola in several months, If there are in ground tanks, they would have to be dewatered and cleaned. Above ground tanks have to be repaired if damaged.
Another unknown is the status of the gulf coast ICW between the Eastern part of Panama Ciry Bay to Apalachicola. Several times in the past there have been tree falls, debris and bank washouts which have closed the ICW. I have not yet seen any reports of the condition of the ICW there or even between the Destin area and St. Andrews bay.
I have also had phone calls from loopers asking about the status. I have told folks to watch the Waterway Guide updates:
Here for daily updates.