Day 54 – 11/26/23

Starting location: Big Lagoon just West of Pensacola, FL

Weather: Low 50s am. Heavy rain tapered off by afternoon. Mid 60s pm.

Ending location: Perdido Key Marina, FL. GICW 171.8 EHL

Statute miles: Approximately 5

General summary: Boat got washed again overnight. Dinghied to shore for dog walk. We had heard about a great hole-in-the-wall seafood restaurant from locals and decided to backtrack slightly to a marina across the bridge from it, thinking we could dinghy over to it or walk over the bridge. Neither appeared to be a good approach once we got there and then we discovered Perdido Bay Seafood in front of it on the waterway which sells local catches as well as dips and soups they make. We were able to tie up to their dock and buy tuna dip, corn and crab chowder, and enough fresh grouper for 2 dinners. It was BBQ on the Inland Rivers and appears it will be seafood in Florida. The marina was right across the channel from there so easy to untie, motor over, and re-tie at the slip in just a few minutes. We have been seeing a lot more stationary piers that are more like what I am used to seeing for sailboats rather than floating docks with cleats. It requires more lines to keep the boat centered and you need to leave enough slack to accommodate your rising and lowering with the tidal changes. A bit more challenging getting on and off as you have to pull yourself close and often step up very high in low tide. Cocoa is still not used to being hoisted up.

Marinas are also starting to be more expensive at $2-3 per foot (used to $1.50-$1.75 per foot in marinas on the river). Location, location, location…

Grouper is a favorite fish around here that we’ve never had before. White meat, very tasty, somewhat akin to halibut in taste and few bones.

I walked to a nearby restaurant and got a slice of key lime pie for dessert. It will be our goal while in Florida to find the best key lime pie!

Boater information: Perdido Key Marina does not have gas, but all other amenities. Pool was covered, so couldn’t use. Good Wifi.