Blue, BLUE Water!

We departed Gulf Shores Friday morning. I had intended to get out about an hour before the harbormaster’s office opened at 8am. But, we were moving a little slower than planned, and it was about 8:15 am as we drove past their offices (after our pirated extra night stay.) But, these folks were WAY ‘laxed! I don’t think they would have EVER known that we were staying there, if I hadn’t gone up to their offices to make myself known. And, their offices don’t overlook the marina itself. Instead, they overlook the canal and the fuel docks. So, I don’t think that they knew what our boat even looks like. Plus, Kelly was at the helm, and I was below decks as we pulled out (and they never saw/met her.) So, we motored right past their noses – and they didn’t realize that the pirates were escaping…

This leg of the cruise was MUCH nicer (scenery) than we have had thus far. The shorelines had some beautiful waterfront home, boats everywhere, marinas, towns, etc.

We traveled 73 miles on Friday (from Gulf Shores, AL to Destin, FL.) YES!!! We are FINALLY back in Florida!!! The water let us know, too! We had DOZENS of dolphins riding our bow wake throughout the day. For 5, 10, 15 minutes at a time, they would ride our bow. They would look up (eye-to-eye) with Kelly as they surfed and turned to see/spot her. She would cheer to them, and pound at the hull of the boat, and clap to them, too.

My opinion is that the dolphins get bored, and just like to play/explore. At times, we would be boating an open pass/bay, and dolphins would be a quarter-mile away. When we came into the area, they would completely change direction, and swim to our boat – a literally bee-line towards our bow – as if they have been waiting for us. And, not just one or two dolphins – PODS of them – a half-dozen at a time. First three, then four more, then two more, then three more.

As a matter of fact, we haven’t seen a single dolphin, that didn’t turn to come swim at out bow. They ALL come to surf our bow!

We had only one slight hiccup on Friday. Towards the end of our journey – only a few miles shy of our destination of Destin Harbor, our engine alarm went off again. I assumed that it was the starboard transmission (again.) But, it was cool to the touch. Instead, it was the motor getting too warm this time. It didn’t “overheat” or anything “bad” like that. Fortunately, the alarms go off way below the “boiling point.” I shut down the starboard motor for awhile (to let it cool down,) and we ran on only the port motor for about 15-25 minutes. As we approached Destin Harbor, the motor had cooled-down enough to restart it, so we could enter/park with both engines.

The water in Destin is fabulously blue – blue, turquoise, teal, ultramarine, and any/every other color of blue that you can imagine! Blue, blue, blue, BLUE!!!

Note: The photo is actually from the next morning, as we were running (more like crawling) away from a huge storm (notice the clouds...)

The bars were rocking (on Friday night.) TONS of boats were anchored along the beach, and at the docks. We called ahead to reserve a slip at one of the marinas. But, they were charging an arm & leg for “average” accommodations. So, we opted to motor past all of the major restaurants and marinas, in an effort to find something a little more low-key. About halfway into Destin Harbor, we stumbled onto a small bar/restaurant (next door to Gilligan’s.) Their docks weren’t fancy, but they were inexpensive – just what we were looking for! We tied up, and then went inside to the bar for a few drinks and appetizers. The place was definitely a “locals” hangout. Some locals had caught a bunch of fish, and the restaurant cooked them all up. Soon, these fishermen were about the most popular people at the bar! They were sharing the feast with the bartenders and wait staff (and a few locals.) Soon, they offered us a few bites, too!

They tell us that the fish were Amberjack (aka rock salmon – locally.) They didn’t taste ANYTHING like salmon. As a matter of fact, they didn’t even taste like fish! They tasted like fried chicken strips – REALLY! There was no fishy taste, and they were very meaty/hearty/solid – not flaky of soft.

It was the perfect end, to a wonderful day of cruising. We retired to the boat, well-fed, well-drank, and it was well worth it!