Crossing into Florida

Well, we found that our new anchorage location was no better than the first.  Still took a half hour to weigh anchor, which was stuck in the thick silt/mud.  If we didn't have a trip line on the anchor, the anchor & chain would still be there, rather than in Pensacola.

Continued eastbound into constant 15-20 mph east winds, which have been with us all week.  Since we run at 10 mph, we have a 25-30 mph over the deck constantly.  The boat takes it well, since the waves are on the bow, but there is salt spray everywhere.

Are we in Florida??!!

The GIWW was pretty in this area, with white sand everywhere and small islands uncovered by low tide.  I'll bet this place is a zoo on summer weekends!  We were looking to tell when we entered Florida, since there was no welcome sign along the highway, nor Florida welcome station with free orange juice.  But right at the border was the Florida Marine Patrol, watching every boat. 

As we passed the cut into Pensacola Bay, I was surprised how narrow it was.  Surely couldn't pass a tow in that cut.  In addition to the headwinds, we then encountered a head current of about 2 mph.  P'cola Bay was not as rough as I expected it to be with all the wind.  No sea swells, and only 1-2' waves.  Followed the ship channel past the Naval Station (brought back many memories) into downtown P'cola where we tied up at Palafox Pier.  Gave the boat a good washdown, and then gave ourselves a good washdown.  Ate at the local restaurant & then crashed into be early.