I’ve heard for years about Buddy’s prognosticians concerning the state of the Gulf waters, while cruising south across the “Big Bend.” Reading below, sounds like Buddy still knows his stuff!

In Carrabelle, we can’t say enough about Buddy [at the Moorings at Carrabelle Marina]. He is truly a `weather wizard’. We were laid up for about a week waiting for good crossing weather to Tarpon Springs and points south, and Buddy was absolutely right on with his predictions. He warned two 60+ foot boats that they should wait one more day, but they went anyway. They called us the next day and said they should have listened to Buddy.
Mark Giraldi and Barb Lechman
36′ Sabreline Trawler
Blue Swan
now home-ported in Punta Gorda

Apalachola is one of the most enjoyable ports of call in the Southeastern USA. I highly recommend a stop here. Looks like vern though Captain Reggie had a few marina problems, the local dining was pretty good!

Subject: Apalachicola
Cruising News: Arrived Apalachicola 5/24 in late afternoon.  Miller Marine would not answer phone or VHF.  Scipio Marina would not answer phone or VHF.  We wanted to buy fuel and do some shopping and go to a reataurant for much hailed oysters.  We ended up at the Raw Oyster Bar which has free docks for those who eat there.  We ate there.  Oysters were adequate, some being more cheeese than oyster.  Conch fritters were interesting.  Prices seemed a little high for the fritters and the deep fried zuccini.  We had a nice night at anchor just east of R"20" just downstreem of the railroad bridge.  quiet, good holding and if you did drag, you would drag to deeper water.  We did not drag.
We're transiting in a Cal Cruising 36 sailboat with 48.5 ft mast and antenna clearance and 5.5 draft.  When headed from East Pass to Apalachicola, stay left as you approach the bridge.  Right side shoals into the channel to 4 ft.
Reggie Good

I copied the question and answer below from the AGLCA list. Captain Jame’s advice sounds spot on to me!

Hello,
The MV lady lee 34′ trawler will be in Apalachicola about Dec 09 & 10, looks like bad weather window for big bend route. What are the best Marina’s to stay at in Apalachicola & Carrabell3.We will need crossing information. We travel at about 7 MPH.
Thanks
Joe & Jamie Schwartzott
34′ trawler Lady Lee

Jamie,
In Carrabelle you have two marina’s I would suggest…either ‘The Moorings’ (850-697-2800) or ‘C-Quarters’ (850-697-8400).? The latter is less expensive, but The Moorings offers more amenities (pool, boaters lounge, etc.), so depends on what you are looking for.
Re: crossing information, “Buddy” at The Moorings can give you good information, and you can call the National Marine Weather service out of Tallahassee (850-942-8833). They welcome calls from mariners making “the crossing” anytime of the day or night, and will give you updated marine WX info based on current & forecasted conditions in addition to what they are broadcasting on the local WX VHF channel.
Tom Jones

Jamie,
We left Carrabelle on Thursday afternoon and arrived in Clearwater on Friday morning. We stayed at the Moorings and one added advantage is they are close to a company called Marine Systems who can help you with any mechanical/electrical problem you have. It is run by Eric Pfeufer and he is on top of most jobs that they take on. Tom Conrad’s weather forcasts are very helpful. Have a safe crossing.
Neil Shaw
Adagio Due GB52
m/v Marbles

Apalachicola: the best marina is Scipio Creek Marina.
Carrabelle: I say the best is The Moorings, (new name Moorings Marina Sea Change).
Many loopers stay at C Quarters then walk to The Moorings for Buddy’s advice on crossing the Gulf.
Alan Lloyd

In Appalachicola, we stayed at the Water Street Hotel Marina. It was
just fine for a one-night stay. Appalachicola Bay is very exposed.
If you plan/need to be there multiple days, perhaps a conventional
marina would be better depending on what you want.

In Carrabelle, we stayed at C-Quarters. It was fine. Cheap. The guys were very welcoming and helpful. Never did met “Buddy,” but met several fishermen who seemed to know those waters pretty well. We left our transit plan with C-Quarters, and they were glad for us to do so. We called when we got to Tarpon Springs to let them know were had arrived safely. Great service for $25 and change.
Peg and Jim Healy, aboard Sanctuary
currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

We were at Scipio Creek marina in Sept. as we had made a short trip over from Panama City. Although the people are nice, I don’t suggest this marina as they are over run with ants. We had to leave our boat for a week and when we came back we were totally infested with them. Were told by the lady who owns the marina that they fight them constantly. No fun. C-quarters in Carrabelle is a better bet.
Many blessings,
Shelley