If it’s not one thing, it’s another. It is difficult to know what to safely eat these days! Reef fish include barracuda, grouper and snapper.
FGCU researchers warn of ciguatera, a dangerous toxin found in reef fish
Wink News
At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a hub of boating activity and of events of interest to boaters. Now, rent a car and enjoy these scenic drives!
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Our thanks to Bill Parlatore for permitting Cruisers Net to post articles from his excellent blog, Following Seas.
Monday Minute – Following Seas, Movie of Awahnee
Despite the tremendous onshore damage from hurricane Michael, life on the Waterway continues with cruisers feeling their through the area; see Post Michael Report. Team member, Winston Fowler, has been on the phone attempting to reach marinas in the Northern Gulf following the storm. These are the results of his efforts. We encourage all who are in the region to send us condition reports as you are able. We will update as more information is received.
Dog River Marina, Mobile, AL – fully operational
Homeport Marina, Gulf Shores, AL – all okay, but call before arriving to make sure space available. Many boats staying put longer than expected
Turner Marine and Yacht Sales, Mobile, AL – fully operational
Yacht Harbor Marina, Warrington, FL – no report yet
Pensacola -My Notes: Seems most everything in and around Pensacola is okay
Palafox Pier Marina, Pensacola, FL – fully operational
Baylen Slips Marina, Pensacola, Fl – fully operational
Seville Harbour Marina Pensacola, FL – fully operational
Holiday Harbor Marina, Pensacola, FL – fully operational
Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina, FL – fully operational but have many vessels from Panama City area that moved before storm, so do call or make a reservation before coming in tele: 850-267-7773
Harbor Walk Marina, Destin, FL – fully operational
Two Georges Marina, (old Shalimar Yacht Basin) Shalimar, Fl – Fully operational
St Andrews Marina – closed
Panama City Marina – Closed.. Our marina was completely destroyed. St. Andrews was badly damaged and not operating now. Questions? My cell is 850-819-5592.
Onsite Report: Panama City Marina
Report from Panama City
Bay Point Marina, Panama City Beach, FL……could not reach, heard from another harbormaster that they are going to demolish and completely rebuild
Port St.Joe Marina, could not reach, heard from another harbormaster, that they may also completely rebuild
Sun Harbor Marina, Panama City, FL – could not reach
C-Quarters Marina, Carrabelle, FL – Capt. Kim says they sustained damage but are trying to fix things daily. Very limited at the moment. Call or email to determine status before stopping by. Tele: 850-519-694
See update: https://cruisersnet.net/177754
11/5 Still no fuel pumps or dinghy dock inspection, and they fear it may be another week. Will check with them next Monday. Those pumps were supposed to be delivered last week.
Moorings of Carrabelle, Carrabelle, FL …one pump running for diesel and one for gas; cash only for small purchases, can do manual credit for large fuel purchases, some docks damaged but if you call ahead they may be able to help and schedule you for services,866-821-2248 See update: https://cruisersnet.net/177754
Panama City, on the eastern shore of St. Andrews Bay northeast of Mexico Beach where Hurricane Michael made landfall, suffered devastating damage from Michael. Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Marina are both CRUISERS NET SPONSORS and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to all in the area who sustained losses. Our thanks to Rich Gano for this report.
Panama City as a stop along the way for loopers is pretty much done for by Michael. The two city marinas are disaster zones and will be a long time recovering. Most businesses are out of action due to damage, loss of power,
and loss of employees who have fled the area. The ports to the east of Panama City like Port St Joe and Apalachicola got it even worse that PC. Plan on having enough food and fuel to bypass this area.
Rich Gano
Photo from Seven Seas Cruising Association
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrews Marina
Please check with us in Carrabelle! If you need someone on the ground to check with the marinas I am happy to help.
Thanks for the update Randy. All the very best.
He is correct except Apalachicola. They are now operational and have fuel. Don’t expect available slips however. On the hook only.
Our thanks to Lisa Keith-Lucas for this onsite marina report from Carrabelle, FL. Note Lisa’s caution from local captains re debris in channels.
Carrabelle Marina Report
The Moorings of Carrabelle
Slips available, water, 30/50 amps, showers.
Diesel $3.09 today (11/3) gas not yet available.
Pump out being repaired, and will update
Cable and WiFi is not yet working, but football fans need not worry, as the cable works in the Captain’s lounge. Free breakfast daily 6:30 to 9:30. WiFi at public library a 15 min walk from marina.
$1.50 /ft/night, $1.00/ft for those flying the Looper flag and with purchase of 100 gal fuel.
850-697-2800
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For The Moorings of Carrabelle
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of The Moorings
C-Quarters
Some slips now open, with 30/50 amp , water and WiFi. Cable intermittent.
Ship’s store on site. Dinghy dock awaiting insurance sign off (update Monday 11/5). New fuel pumps on the way, will update 11/5.
Showers and laundry
$1.00+ tax /ft/night.
850-697-8400
850-519-6943
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For C-Quarters
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of C-Quarters
There is debris in the water everywhere; local captains urge caution in all waters. No reported changes in channels, but call the local Towboat US captain at 850-697-8909 for information about local waters.
Unofficial report second hand from Scipio Creek Marina in Apalachicola says they are open but have no phones and can be reached via active captain. They apparently have diesel (confirmed, see https://cruisersnet.net/177741). Will get an update over the weekend.
If you arrive in Carrabelle and need assistance, please call Lisa at 931-636-2145 or email at lkeithlucas@gmail.com. We can also help you with a car (okay, not a car, but an ancient, ugly but reliable Ford Ranger pickup) if you need access to goods and services outside of the immediate area.
Our thanks to Robert Austin for this fuel update from the Northern Gulf. Scipio Creek Marina is on the GIWW north of the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge.
Marc Grove of Wefing’s Marine reports that fuel is available at Scipio Creek Marina in Apalachicola.
Bob Austin, Pensacola
Scipio Creek Marina and Boatyard
St Augustine inlet is always subject to channel shifting and almost continual dredging is SOP. These reports from various contributors are from Bob423 Facebook page.
How is the St. Augustine inlet these days? We heard from someone who said they were advised not to use it. We are preparing to head that way. It was fine when we left there in the Spring. Just the ever-present dredge. Lots of weather since then, though.
Rich Reavis
The inlet is fantastic. Stay in between the buoys , you’re golden
John Cunningham
We came in Wednesday night. No problems other than the usual unlit buoys.
Sherry Matas
There is no dredge there now is there? It was a fixture over last winter. Definitely shooting for daytime entry.
Rich Reavis
It’s fine. Just stay within the Buoys. At least 23’ depth in the middle.
Kelli Koleilat Meacham
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine Inlet
Call SeaTow or BOATUS and ask for current conditions before entering.
An excellent report from Trade Only in Soundings reports that marinas and marine businesses are slowly beginning to return to normal.
Businesses in the Florida Panhandle Still Recovering from Michael
Trade Only, Soundings
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Here’s another good distance day and a good depths day. Also another report of a Problem Stretch that isn’t a problem this year! Thank you Jim and Peg! .
Came through Fernandina Beach at low tide. The nasty curve south of the paper mill into the South Amelia River is clearly marked with floating laterals. It’s the same path that was good last spring, and it carries 8′ this fall. Just follow the markers.
Came through the Matanzas Inlet [intersection with ICW], next day, also at low tide. There are lateral markers there, and they are correct. A couple have been moved somewhat towards the shoreline from the spring. I followed the visual center between the markers and the shoreline. The route is exciting because visually, you are very close to the shoreline. Follow the curve of the shoreline; do not cut from marker to marker. Saw no less then 7.5′ on that route. South of the inlet, where the Matanzas River straightens out, the markers are farther apart and the water is just a bit more shallow. Saw 7′ at MLLW in that short area.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas. A big thank you to our good friends at Waterway Guide for allowing us to share their excellent report on Staniel Cay with you.
Click here for Preferred Destination: Staniel Cay, Exumas
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg! For timely remarks on Cumberland Island Anchorage, see Anchoring off Cumberland Island.
On Tuesday, 0/20/2018, Sanctuary and crew transited from Walburg Creek anchorage to an anchorage on the Cumberland River, south of St. Andrews Sound, off the ICW at Cumberland Island. Observations follow:
We arrived at the Little Mud River at 11h00. The tide station at Wolf Island was reporting 5.1’+ rising. North to south:
R184 12.9′
13.4′ low water between markers
G184/R188 19.6′
10.2′ low water between markers
G189 20.7′
R190 15.1′
11.0′ low water between markers
R192 13.9′
11.0′ low water between markers
G195 11.8′
10.9′ low water between markers
R194 11.1′
G195 12.2′
The control depth was (10.2 – 5.1) = 5.1 and MLLW. Follow the visual center of the river on the straight section and SLIGHTLY favor the outside radius of the curves. We were too close to G195, but that wasn’t the low water anyway.
In Altamaha Sound, you must clear R208 by at least 300′; stay to the far green side for the best water.
In Altamaha Sound, clear G211 by 200′. There is a range there that will take you too close to G211, so do not follow the range; favor red for the best water.
We arrived at Jekyll Creek and 17h08. The tide station at Jekyll Island Marina was showing 4.9’+ falling. North to south:
G5/R6 11.5′
G7/R8 22.4′
R10 15.2′
G11 12.5′
9.9′ low water between markers
G13 10.0′
9.6′ low water between markers
R16 9.7′
G17 5.7′
G19 8.6′
6.1′ low water between markers
R20 8.0′
7.8′ low water between markers
R20A 8.9′
BRIDGE 10.2′
We were at 1/2 tide for this transit. The control depth was in the vicinity of G17 (5.7 – 4.9) = 0.8′. Wow. Could we have been is a less than ideal place? Sure. But this creek is quite narrow, so it wouldn’t have made a lot of difference. There’s very skinny in that area.
Jekyll Creek and Hell Gate are the two places we’ve seen so far that will require help from the tide for most boats to get through.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
One of Claiborne’s favorite side trips along the southern Georgia portion of the AICW was to leave the Waterway at marker #34 and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel to anchor off the west side of Cumberland Island and east of Drum Point Island. I am not sure if this anchorage is where Perry McDonald dropped hook, but I am very sure that Perry was experiencing the true essence and joy of cruising and that you will enjoy his observations!
We recently anchored (s/v Rasselas) with my friend Fred (s/v Rhombus) for a couple of days at Cumberland Island, GA. Cumberland is unique from most islands in that it offers abundant wildlife (horses, deer, hogs, eagles, hawks, etc.) and 18th/19th century ruins (Dungeness) not to mention a beautiful long beach one can leisurely stroll or reserve one of the Park’s bikes for several hours or miles along clearly marked bike paths.
I arose early the second morning taking note of the sounds and sights while lazily sitting in the cockpit of the boat. I first noticed the calm still water surrounding our boats as the sun made it way above the horizon to welcome this sailor a new day. At first the water seemed motionless but upon further examination you could see the ever slow current carrying a number of barely visible particles glimmering in the water as the sun rose. I noticed a school of bait fish making their way along to the shore and then a splash as they came under attack. This only lasted a few minutes and then the water return to the stillness I had been enjoying. Soon I heard the sound of an osprey in search of food maybe for itself or possibly some hungry nesting young. It was soon joined by several other ospreys. Then one of the birds swooped down with great speed and grace and plucked a fish from the water and flew off to the tree line. By this time my morning cup of coffee was gone and the temperature was rising so I decided to dangle my feet in the cool water from the swim platform. To my amazement I was soon visited by a group of dolphins frolicking nearby but became curious about who might be anchored in the their waters. To my astonishment they came within feet of my feet as if to say good morning and welcome to our home. They would return several more times during my stay. On the shore some of the island’s famous wild horses moseyed along the shoreline feeding on the tender green grass revealed by the low tide. When you think you have heard and seen all there is–there is more. The sky above Rasselas filled with high pitch squeals of two magnificent bald eagles circling above as if performing a ballet of sorts. They flew in perfect unison scouring the waters below much like the earlier ospreys in search of meal. They soon vanished as they had appeared. Not long after the eagles disappearance the calmness and quietness of my surrounding were soon to be interrupted by the blasting horn from the arrival of the first Cumberland Island ferries depositing a small number of early arrivals to the island. Soon to be joined by the first if several sightseeing tour boats loaded with anxious tourists wanting to take that perfect picture or maybe just one of several selfies. Next to Rasselas lies Drum Point Island and it was beginning to become awash in the wakes of the passing boats as the morning passed.
Before I realized it was time to find a shady spot to hide from the noonday blazing sun ending my account of the sounds and sights (14-15 Oct 30, 2018 of my incredible morning anchored at Cumberland Island.
Perry is a retired LTC and sails s/v Rasselas (Hunter 36) with his wife. When not cruising and exploring the southeast coast and nearby islands they.live in St. Augustine, FL.
Perry McDonald
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Ciguatera has been around forever, but never has gotten the attention it deserves. Definitely something for cruisers who fish to keep in mind in tropical waters. It seems the species to avoid can be different in different areas – in the Bahamas, Nassau Groupers are generally regarded as fairly safe, while Tiger Groupers have a very bad reputation. In the Bahamas, hogfish seem to be pretty safe, but in Puerto Rico, hogfish are avoided. Barracuda are suspect everywhere. About the only general rule is the larger the individual fish within a species, the more likely it is to carry Ciguatera.