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Crossing our wake – December 11, 2013 about 3:40 PM

Just a few minutes behind our estimated time, we pulled up to the fuel dock in St. Andrews Marina.  The winds had finally died and we could make better speed – even the cats were excited.  On the dock was good friend Jody who jumped aboard as we pumped out and provided the much needed ride to the car where we were greeted by Patti's "Welcome Home" banner. We are so grateful to the many friends who helped and supported us on the home front this year.

On a beautiful, calm and sunny afternoon we eased up to the dock – tied off with the help of yet another fellow mariner and enjoyed the welcome of a familiar port after more than eleven months afloat.

A short post script as to why it has taken several days to get this posted.  We hauled the cats home after sucking a few dead roaches into the vacuum cleaner along with a very small amount of dust and proceeded to reactivate our cable connections – then we had to reattach all the wires we had hastily disconnected last January – a few parts were missing and it took numerous trips between the house and the boat to get all the parts back together just reminding us that life on land can be a challenging as life on the boat – just different.

Home Stretch

Home Stretch

After getting the whiff of home with the fresh seafood and saltwater tang we made swift tracks for St Andrews Marina with longer cruising days and fewer stops.  We also did most of this stretch last fall on our shakedown cruise so we selected alternate stops. Our first stop was at Ingram Bayou across from Orange Beach.  On the way we passed the famous Lulu’s run by Jimmy Buffet’s sister.  On the opposite shore was the even more colorful Tacky Jacks – but we opted for the empty serene bayou.  Our next stop was the Fort Walton Beach Municipal free docks just west of the Brooks Bridge and a short walk from town and the Mounds Museum.  We have driven by this museum many times, and were glad to finally be there when it was open. While this mound is also from the Mississippian period, the museum had only a small display of arrow heads compared to the Florence museum.  However, they had very interesting exhibits on the ancient pottery with numerous examples of the designs and styles.  This mini museum was a fitting and an interesting final stop on our looping journey although we did also visit a few of the galleries and specialty shops on the main drag as we wandered around Fort Walton Beach.  In the morning the fog did not materialize thanks to the 12 knot winds overnight, so in spite of the 37 degree temps, we headed out with the sun for the final leg on our loop as the Dolphins again were leaping in front of our bow.

 

 

Fair Fairhope, AL

Fair Fairhope AL

Having previously visited this gem of the gulf coast, we couldn’t resist a day off for some power shopping – ok Julia wanted to do the shopping and Steve relented after relaxing with chores on the boat.

 

We had earned the day of rest and a couple nights with network TV in time to catch those ‘Noles in action after two extremely long (for us) days. Our second 70 mile day dropped us through the last stretch of the river boosted by a falling tide so we arrived in Fairhope well before dusk.

 

 

 

 

 

  On the dock to grab our ropes were Ozel and Maryann on Freya.  They had just returned to their boat in the neighboring slip with perfect timing to give us a helping hand.  This marina is strung along a creek on the east side of Mobile Bay. While they welcome loopers with great deals and low fuel prices, dock hands are few and far between.  Not only did we enjoy Ozel and Maryann’s help, it was fun to share experiences and plans as they closed their loop only a few weeks ahead of us after a trip split over two years. Yet again we realized how naturally compatible loopers are – in addition, both Steve and Ozel spent years in the oil industry, and both families lived overseas for long stretches. Needless to say, Ozel ad Maryann took many breaks from their chores (unloading their boat) to chat and help us pass the evening with yet another looper gathering.  In the afternoon  the local harbor hosts stopped by and helped us plan the anchorages going east toward home.– just a few more reminders that doing the Great Circle Loop is about the people!