We finally made it to Florida!
After our sojourn in Fairhope, we sailed southward on Mobile Bay, to finally enter the Gulf Intra Coastal Waterway (GICW).
We spent two nights at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The Wharf is a huge resort, complete with condos, shops, entertainment centre, boats and built for vacationing. We caught up with Exhale and partook of food, drink and good company.
Rick and Mary took us to see the Gulf of Mexico, at Orange Beach, still in Alabama – our first sighting since commencing the loop.
After our last supper of spaghetti bolognaise and key lime pie, Exhale and Bushranger again parted company – Bushranger heading eastwards.
Today we set sail for Pensacola, Florida. We had a brilliant day of calm, blue waters and clear skies. We had the waterway to ourselves. We sailed past brightly painted homes, weird sailing craft and pirate coves. I kept a lookout for tall ships! We sailed past forts of a bygone era with cannon pointed to the high seas. Dolphins accompanied us, pelicans dive bombed and still I saw no alligators!
Now we safely reside in Pensacola. We went for an exploratory walk around downtown and the historic area. What a quaint place! Pensacola is rich in history: Spanish, French, English, Confederate and USA histories. This is a piece of land richly contested over the last 500 years. Homes and commercial properties have been preserved to give an authentic experience of life in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Above is an early 20th century first truck and the alleyway is in the Seville District, connecting old buildings and leading to cool brick courtyards with fountains. Very atmospheric! Nice, very nice!
Such is Life!
Bushranger's Legs 
So happy to spend time with you.
Delighted you experienced calm blue waters.
May we meet again very soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
looks fire engine but nice looking
we getting much better weather lately, and Mr. David Hammond back from England last weekend
Mr. Peter Webb looks very busy (hardly see him) and haven’t see Bev and Gary yet.
when you coming back ?
don’t worry enjoy as much as you can before r e t u r n
LikeLike
Hi Dohee- good to hear the news of home. We arrive home 30 November. Then we shall have to party!
LikeLike
There used to be a wonderful olive oil shop near the downtown marina, with every flavour of balsamic vinegar known to man! If it’s still there, stock up!
LikeLike
Yes – called Bodacious Olive. Walked past it. Can you believe it? – our Sunday visit to Mobile and all was shut. Our Monday visit to Pensacola and most things shut! Leaving early today so won’t get back to the Bodacious Olive. 😔
LikeLike
Well done
LikeLike
I know! Heads are swelling!
LikeLike
Sounds like a wonderful adventure! I am surprised to hear that shops are closed – either Sunday or Monday! I am also rather glad that you have not seen a crocodile!!! Watch one here jump out of the water. rather high to get its meal. You don’t need that!!!
Everyone is well and I hope you are really looking forward to celebrating your 40th soon.
Cheers,
Norma & Celeste xxxx
LikeLike
Thanks Norma. Still no alligators but quite a few dolphins. Anchored out in a pretty spot tonight. Xx
LikeLike