HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA

When we left Fort McRee, it was overcast and grey.  Well, it remained that way all day and in fact, it rained on us most of the day.  The wind was out of the south east, so at least it was warmer than it had been for several days.

We had originally thought to stay at a place called Manatee Point.  However, when we got into that area, we discovered that there was not very good protection from the wind in the direction it was coming.  Thus, we went to our back up (bail out) plan and continued another 12 miles to a free dock in the City of Fort Walton Beach. 

They say, Fort Walton Beach has a subtropical climate with mild southern winds and few weather extremes that make it an ideal area for year round living or visiting. Winters are mild with January and February cooler. There are 343 days of sunshine per year, with summer temperatures averaging 70 - 92 degrees and the gulf waters averaging 80 degrees.   I can tell you with no uncertainty that it was in the 50's and there was no sunshine to be seen.  Also, the water here is in the high 50's.  I guess we just landed here on the wrong couple of days.

It was advertised that they have water and a free pump out at the free City dock.  The docks are great; right on the edge of a public park that had gazebos and a covered stage, lots of trees, and is immediately adjacent to the town.  So, it turned out to be quite convenient.

As soon as we pulled up to the dock, of course, it started raining again.  There was a guy and his wife standing on the dock and they were nice enough to help us tie up and get fenders situated.  Then, they gave me a ride to the nearby grocery store (Publix) for a couple items we wanted to have for New Years Eve. 


Finally, the rain stopped and we decided to go out.  We walked up the main road one way, and then the other before Brenda mentioned that she had read about this place at the foot of the bridge which had a waterfront bar.  So, we headed off in that direction and discovered a place called "Fish Lipz".  This place was totally cool.  We hung out there for a couple hours eating happy hour wings and drinking happy hour drinks.  The place was not that crowded but there was a band that played all the oldies.

Around 11:00 we headed back to the boat, made a couple phone calls, celebrated New Years and enjoyed fireworks from various sides over the ICW.  Our plan was to wake up and boogie further east.  Well, so much for the best laid plans.

When I woke up on Saturday morning, the wind had definitely picked up and there was nothing but thunderstorms and rain in the forecast.  So, we decided to stick around another day.  It was a good call.  The wind blew really hard and the rain was like none I had ever seen.  It must have rained 8" in the day, before it finally stopped at around 4:00 in the afternoon.  At that point, the wind died completely and the water all around turned into a big mirror.  There was some fog that hung just a couple feet above the water and the sky turned purple then grey, then black.  We went out for Chinese food, watched a movie and went to bed.

Today, Sunday, we plan to head to one of two possible anchorages on Choctawatchee Bay.  We will anchor either in Rocky Bayou, or down in Hogtown Bayou.  Both look like the will offer reasonably good protection from the north wind that has once again arrived following the south spell.  And, yes, with it came the cold.  It's supposed to be in the 30's tonight. 

So, nothing terribly exciting to report and nothing terribly photo worthy.  Fort Walton Beach is a resort/retirement town.  It allegedly features famous sugar white sands, emerald-jeweled waters, endless strings of recreational fishing fleets and water activities, links and links of golf, seaside celebrations, and gorgeous beach side parks, dancing dolphin, and undeniably fresh seafood. Perhaps all of this is true, but we didn't see it.  The weather sucks. We were basically boat bound. Maybe the next time around, the weather will be more cooperative.  Lots of real estate for sale here, though.  You can find anything from a studio with a bay view for around $68k all the way up to an estate on 45 acres for around $22 million. 

In the interim, have a great new year.  We know we will.

Even Poki can't stand all the excitement in Fort Walton Beach.  Poor guy!