We arrived early today (day 176) at Panama City. Several ”loopers” were here at Bay Point Marina, a few of them had “crossed their wake” (at the point where they started the loop) so of course we joined them all for docktails! The marina also invited us to join them for their holiday celebrations. Happy to be waiting out the weather at such a welcoming place.

During our time here we made plans for the holidays and baked some koulourakia (Greek butter cookies) in preparation for our unique Christmas celebration. Panama City had much to offer including white sandy beaches, although a bit cold to enjoy the beach. We also enjoyed the company of “Ernie”, a curios great blue heron that visited several of the boats during our stay here.

After the first week of waiting on good weather to complete the crossing of the gulf-checking out a variety of weather charts, suggestions from those who have gone before us etc. we concluded that it could be another week or two before we could safely continue on our way across the gulf and down the coast of Florida. Made the decision to visit some new friends to enjoy the Christmas holiday.

Our trip on day 176.