SONATA is preparing to depart Hidden Harbor Marina, Madisonville. The Trinity Marine plant is in the background. During our stay at Hidden Harbor Trinity was constructing barges. It was a noisy activity which we grew accustomed to. We tried to visit the plant but no tours were allowed. Today we shift to the riverside, the river so that we can depart in the AM without concerns for the swing bridge.
The early morning of the 15th gave us fog on the Tchefuncte River. Called the Causeway Bridge . . . they reported no fog . . . we were soon underway for the Biloxi area.
After traveling out the Rigolets, passing tugs, talking to the USCG after using two "buzz" words (Long Point and Marker 20) and assuring them that SONATA was in fact OK . . . we proceeded through the Mississippi Sound to Horn Island, just south of Biloxi, and dropped anchor for the night. The morning gave us a beautiful sunrise.
Approaching Mobile Bay and the Dalphine Island Bridge SONATA was followed by a shrimp boat.
Crossed Mobile Bay and returned to the Intercoastal Waterway on the way to LuLu's, Homeport Marina, Gulf Shores, Alabama, where we met up with TERRMAR again. Just over 300 gallons of fuel taken aboard . . .
On into Florida SONATA passed a Navy ship tied to the Air Station dock at Pensacola. SONATA proceeded on to the Palafox Docks in downtown Pensacola.
Fred and Caroline, friends from our first loop, met us on board and we all went to dinner. They are so gracious and kind . . . loaned us their car for our stay; so thoughtful.
We visited here on our last loop . . . Terri and Mark spent the day here.
In downtown Pensacola there are painted pelicans for each armed service.
The LADY GALE MARIE docked behind us at Pensacola . . . belongs to Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints that we so enjoyed during our Christmas break.
Our transportation to the Fish House were Terri and Mark joined us for Shrimp and Grits....
We departed Pensacola in the fog.
TERRMAR in the fog as we wait for Tug Margaret, pushing a barge, to pass under the bridge before we continue East.
Dolphins playing alongside SONATA.
Alligator watching SONATA while we were at Apalachicola preparing to cross the Gulf to Clearwater.
TERRMAR passing under the Apalachicola Bridge following SONATA to Clearwater.
A beautiful sunset on the Gulf . . . still miles away from Clearwater . . . to be followed by a sunrise over Clearwater the next morning. A long but safe cruise; some 19.75 hours and 184 miles.
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