Thursday, November 8

Bay Point Marina

Sand dunes along  the Grand Canyon

"Grand Canyon"

The Baytowne Marina at Sandestin is located at about the half way point of the 30 nautical mile long and 3-5 nautical mile wide Choctawhatchee Bay.  As we cruised this wide open area Charlie commented on what a great place it would be for a sailing regatta ......... once a sailor, always a sailor.
The next stretch of the GIWW is known as the "Grand Canyon", a 16-mile long land cut through groves of loblolly pines and some interesting sand dunes.  This area is at least a half mile from the Gulf coast and we were surprised to see such natural sand formations that far inland.
Our final destination was St. Andrews Bay - a deep, almost land locked body of water -  home to Panama City.  It is considered one of Florida's finest bays with the Navy operating a lab on the west end, where it is said that Navy SEALs do some of their most serious training.
The Grand Lagoon at Panama City Beach hosts a number of marinas, including the Bay Point Marina

Choctawhatchee Bay

which was filled almost to capacity with an impressive fleet of large pleasure craft - mainly sport fish.  It was quite clear that two of the most popular pastimes at this complex are fishing & golf.  We enjoyed an afternoon of biking around the property and all too soon the sun was setting over the marina - it was only 5:00 pm.  The days are getting to be way too short!