I wanted to thank everyone for their responses, both on and off the
list, to request for advice on  our planned trip from New Orleans to
Key West. Thought I would let the list know the general consensus on
my planned trip.

1. DON"T TOW THE DINGHY!!  Okay, I get it. I will leave the dinghy on
   the boat deck! You all made salient points regarding this, and I agree
   with most.

2. Stay within a half-days run of shore in case of bad weather. This
   makes sense to me, and will only add about 8 hours to the run. Worth
   it for the extra margin of safety, in my opinion.

3. Stay inside until at least Mobile Bay before running offshore.
   Possibly go as far as Destin. Sounds good, and I am going to adjust my
   route accordingly.

4. Stay in the ditch to Apalachicola, then outside to Cedar Keys or
   Tampa, then ICW on down to Sanibel Island, then offshore to KW. This
   will be our bad weather plan. If we stay inside all the way, we
   probably won't have enough time to make it all the way to the Keys.

Last April we spent a couple of weeks in the Panama City to Port St.
Joe area, and loved it. So if the weather is too bad to run outside,
we may just head over to Apalachicola and Dog Island. Just enjoy the
trip over and back.

Any suggestions on good anchorages on the ditch between Mobile Bay and
Apalachicola? Restaurants? Must see attractions?

This list is a great resource. Thanks so much to all who replied, your
advice is much appreciated.

--
Ken Tischler
"Microship"
Defever 49RPH

Hi Ken,
No advice on anchorages but if you find yourself near Cedar Key at stopping point then do yourself a favor and stop there at the city docks. This is my absolute favorite place on mainland FL and has a real ole timey feel to it. 3 or 4 good restaurants right on the wharf.
Joel
St Pete, FL
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