Having made this trip several times over the last 15 years, I will share
some favorite stops.  Not to far into the "Ditch" you will see Lulu's, a
restaurant owned by Jimmy Buffet's sister, also a small marina.

well protected bay, we stay away from there on weekends as it gets infested with
"water rats". Next interesting stop, only a few miles is Pirate's Cove,
anchorage out front of the restaurant in settled WX or up the creek if its
blowing. Stay in the center of the channel and mind the daymarks. We have taken
our 46', 5.5' draft motor sailor in several times.The marina is gone thanks to
the recent hurricanes, but the famous Pirate's Cove restaurant and bar is
still  in operation, has great burgers and a host of very interesting people. Well
worth a stop.

Our next favorite stop is in Big Lagoon, anchor on the north or south,
depending on wind direction, well out of the ICW. Our yacht club, Grand Lagoon  YC
is on the north shore shortly after entering the lagoon, with guest slips for
reciprocating YC's. Fair food, but limited due to Ivan having destroyed our
clubhouse. Rebuilding in progress.

Toward the east end of Big Lagoon is our all time favorite Ft. McRee. It is
south of the spoil island at Pensacola Land Cut. Pay attention to your depth
sounder as a sand bar runs westerly from the end of the spoil island. This
anchorage is very popular on the week ends, but has an idle speed zone that
keeps the water rats out. It is well protected from wind in any direction. Do
not try to enter or leave from the west end as it shoals quickly.

Next stop is in Pensacola Bay, our home port of Bayou Chico, 3 ship yards,  4
marinas,(some with guest slips),fuel dock, a great new restaurant/bar,  "The
Oar House With The Big Deck", (good gumbo, fish sandwiches, draft beer,  great
view and a dinghy dock). And the best reason to stop here is if you draw
less than six feet and are less than 65' above the water, come on up the bayou
past the Pensacola Shipyard almost to the green 17, you will see two 2" PVC
marks, red and green, that Bob Austin and I installed several years ago. It took
about two years to get permission from all of the agencies. Go west between
the  marks, leave the red on the right about 200 yards and head for the center
of the  channel between the park, (south side) and on to my dock on the north
side, notable by the red brick guest/boat house at the land side of my
dock, (The BSH). 30 24.30 North, 087 15.73 West. Or call me 850-572-1225 and I
will come out in the "Chico Limo", our pontoon boat and lead you in. We can
always find room for another cruiser, stink pot or raggers. We will provide
transportation to West Marine, grocery, liquor or whatever. try to attend our
"TGIF Happy Hour" pot luck at the BSH each Friday 7PM, and talk to all of our
boater neighbors.

Next stop is across the bay at Pensacola Beach, go into Little Sabine Bay
west of the bridge, narrow channel, several marinas and many restaurants, all
good. You may prefer to go under the bridge, several hundred yards and  back
track into Quiet Water. Good anchorage, calm with all but a north  wind.
Excellent restaurants, Flounders, Hemingways, Hooters, etc. The storms  took out the
dock, but it is being rebuilt, then locals Med Moor or you can  anchor out
and dinghy ashore beside any of the restaurants.

There are many more interesting, protected anchorages as you go west, but
this is too long. Let me know if you want more.

Tom and Bobbie, loving the Gulf Coast

Thanks  Tom and Bobbie!  Please write more.  I'm
heading that way from Punta Gorda in May and the first
hand info is great.

Larry Larsen
Endeavour 38 TrawlerCat
Sitara
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