Apalachicola Bay

[sawyer]

Looks like a change of plans for vacation, Feb 10th. Merry and I were going to drag "Siskiwit" over to Lawrence Ks and do some cool (temp wise) sailing on Clinton Reservior, but my mom in-law has fallen and chipped her ankle bone, so honey is staying with her during the week in the evening and night to help her do things, get around, cook, grocery, etc.  Since she doesn't want to leave right now, and since my vacation is fixed in stone, (bid 6 months in advance), she has giving me the blessing and I will be heading south (alone and lonely) to sail.  I am going to head to Apalachicola area, probably stay at St Georges Island Campground and sail the bays and maybe even brave the Gulf.  Does anyone know anything about sailing the intercoastal in that area, did Katrina do any damage there, and has the bottom changed on the charts?  Maybe I have to ask the locals, there are a bunch of crabbers boats out on the flats every am.  I am going to send away for the chart tonight so I have it in time and will just try my best.  Good thing that the CP-16 does not draw anything (so to speak), I am so looking forward to it, hopefully it is warm enough, if not, I will drive another day and make the Tampa area...  Any info is appreciated.              Thanks:  

[Connie Meadows]

Hi Sawyer.  I used to keep my Compac 27/2 at the Moorings in Carrabelle.  I moved it to Panama City June of last yr.  The area you are wanting to sail in is fine, especially for your depth.  The channel going into Appalach. from the Gulf may have some shallow areas, but your depth should have absolutely no problems.  
I love that area, especially behind Dog Island.  Beautiful anchorages in Shipping Cove and Tyson's Harbor.  ICW is fine.  
Enjoy!  Sorry to hear your other half is unable to join you in the fun.  

[sawyer]

Thanks for the reply.  Last evening after work I was pleased to see my package from Waterproof Charts was at the back porch.  I ordered a two sided chart, one for Apalachicola and the other more toward Carabelle.  Even reading them is exciting.  I am going to also have to order the book that comes with the charts, I really never have had any type of training in the area of reading charts.   Dreaming of sailing...........   Ah, yes............

[Connie Meadows]

I know the feeling. I throughly enjoy looking at the charts!!  Glad I could help.  
Wish I were still in the area, I would have been happy to show you around.  I love sailing in that area.  The folks that run the Moorings Marina in Carrabelle are really nice and can answer your questions.  Great group of folks that work there and great group of other sailors that keep their boats there.  
Take care and Fair Winds!!