We awoke this morning to 63 degrees, 98% humidity and FOG!  We weighed anchor at 7:30 and with the running lights were on the ICW for about an hour till the fog burned off.  I must say it was a most beautiful golden sunrise.  We traveled 34 miles to Panama City where we met Mary and Rich Gano on Calypso. Ralph and Rich have been corresponding for several years on various listserve groups and finally met in person. 

Rich and Mary led the way to St. Andrews Marina where we both tied up and went to Uncle Ernie's for lunch.  It was wonderful to have lunch on the veranda -- and we enjoyed grilled grouper and grilled shrimp, fresh veggies and crispy delicious salad and, of course, sweet tea.  We spent the afternoon chatting -- and I did a load of laundry -- I have learned to never pass up an opportunity to do the wash.  It was so nice to meet Mary and Rich and we hope to catch up with them on the water some day soon.

Late this afternoon, Ralph, Striper and I took a walk through St. Andrews, the historic district of Panama City.  We were told about the four-headed palm tree -- the only one in the world -- stands beautifully  in nearby Oaks By The Bay Park.  It was a beautiful warm evening and we were on a mission looking for an ice cream stand -- and found the only place, Layla's Gelato is closed and the building is for rent.  Lucky for us, we have ice cream in the freezer so we had cherry chocolate and tin roof sundae with sliced fresh peaches.  Mmmmmm....and some popcorn to go with it.

 

 Here are a few of today's photos:

Sunrise this morning in the fog

Eerie scenery in the fog

Interesting sand banks along the ICW

The ICW was like glass today

Mary and Rich Gano on Calypso

The St. Andrews historic district of Panama City

We were told about this beautiful park

This is the only 4-headed palm in the world -- it's amazing!

Information about the 4-headed palm

Tonight's back yard

This tree is called The Old Sentry

Information about The Old Sentry -- the "T" is missing

This is an old Rolls Royce -- waiting to pick up the bride and groom who were married in the park this afternoon

Downtown St.Andrews, Panama City

A beautiful schooner here in the marina