Probably one of the best feelings a sailor can have is pointing his/her vessel off on another adventure. Just the sense of anticipation, the immediate "busy" of the moment, and the final tranquility of sailing in the slot and enjoying the ride. None was never so blissful as the spring break we took with our kids from Biloxi, Ms. out of Point Cadet Marina to Pensacola, Fla. For any who have attempted to exit from Point Cadet you realize just how shallow the out of channel water is. With Deer Island to your starboard and the peek-a-boo red and green markers all but invisable it is a challenge to exit at dusk or dawn. But once you have finally entered the main channel south towards Horn Island the ride is nice if not completely satisfying. Your main concern then is do you have enough good music and beverages to accompany you to your first hook, which is the horseshoe of Horn Island, the anchorage during the summer and spring is lee to many of the summer showers or fronts that may pop up. You can get quite close to the shore in 16 feet of water and it's close enough to swim or row in. This is probably the least stressful way to continue as your next anchorage would be a short trip to Daphne Island but it is difficult to get close to shore as it shallows quickly from the Intercoastal. Although if you attempt a longer leg you can make the north end of the Bon Secor at its mouth to Mobile Bay however there is quite a bit of traffic and its not as secure from a quick spot of storms that may approach in the evening. Once you enter the Intercoastal towards Pensacola you can test all the work you have perfomed on your engine as this is the mode of transportation that is preferable. Remember the old addage that wherever it is you want to sail towards that's usually the direction the wind is coming from. But it is a very peaceful and interesting ride. Homes, roads that are so close you can see the smiles of the occupants as they wave you on, conversations of strangers as the speak with neighbors, business's that carry on as though your not there. Eventually, you'll arrive at the next place of rest which is Pirates Cove, approaching the marina you think it's not possible that a boat can pass through the anorexic channel that leads to the slips, Even though its no more than 50 wide, only half of this is passable to your starboard but trust in the markers and you'll laugh at the thought there is actually enough room for you to glide in the narrowest channel that leads to a well serviced marina. The people here are why the south is known for its hospitality, need bread or supplies, no problem they'll go in town if they don't have it and you can pay them upon their return. Need ice during the evening and the office is closed, no problem just take as much as you need from the ice machine and pay them in the morning. But ask the folks at Pirates Cove what they're known for and you will be served with out question the best Cheeseburger known to man. At least one man thought so, he enjoyed it to the point that he wrote a song about it, Jimmy Buffet's "Cheeseburger in Paradise". Your last leg will take you into several marina's before Pensacola and in the general area. If you plan your trip at the right time of year you can watch the Blue Angels put on their air show for the community and have one of the best seats in the house as the event takes place on the beaches of Gulf Breeze. It's a great trip, and above all else it's on your boat.