Planning a couple day stay in Ft. Walton Bch over the Memorial Day holiday. Baytowne Marina had no slips available, but got one at Bluewater Bay Marina. Before I leave, I wanted to ask for your ideas on what's there to do. Don't want to rent a car, so interested in anything within walking distance. The wife and 2 daughters will be along, so shopping, dining and sightseeing will be in order. Help appreciated.
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Not Much at Blue Water Bay
One restaurant JL Schooners at the marina Golf and Tennis Club not too long a walk. You can tie up at the Fort Walton Landing and walk to all the downtown stuff. You probably could still sail over to Baytown Warf if you are going to eat at one of the places there. One other option is Destin Harbor a couple of the places have places to pull up to and eat or you can anchor and listen to the music. At the top of Boggy Bayou there is the Boat House Landing (real good food) and a city dock not sure of the depth but there are a couple of place close by to eat the only shopping would be the Dollar General store probably not what they are looking for. I can't think of anywhere else to pull in where there is anything close by.
One restaurant JL Schooners at the marina Golf and Tennis Club not too long a walk. You can tie up at the Fort Walton Landing and walk to all the downtown stuff. You probably could still sail over to Baytown Warf if you are going to eat at one of the places there. One other option is Destin Harbor a couple of the places have places to pull up to and eat or you can anchor and listen to the music. At the top of Boggy Bayou there is the Boat House Landing (real good food) and a city dock not sure of the depth but there are a couple of place close by to eat the only shopping would be the Dollar General store probably not what they are looking for. I can't think of anywhere else to pull in where there is anything close by.
Rick, that's what I was hoping.....
to do....tie up at Baytowne somewhere so as to take advantage of the shopping, dining, etc. I assume that the Baytowne Wharf isn't too hard to locate. The restaurant at Bluewater Bay, according to their site, is a little too "gormetish" for the kids. JL Schooner's might be a better choice? Really appreciate the help.
to do....tie up at Baytowne somewhere so as to take advantage of the shopping, dining, etc. I assume that the Baytowne Wharf isn't too hard to locate. The restaurant at Bluewater Bay, according to their site, is a little too "gormetish" for the kids. JL Schooner's might be a better choice? Really appreciate the help.
I Have not Sailed into Baytowne Warf, Yet
As it happens I am doing an ATON check this week on all of the markers from there to the "C" bouy in the pass. We will be through there before it's dark and after to check the lights. I have heard it can be tricky. I'll let you know.JL Schooners will be fine for the kids burgers shrimp grouper and great deserts. I've heard the sunday buffet at the golf club was really good. How old are the kids?
As it happens I am doing an ATON check this week on all of the markers from there to the "C" bouy in the pass. We will be through there before it's dark and after to check the lights. I have heard it can be tricky. I'll let you know.JL Schooners will be fine for the kids burgers shrimp grouper and great deserts. I've heard the sunday buffet at the golf club was really good. How old are the kids?
Come again???
ATON check? What's that? Not going to be doing any night sails. But I assume the channel markers sufficient for a first timer to navigate thru without problems? That Brooks Bridge has me stressing over vertical height.....My H31 specs at 47.5 ft (and then my windex) and Claibourne Young lists only 48 ft on high tide. The wifes nerves have thwarted all attempts to get in the big water. Now I'm wondering if I should take to the gulf on this leg. The kids are 10 & 14. Schooners sounds like a go. I'll call Capt. Ron at Baytowne today and ask if or where there's a tie up spot. Thanks again......Gary
ATON check? What's that? Not going to be doing any night sails. But I assume the channel markers sufficient for a first timer to navigate thru without problems? That Brooks Bridge has me stressing over vertical height.....My H31 specs at 47.5 ft (and then my windex) and Claibourne Young lists only 48 ft on high tide. The wifes nerves have thwarted all attempts to get in the big water. Now I'm wondering if I should take to the gulf on this leg. The kids are 10 & 14. Schooners sounds like a go. I'll call Capt. Ron at Baytowne today and ask if or where there's a tie up spot. Thanks again......Gary
Gary
You will not have any problem with Brooks bridge. I went under twice this week and it was showing 49 feet at high water. Tidal range here is .6 feet. Destin bridge can be iffy. If you see 4 fender boards above water, you can make it. If you get the chance on the incoming tide, at least go up to the north side of Destin brigde and check out the beautiful water.
You will not have any problem with Brooks bridge. I went under twice this week and it was showing 49 feet at high water. Tidal range here is .6 feet. Destin bridge can be iffy. If you see 4 fender boards above water, you can make it. If you get the chance on the incoming tide, at least go up to the north side of Destin brigde and check out the beautiful water.
ATON Check
One of the missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is perodic checks of all the ATONS and chart updates for the area in which they are assigned. Our flotilla is responsible for all of the ATONs from the Navarre Bridge to the east end of Choctawahatche Bay. We just happen to be scheduled for a patrol this week. The Brooks bridge is charted at 50' is much higher than the Marler (Destin Pass) Bridge which is charted at 49'. Check the tides and you should be fine unless we get a week of north winds. Sailing through the Sound is the way to go.
One of the missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is perodic checks of all the ATONS and chart updates for the area in which they are assigned. Our flotilla is responsible for all of the ATONs from the Navarre Bridge to the east end of Choctawahatche Bay. We just happen to be scheduled for a patrol this week. The Brooks bridge is charted at 50' is much higher than the Marler (Destin Pass) Bridge which is charted at 49'. Check the tides and you should be fine unless we get a week of north winds. Sailing through the Sound is the way to go.
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