Sunset at Big Lagoon.

Yesterday we motor-sailed from Destin to Pensacola and anchored at the western end of Big Lagoon. The ocean part is about 42 miles, then we had to come in the inlet and continue on the ICW for several miles, so we traveled about 55 miles. It was partly cloudy and cool (mid-70s) all day and very rolly out there in the Gulf of Mexico. Rolly seas means it takes a lot more effort to steer, so by the time we got in we were exhausted. The seas started out as predicted, 2-4 feet, but as the wind picked up during the day the seas also increased to more like 4-6. We were unable to keep the sail out in the rolly seas and it wasn't really helping us anyway so we motored most of the way. Also, we hit the inlet here at mid outgoing tide and the current against us was so strong at one point we were only progressing at .7 knots, plus it was extremely rolly with those big seas. But Ralph did his usual great job of getting us in and it is a nice wide, deep inlet so that makes it safer. All in all, not fun, but another safe ocean passage for us (and the last one we need to do to get back to Texas).

We arrived at our planned anchorage area with plenty of daylight so we had time to have drinks and enjoy the sunset. Of course, Mother Nature wasn't through with us so were were awakened during the night by strong gusty winds, which are still happening and are predicted to continue all day. We are staying here and will continue our trip tomorrow, when conditions are supposed to be better.