About the MacGregor 26X

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Baby, It’s Cold Outside—Port St. Joe to Apalachicola, FL

It was 25F outside this morning, the lowest temperature so far on our Loop, but our 15 year-old cabin heater and Walmart comforter got the job done and kept us from freezing. We waited as long as we could for it to warm up before departing—it was only 32F when we left at 10:45 AM (we are now on Eastern Time). 

We had our closest dolphin encounter today—several came right up to our boat, and we got a decent picture of one.

I have become addicted to eating gulf shrimp and enjoy watching shrimp boats at the dock and underway. 

Bonus Question: “I know everything there is to know about the shrimping business” is a quote from what 1994 movie? (answer at end of post).


We went 31 miles to Apalachicola, which means “people on the other side of the river” in the Hitchiti language. The city was the home of Dr. John Gorrie, who was granted the first U.S. patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851. Motivated by a severe outbreak of yellow fever, he sought a way to lower patients’ body temperature, and his discovery laid the groundwork for modern refrigeration and air conditioning. A replica of his original ice machine is on display at the John Gorrie Museum in town. 

We’re docked at Scipio Creek Marina in Apalachicola, with our Illinois friends on Ebbtide parked behind us. We set out on foot to explore the town before sunset, then ate leftovers aboard, even though there is a restaurant just steps away from the dock, with this cool wall of fishing floats.

Bonus Question Answer: Forrest Gump, which won the Oscar for Best Picture that year, beating out Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption, Quiz Show and Four Weddings and a Funeral

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