Almost to Sanibel

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Last night was very quiet, almost dark with a little moonlight, and only the sound of the waves gently lapping at the sides of the boat. No rush to get anywhere yet. But for once we have no reservations before we get to the next 2 marinas. The weather is supposed to be warm and I hope no wind!

It was low tide when we left Cabbage Key this morning. Looks like a chance for all the birds to stand on dry land before the tide covers it again!

There was lots of traffic on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) today. All the boats were passing pretty fast and with lots of rocking and rolling for us. So early this afternoon we just pulled over to a wide spot and anchored. Kelly grilled burgers and we waited for sunset. Not the most exciting sunset, but can you guess who?

Greatest Show on Earth!

Saturday, January 28, 2017

We stayed in the Venice area another day to visit the Ringling Circus Museum. The real circus was in Tampa but was sold out. The next several months will be the last chance to see a live circus ever--go if you have a chance! The museum shows the fascinating history and development of the circus with films, costumes, and actual animal cages and railroad cars used in the circus. Just as interesting is the minature circus hand-made by one man. He has spent 50+ years on his hobby!

Also in Sarasota is a huge statue of the iconic kiss from WWII.

Sunday

It was a rainy day as we traveled to Gaspirilla Marina and it was just a convenient place to stop for the day. There was no scenic view, maybe 50 boats and hundreds of runabouts and fishing boats stacked in 2 huge buildings. Guess what--we saw another phone booth beside the waterway!! Don't know if it tok a dime or a quarter.

Monday

We only travel for about 2 hours to stop at Cabbage Key. It is a small island, but they claim it is the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet's song "Cheeseburger in Paradise". A tourist couple from France stopped to talk with us about America's Loop.  He said it was their dream to someday to travel the Loop!

Still plenty of daylight and the weather is warmer so we walked the nature trails. The "snake spotter" (who else but Kelly) had to stomp on the ground to get the snake off the trail. It looked like a black snake about 3-4 feet long.

Dinner was excellent, I had the triple tail fish and of course Kelly had a cheeseburger! Cabbage Key is known for tour boats to stop just for their meals and the well stocked souvenir stand.

What a Week

Wednesday and Friday
January 25 and 27, 2017

After the stormy weather at the first part of the week, Wednesday was near perfect weather for a boat ride with friends.

Debbie, Beth, Todd, Terri, Bruce, Don, Anna, Kelly

We got out to Tampa Bay but it was too bouncy so we turned around and took a great ride up the Manatee River.

Daybreak on Friday did not look good for our departure, but the clouds cleared as we left the Twin Dolphin Marina.

There was only a light chop on the river, but when we got to the bay the waves were 4' on the beam. Some of these waves hitting us on the side were teeth jarring! We only had to skirt the southeast corner of the bay before we turned south into Anna Marie Sound and the seas flattened.

Debbie and Todd drove over to downtown Sarasota and were right by the purple pier so we waved bye and kept heading south.

It was a very nice day for a leisurely cruise to Venice to stay at the Crow's Nest Marina.

Holy Wind-Blown Ship

Saturday, Sunday, Monday
January 21, 22, 23, 2017

Saturday was sunny and warm and the perfect day for a walk. I got 2 blocks and saw a farmers market--fresh veggies and fruits and home canned goods--oh my!!!! I spent the $10 I had in my pocket and went back to the boat. Kelly was cooking breakfast so I sat down for eggs, sausage and toast. It is not good to shop on an empty stomach. Ooops-already done that! We finished eating and back to the farmers market. Fresh baked bread, pickled okra, and red shrimp to go along with the kale and zuccini I bought earlier. Perfect meal!

Sunday started out sunny and warm also. Bruce and Beth picked us up to go to Don and Anna's. Debbie and Todd were there too! Good food and good friends!! We barely got back to the boat at dark with the wind blowing hard and the rain starting. There were tornado warnings in the area, but not too close to us. By 2 a.m. the boat was rocking like a bucking bull in a rodeo! Not much sleep for us that night.
                                  

And it is still a pretty stiff wind today--just look at those whitecaps on the river in the background. But shopping is on the schedule today! The guys went one way and us gals had a great time searching all the area thrift stores. No fantastic finds but we had a great day visiting!

Anna, Terri, Debbie, and Beth

                                  

To Bradenton

Thursday and Friday
January 19-20, 2017

We said goodbye to Madiera Beach about noon on Thursday and slowly made our way to Bradenton just 33 miles south on the intracoastal waterway. The view of Tampa Bay was breathtaking. And the bay is big-16 miles across the mouth. There were not many boats traveling that day except one large cargo ship. We passed with plenty of distance between us!

We went about 4 miles up the Manatee River to dock at Twin Dolphin Marina. The marina is right in downtown Bradenton, across the street from the police station and the public library. There is a great Riverwalk along the river that I hope to explore along with the downtown area.

Fresh seafood was excellent at Star Fish Company! Friends from Huntington staying for the winter in Bradenton - Don and Anna, and Bruce and Beth - drove us there. It is by the water, outside eating on picnic tables, lots of fresh air and sunshine, good friends and great food.

Feel the Sunshine!!!!

We hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We had a very good holiday with family and everyone is well. We did get to see a little bit of snow and I hope that is all the snow we see this season.

I

It was so nice to see the Florida sunset and put my coat in the suitcase!!!