Month: January 2020

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Closing out the year and the decade on the Gulf Coast of Florida – Here’s to 2020

Our statistics thus far

As of Jan 5, 2020: 64 days, 18 of those traveling; 972 miles.

Day 45 – 56, Dec 17 – 28, 2019

Relaxing in Clearwater, FL. We recovered from the rigors of the overnight passage. Our bodies ached a bit from bracing ourselves as the boat pitched and rolled but we were also celebrating the accomplishment of successfully taking on a challenge few our age probably would. A couple of good nights sleep and we are ready to take on more.

We left Apalachicola wearing multiple layers to keep ourselves warm. As we approached Clearwater we were shedding them and put on shorts and t-shirts as soon as we were tied up. Well, that didn’t last long. Fronts started moving thru and we had cool temps and off and on rain for a week. Our Christmas gift to ourselves was an upgrade to a newer Garmin chartplotter and installation of a new radar system. The radar was antique and kaput. Now we can overlay the radar on the navigation chart or split the screen and see both the nav chart and the radar if needed. We debated trying the installation ourselves but opted for a pro and glad that we did, especially when he was lifting the new radar dome onto the top of the arch in wind and rain.

We had an fabulous brunch and a chance to catch up with old friends living in the area; Marsha & Steve Friedman, Mike, Christie, & Jack Rinder, and Marti Carlson. Always wonderful to see friends and introduce them to Peter. As an added bonus of serendipity, Martha Conway and Pete Pagano were in Clearwater from St. Louis and we met up for another fun evening. Christmas Eve was spent with new Looper friends, Larry and Jeanette, crew of Mississippi Girl, sharing my family tradition of chili and tamales.

Taken from one of the hotels on Clearwater Beach. A great town with lots to see and do.
The beach at Clearwater is considered one of the best in the country. It was packed with visitors waiting for the sunset which was gorgeous.

We rented a car to run errands and tour the local area. Christmas Day was gorgeous weather and we ventured to Tarpon Springs and Dunedin. Another beautiful day was spent touring the coast line and St. Petersburg.

Christmas Day
Sponge boats in Tarpon Springs.
Tarpon Springs is well-known as a Greek community. We gave ourselves a Christmas Day treat by indulging in pastries at this adorable Greek bakery.

Dunedin is a sweet stop with good shopping and restaurants and loads of charm. We had considered the marina here as an option but had some concerns about the water depth. Enjoyed seeing it anyway.
Miracle visit with Pete Pagano and Martha Conway.

Day 57 – 60, Dec. 29 – Jan 1, 2020

We continued south to the area around Sarasota, FL. We elected to stay in a marina on the barrier island of Longboat Key at the Longboat Key Club Moorings, a luxury resort. We had a view of the golf course and high end amenities available. That said, it is high season in Florida and this is a popular destination for those who spend the winter in the sun. Add to that the holiday traffic and it became difficult to get into restaurants. Fortunately, a local friend, Roger Weller, visited the boat and took us for a nice lunch and outing at St. Armand’s Circle. St. Armand’s is a favorite shopping destination for me. However, between the limited storage, simplified lifestyle, and spending on the experience of cruising instead, I have not had much shopping urge. Interesting how our priorities and interests can change.

The cruise from Clearwater to Sarasota took us across Tampa Bay and under the stunning Skyway Bridge. Difficult to capture the size and scope.
Took this shot from the deck of the boat. Another interesting view change with the golf course that close.
Ending 2019, a year and a decade, in the splendor of Longboat Key Club and with the wonder of another sunset. No two are exactly the same, each unique and awe inspiring.. We never tire of them. We take time regularly thru our days just to stand and take in the wonder of the beauty around us and feel our gratitude for the opportunity to indulge in it.

We rang in the new year much as we celebrated Christmas,; quietly together, counting the many things for which we are grateful. There was cabbage and black-eyed peas of course on New Year’s Day. While traveling thru Houma, LA, we had the great pleasure of meeting Gold Loopers, Alexis and Berwick Duvall. The Duvall’s have a beautiful yacht, Serendipity, at Longboat Key and we enjoyed time together and shared stories on New Year’s Day.

Day 61 – 64, Jan. 2 – Jan 5

Next stop, Venice, FL, only 16 miles so a short cruising day but thru some very high end residential areas and beautiful scenery. The weather was perfect for being on the water and LOTS of boats were taking advantage. The fast boats were throwing big wakes and the personal water crafts were darting in and out. As we prefer a pretty laid-back approach to our cruising, we would likely plan in the future to go home for the holidays and leave the popular destinations to those who can only enjoy them at that time.

Hard to capture in a photo the quantity and velocity of the boat traffic. Can you see the stream of boats behind the ones closest? I need to learn how to include video snips.
One of the pleasures of cruising the ICW south from Sarasota was the array of stunningly gorgeous homes. This one didn’t just face the water but had water on three sides and was almost all glass. Not a lifestyle for me but one I can admire for others.

Our stay in Venice was highlighted by another visit with our friend Roger who took Peter to play some golf; a nice opportunity for him to enjoy some time away from the boat for a few hours. Like so many areas along the Gulf coast, Venice has a charming, walk-able downtown area with nice shops and restaurants. Weather kept us here a few more days than the original plan but that seems to be a trend and all part of the lifestyle of cruising.

Sunrise in Venice, FL. Bridge over Intracoastal Waterway.
Dear friend, Roger Weller, took Peter for a round of golf.
Breakfast on the deck. One of the great pleasures is having a new view every few days.

Tomorrow we head south again.