Observer

We awoke to pea soup fog which delayed our departure a bit.  We thanked our hosts for the last few days and said our good byes and were off their dock at 9.  Just a little while later we arrived at Cay Costa State Park and we were able to secure two spaces at the docks for the night (@ $20/each). Our view Beautiful large cove Golden and Observer on the docks It is an old fishing village that is now a preservation area.  We took the tram over to the nice beach and walked back and then did some more hiking around for good measure. Beautiful beach Lovely trails We dinghied over to a beach were dogs are allowed and let Millie swim and run around.  Tuckered out on the way back to the boat From there we took the dinghy up a small cut in the mangroves that leads to a little cove were manatees are known to be.  We probably saw 6 - 8 manatees while we're were in that little cove.  Sadley, they are very hard to photograph and all our attempts came up empt

Wednesday -   off the dock at 7 and headed further south on the Gulf Coast ICW.  It's a beautiful sunny day.  We are traveling by mangroves and gorgeous waterfront properties often at a very slow pace to avoid hitting Manatees.  We actually had one pop right up in front of us in the channel.  We were able to throttle down and avoid it.  Below are photos of a few of the magnificent homes we passed. On our way, we also got separated from Golden by the Palm Island Ferry.  Alice was at the helm doing just fine while Tim was attending to some personal hygiene.  Tim, feeling that perhaps Alice might collide with the ferries, hurtled himself up the stairs into the pilot house to take the wheel...just in case. Again, he were able to throttle down and avoid it. The Palm Island car ferries passing each other in front of us Tim, at the wheel with shaving cream on his face There were many bridges to get under and a few that needed to open for us to continue on.  Paige took th

Off the dock at 7:00 and right out to Tampa Bay into some sloppy waves and stiff breeze.  Saw more dolphin This is a bunch of cormorants sitting on a ship wreck We were trying to make our destination - Marina Jack in Sarasota before Tim got on a conference call at noon.  We made it with 20 minutes to spare.  This is a very nice marina with some larger, more expensive yachts than we are used to seeing. Approaching Sarasota Entrance to Marina Jacks Our view off the stern Another view off our stern.  Very pretty dolphin statue This little guy hung by our boat for a bit. Later in the day we took an Uber over to St. Amanda's Circle it is a very nice shopping and dining area.  Had a great meal - al fresco @ Le Colonne Restaurant...it did not disappoint. Armand Circle decorated for the holidays

We were in shallow water at our dock slip and low tide was at 7:45 am- we were off the dock about 6:50 and scooted by all those shallow spots just fine.  We traveled 7 hours today through the narrow passes of ICW to open bays and under several bridges.  Along the way, we encountered more dolphin, osprey and lots of grounded sailboats, arriving at St. Petersburg Municipal Marina about 2:00.  The marina is right in the midst of the downtown with parks and walking paths along the waterfront with restaurants and retail shops just a block back. We took a long walk around with Millie and then hit the bike trail around town.  We had dinner al fresco at Parkshore Grill; food - amazing and great service. Seafood risotto Huge sauteed scallops We are definitely returning to St. Pete - loved this city.

Saturday - After we awoke from a quick nap, the AGCLA Harbor host, Herb Seaton, stopped by with some strudel cakes, map of the area and lots of local advice.  Herb had just completed his Loop in the last couple weeks.  He did most of his trip solo on his 53' Phantom.   Tarpon Springs, known for its sponge fishing, Sponge boat is a Greek community with all kinds of great restaurants and bakeries.  We grabbed an outside table at Costas with Millie in tow and had a great celebratory meal (lunch).  Here is Millie hanging with Buster at the restaurant.                                        BTW our travel buddies on Golden crossed their wake for the second time today.  They are now Platinum Loopers! Paige and Mike looking very happy! Later in the afternoon we took a dinghy ride around the harbor and took in the sights. Sunday11/19 There is a Pellanas bike trail that goes right through Tarpon Springs - Tim checked that out. Later in the day, Herb