Day#84-Lido & Otter Bay

 

Stayed another day here in our bird sanctuary. It's been fun to watch the Osprey protecting their nest. We had to anchor again because we noticed some dragging and sure enough, we had another cement block attached to our anchor. We took the dinghy to drop off our trash again and explored through a little canal that took us to St. Armands Circle that had a small shopping district that included Kilwin's. We also saw some manatees when we tied up to someone's dock so I could get off to dump our trash in the recepticles on the street. Cooled off quite a bit today, but sunny. We hope to venture off tomorrow for another anchorage.

Day#83-Lido & Otter Key

Well, we're still here weathering out the cold front with some rain and cooler temps. I miss the sunshine already!  Its truly amazing how time is used up on the boat these days. Scot has been in the "man cave" once again to draw up a design for the part we need. He has contacted two companies and scanned his drawing to them, hoping to hear some good news. One company might be able  to rebuild the part.....let's keep our fingers crossed.
Might be staying here for another day due to the weather. It is still raining and has been since 10:00 am.


Wow....nice house!

Thank goodness that we have some great music to listen to on Scot's iPod...thanks to Ryan for downloading all of our favorite tunes.

Day#82-Lido & Otter Key

Took off around 8;00am and tried to get back into the Intercoastal Waterway, but sure enough, we ran aground. Luckily, Scot could back us of the shallow area. Another power boat came by and asked us which way are we trying to go. We said south, and he told us to follow him out into the channel. It's  amazing how shallow the waters can be and it probably was low tide too!!! 
Went to an anchorage right on the other side of Sarasota but it looked too shallow. Some guy was standing in the water and it was only knee deep. We said "No-way are we going in there!" So we went with Plan B and found a beautiful anchorage on the other side of Sarasota and there are some gorgeous homes around here.
Another cold front is coming through, so we might be here for a couple of days. Today should be the last warm day for another week. Right now it is sunny and 82 degrees. The southeast winds have died down considerably. We were bucking into it on the way down here with some white caps on Sarasota Bay.

Took a dinghy ride to a nearby beach to drop off trash in the dumpsters provided and to check out the area. The water must be in the 70's and it felt refreshing.

Day#81-Longbeach Key, FL

Busy anchorage

Stayed another day to venture to town, Santa Maria Island. We finally caught the "free" trolley after walking about 45min.Went shopping @ Publix and then took the "free" trolley back to the beach and transferred to another trolley and for .60 took us back the route, 45min that we walked earlier. Another sunny day and temps in the high 70's. Still a busy anchorage, but we will take off tomorrow morning to find another "new" home for the night. We were able to watch Univ. of  MI beat Ohio State today and waiting to watch ND/Stanford tonight. I love my college football on Saturdays!

Day#80-Longboat Key, FL.

Nothing like working on the boat all day long!!!! 

 

 

Scot performed some needed minor repairs until we can get some  parts. Hope to take off to another anchorage on our way to Sarasota, FL. Kind of cool and winds out of the SE gusting up to 18 knots. This anchorage is getting pretty busy with sailboats because of the weekend and we saw an ultralight plane land and take off !

Day#79-Longboat Key

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  We had a very nice meal with Scot's college buddy and who was in our wedding,  Mike Archer, and ate fish! 
When in Florida......eat fish...not turkey.

 

 

Working on an oil leak problem....wish us luck....we might need it!

Day#78-Anna Maria Island

Well here we are all safe and sound, but a little wet. Left Bradenton around 10:15 and cruised down here, Longboat Key, until about 1:00pm. Of course, I had to set the anchor in the rain, but it was a nice warm rain. We did notice that the sky behind us was getting kind of dark, but the weatherman said that there was a 30% chance of rain around 3-4:00pm for the area north of Tampa. We knew that the cold front was coming through today and it has dropped about 10 degrees already. We are anchored near a restaurant called "Moorings" and they specialize in stone crabs. Maybe that will be our Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. We have no turkey to bake in our tiny oven. We hope to meet Mike Archer, a college friend of Scot's who lives in Bradenton, for lunch tomorrow. It will be fun to catch up after all these years!

Day#77-Bradenton,FL

Took off by 8:00am and arrived @ Twin Dolphins Marina in Bradenton @ 11:30 am. Had a very nice cruise across Tampa Bay and a very nice view of the Sunshine Bridge. Going to meet up with Chris D.and his family for some fun today off the boat!  Cloudy but warm! Not sure what we'll be doing  or where we will be for Thanksgiving. One day at a time....that's what boating is all about!

Day#76-Gulfport, FL.

Happy hour!

 

Another day in paradise cruising the intercoast waterways. Anchored around 11:30 am at Boca Ciega Bay near Gulfport, FL.   Beautiful sunny day and it's in the 80's.  There has been lots of dolphins to watch while we're cruising, but we still have to watch out for the crab pots!

Day#75-Belleair, FL

Got here about 11:30am. It was a very nice ride from Clearwater. Lots of boat traffic on the intercoastal waterway probably because it was a gorgeous Sunday.  Took the dinghy to shore and walked up to Publix and Walgreens's, where we could pick up a prescription with no hassle. We bought some more delicious ready to eat shrimp from Publix for dinner.  Played some scrabble, yes of course, Scot won.
Thomas B, a boat that we met in Kentucky, cruised by to say hello. He keeps his boat in Clearwater.

 

                                       Early to bed to get ready for another day on the water.

Day#74-Clearwater, FL

Lots of fishing charters

"Blue Angel" docked at Caladesi Island

Left Caladesi around 10:00am. Beautiful short ride to Clearwater Municipal Marina. Thought we would enjoy a little city life and some needed supplies. Busy marina life here: fishing charters, the Pirate Ship, the Screamer, etc. After watching  ND win their  game,we sat on top deck and was amazed by all the city lights and boats.  It truly was an exciting stop on our trip.

Day#73-Caladesi Island

Keyhole in tree

Blooming cactus

Still here and enjoying a nature trail hike today for a couple hours around the island. It was very well marked and even saw an armadillo, but took off before we could get a pix. Lots of history here, esp. if you have read the books about the island. Lots of hiking the last couple days which is good for the body.There have been small craft advisories which means the ferry won't run from the mainland. The only tourist here are arriving by private or rented boats or walkers from Clearwater beach.

Day #72-Caladesi Is.

Walked to the beach, gulf side, to find some shells, but not much luck. Wanted to get out before the rain
at 8:00am. It was a nice wash for the boat.
We hope to walk to Clearwater and back today looking for shells and some excercise.  Just waiting for the weather to clear up before we take off.
We left about 10:30am and got to Clearwater @ 12:00pm just in time for lunch. We found a Subway and it was delicious. We started back and got "home" around 2:00pm. Got some more interesting shells for our collection. No ferry run today from Honeymoon Island because of the small craft advisory, so it was pretty quiet around here. Another social hour with our "local"boating friends and back to the boat @ 6:00pm. because it was getting chilly from the north winds and night is setting in.
Sweet dreams.

Day #71 Caladesi Island State Park

Looking for shells

Yes, we finally made it to our favorite beach area!  We were here so many times before via the ferry but coming on your own boat and docking here is a dream come true. We will be staying here for a few days. Weather looks beautiful all week. We are heading off to the beach for some sun and fun.
It was pretty shallow coming in and sometimes we were dragging the mud bottom. Not many tourists are here either by personal boats or by ferry from Honeymoon Island. Right now there are 4 boats docked here. I'm sure its busier on the weekends. We wll enjoy the solitude and shelling early in the mornings.
Thanks for all the messages from family and friends.

Day#70 Crossing The Gulf / Anclote Key, FL

Oh what a night! After 11.5 hrs of cruising, we finally got to one of our favorite spots in Florida. The "crossing" was very demanding and a very long adventure.  Then there was heavy dense fog when we got to this side of the state. Thank goodness that we were traveling with "Blue Angel"again. It's very reassuring knowing that there is someone else out there who you can see "in the dark" and talk to on the marine radio. There were thousands of stars and probably a 3/4 full moon. Then the clouds rolled in. But all in all, it was a very pleasant crossing and I'm glad that its over!  Scot is the best captain in the whole world!  He only got a 10 minute nap!  Needless to say, I couldn't sleep a wink....too nervous!


Tomorrow we are heading to Caledesi State Park. This is the #1 spot on our list for beaches!



Day#69-Crossing the Gulf of Mexico

All night long.......
Here are some pictures of a sunset @ 5:40pm  and dolphins racing in our bow wave the next morning!

Day#68-Carrabelle, FL

Stayed another day for some R&R. Got up about 6:30am and tried to get to a mass @ Sacred Heart by 7:30am. Tony, one of the marina workers, drove me about 15 min. to get to church. He said to call him when I needed a ride back. After mass, I was calling the marina on my cell phone, when "Mary Ann", an Eucharistic Minister, asked me if I needed a ride. What a miracle!  I graciously accepted her offer, and called the marina that I found a ride back. I invited Mary Ann down to our boat to meet Scot and  gave her a boat card so she could follow our adventures. Also did another load of laundry and was only a buck a load which is pretty cheap.
Sunny and low 70's with a little breezy today. Went for a walk to the local IGA store for some needed groceries and they really had a great meat selection. No Walmarts around here !!!!!



Three boats tied up at Carrabelle waiting to cross the Gulf of Mexico

We will be leaving tomorrow @ noon to do the "big crossing" all night long. The weather window looks best tomorrow because some cold front is coming through Tuesday afternoon. We probably will anchor out  @ Anclote Key to rest up after the night run.  Tarpon Springs is too commericalized and pricey.

Day#67-Carrabelle, FL

Moorings Marina at Carrabelle

Arrived around 2:30 pm. and had a decent cruise over here, after the big chill. Jim convinced us to "take a short cut" instead of following the intercoastal waterway which probably saved us an hour or so, but you have to be careful of the tides and shoals. We docked at the Moorings Marina and they were very helpful tying up our boats. The marina golf cart took Scot across the street to a hardware store to get some parts before they close @ 3:00 pm.  Later we walked to town, across the street again to shop at the local IGA. Took some nice warm showers and watched half of the ND game. We witnessed David Ruffer kicking a 52 yard field goal!!!  Go Irish.

Day#66-White City, FL

Frost on deck

Foggy weather was no fun for travel

Wow...woke up early this morning and ready to go, but there's about 50 bass boats waiting for the start of their race today. We went outside to get ready for the take off and couldn't believe how much frost was on our boat steps, rails, and windows. We had to walk carefully around before taking off, it was so slippery. Thanks Jim for helping us get off the dock before you.  Then, of course, it got a little foggy.
The beautiful sun came up and got rid of the fog and warmed us up a bit. We cut some corners today on the river and arrived @ Carrabelle about 2:15pm.   Walked to a IGA grocery store and purchased some needed food and drink items. Not much of a town around here. Showered and hopefully going to watch the ND game tonight.

Stay warm....we're freezing in Florida!

Day#65-Chilly & Windy Panana City, FL

Beautiful sunset

Brittany Bell tug

Stayed another day to weather out the wind and cold.  Got to sleep in a little bit and did a couple loads of laundry. We rode bikes to get excercise, some needed supplies and to explore the city's surroundings. There were some beautiful historical houses and landmarks. Tonight's temp. will be 39 degrees!
Scot made some delicious chili for supper to warm us up. Early to bed, as usual.
Not sure if we will continue on tomorrow because of the cold front going through.

Day#64-Panana City, FL

"Blue Angel"

Up early and on the river by 6:00am. The time change gets us a earlier start to tackle some 60 miles or more.
Had a great time in Fort Walton last night. We tieded up at the free docks. Walked to Publix to get "lots" of groceries. Then went back to a bar called "Fokkers" for a Yeugling on tap. Had shrimp for supper with some cuban bread that we bought from Publix.

On our way to Panana City for a couple days. The "Angels" have friends to visit and we will stay at the municipal marina.

Day #63-Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Left our anchorage @ 6.00am. today and another long road ahead of us. So many bigger boats just pass us and give us a big wake, which is not very polite, but what can we say!

Finally arrived at the free docks in Fort Walton about 1:30pm. It was another long day on the intercoastal with strong east winds and some 2-3 ft. waves, but sunny. We docked at the city docks and walked to Publix to buy supplies with "Angels." We bought some already cooked, chilled shrimp and they were vey delicious with some cuban bread and cheese. Went to a bar, Fokker's Pub  which is named after an airplane flown by the red baron and was not named after the movie.
Heading off tomorrow to Panana City....weather permitting......another 60 mile day!

Day#62-Pensacola, FL

Jelly fish swimming

More jelly fish

Yahoo!  Florida.....Motored about 3.5 hrs today to get to another beautiful anchorage, Big Legune Bay,  near the west end of Pensacola Bay. We had a stiff east wind at our nose of course which gave us a chilly ride this morning, but the wind has died down and its a great day for some fun in the sun.
We took the dinghy to shore to explore the old Fort McRee, noticed lots of jellyfish that had beautiful pink flowers inside, and  dolphins to watch swimming by. The beaches have beautiful white sand which reminds me of home.
Resting up for another big day tomorrow where we will try to get in 60 miles in order to get to Fort Walton Beach. They have free city docks to use, if we get there in time!

Day#61=Pirate's Cove, Josephine, AL

Well....I thought yesterday was stressful! Actually we got up early, forget the extra hour of sleep, so we could get a early start for the long day ahead of us. We left anchorage @ 6:30 just before sunrise. We motored through Mobile, AL which is one of the largest seaports on the Gulf Coast. It was very interesting to see the variety of commercial vessels. Scot also took pictures of the Battleship Alabama.

Jim, Sharon and Scot

Next, we had to cross Mobile Bay. The weather forecast called for strong east winds gusting up to 25mph. Thank goodness our crossing only took about 3 hours, but we did get some good waves at times. It sure is great to be traveling with "Blue Angel". Thanks Jim for leading the way today and taking us to another great anchorage at Pirate's Cove. We especially enjoyed entering the Intercoastal Waterway, seeing LuLu's restaurant (Jimmy Buffet's sister), palm trees and the dophins following the wakes of the boats. After anchoring in the cove, we took the dinghy to a near by restaurant that served delicious hamburgers. We spent some quality time talking with Jim and Sharon about the last couple of days on the river. Looking forward to a good nights rest with an extra hour of sleep! 

Day#60-Tensas Cut Off

Big Lizard Creek

Railroad bridge on Tensas River

What a long day.....So many tows coming and going...very stressful day!  Had to take a "short-cut" because he heard that the 14 mile bridge was not in service today. We inched down a "Big Lizard Creek" to get to the Tensas River to make the other railroad bridge before 5:00 pm. Sure enough, when we were ready to cross the railroad bridge,a train was coming, so we had to wait. Got through and again "inched" our way into our home for the night. It was low tide and very tricky to get into our anchorage area. We had lots of fishermen watching us and just waiting for us to go aground. Anyway, we finally anchored around 3:30 pm and it turned out to be another beautiful anchorage. We took showers and just sat on top deck in the sun to dry off. It was truly beautiful after a long and stressful day. Looking forward to an extra hour of sleep.

Day#59-Alabama River Cut-off

Here we go again....up at 7:00am and heading south for some warm weather. It was very cold this am, but thank goodness no fog and no more locks.  Wearing our usual winter gear of couple layers of clothing, hat and gloves. Met a few tows, of course, and a guy in a kayak. See anybody can do this trip! 
Traveled about 50 miles again today and finally anchored in the Alabama River Cut-Off. It's  a very nice protected branch off the river system. The sun finally came out to warm us up before we anchored.

Still heading to Mobile, AL which is about 50+ miles south, down to Dog River Marina.

Day#58-Lock 1 Cut-off

Wow....what a long and stressful day!  Got up and left @ 7:00am, the usual. Got underway and heading for the last lock, Coffeeville, on this side of the trip. Radioed ahead to the lockmaster and he said, "Sorry, you're 5 minutes to late."  Which means that the lock is going down with a boat, then picks up a tow coming north, and then we get to go. While waiting, we tied up to some "cells" by the lock and dam, as suggested by the lockmaster. All at once there was a surge of water pushing us against these gigantic "cells" which had a connection with the water that the dam was using. So then the lockmaster tells us that we need to move away from the cells because the 15 barge tow is coming out and no telling what might happen. OK....so we untie and go back to an area that we were in when we did call the lockmaster. Guess what...then it starts to rain...and sheets of rain and wind are coming at us while waiting for the tow to get passed us. We finally get into the lock, tie up to a bollard. I put on my "frog togs", rain boots and holding an unbrella while we are locking down. Glad that it was the last lock. Usually it takes about an hour per lock, which takes extra time while traveling the river system.
Finally got to anchor around 3:30ish in an old lock. We were freezing all day and Scot made some delicious gumbo. It was great to take a warm bath and slip into some pj's, read a book and get ready for another adventureous day.

Coming out of the lock

 

 

Anchorage near an old lock

Day #57-Bashi Creek

Left Demopolis around 7:00am and heading toward the Demopolis Lock. Thank goodness we were on time and the lock was full with 10 boats! That's the most I have seen in a lock.
Along the way cruising down the beautiful Black Warrior River, Jim pointed out an alligator sunning on the beach. Sure enough, we looked through the binoculars and there he was. That made our day for sight-seeing.

"Blue Angel" anchored near Bashi Creek

Anchored on the river around 5:00pm. It was a very long 71 miles on the river. Of course, we had to try and anchor a few times because the hook was not grabbing. There were a few tows that went through the night but we were protected anchored out behind a green buoy.

Day#56-Demopolis

Well, we got up early to get the courtesy car to go to mass today, All Saints Day, but the courtesy car wasn't returned by 8:00am. We waited outside in the chilly air for more than 1/2 hour. We decided to go back to the boat and make a breakfast to warm us up. Anyway, we finally got the courtesy car from 9-11am enough time to go to Walmart and TSC to buy some motor oil for the boat. Scot did get to change the engine oil after 200 hours in Demopolis yesterday while the engine oil was still warm.
Taking off tomorrow....destination Mobile, Al. Not sure how far we will get and if you don't hear from us, its because we're anchored off in some "romantic" cove far away from the real world.

Today became a beautiful day after the fog burned off again. We had a social to meet other boaters and exchange boat cards again. It is very interesting and informative to listen to other boaters' stories and advice. You never know when you might meet them again!

Day#55-Demopolis,AL

Arrived here around 3:00pm. Had to wait to fuel up and then we got tied up to our slip next to Angels.
Nice cruising down the river today. Borrowed the courtesy car to get groceries at a store called Vowell's. Then got home and showered. Because it was Halloween, Scot invited me out for a date. We went to a restaurant called New Orleans Bar and Grill. Not too much going on there except for some loud locals.  Needless to say we didn't stay long.

White Cliffs

Anyway, hope you had a great Halloween trick or treat yourself.