Saturday, January 29, 2011

81° 52.568’ W

26° 38.538’ N

Legacy Harbour Marina

Ft. Myers, Florida

First and foremost – HAPPY 16^th BIRTHDAY – to our grandson Grant.



Sunrise



Leaving our anchorage



Last night while at anchor the water was calm and the sky was filled with stars! It was probably one of our better nights on the hook. We woke up to a beautiful sunrise. This morning I was a little worried when leaving the shallow bay we anchored in so I slowly followed a sailboat out into the GIWW. At one location I was showing less than 2 feet under the boat!



Approaching Legacy Harbour Marina



Our view at Legacy

Spring has arrived! It is 75 degrees, clear, sunny and our 40 mile cruise was as smooth as glass.

Our boat is now tied up next to Barb and John Flint (Scoperta). It was great seeing them again. Also in the marina are the following loopers: Pat and Dick (Gypsea), Cathy and Jim (Merried with Her) and Barb and Greg (Gon Cruzn III). As we were tying up Double Trouble - x4 was leaving the harbor.

Tonight we will stay at Legacy Harbour Marina then tomorrow move up river for a visit with Kathi and Harold. From there we will return to Legacy and plan our route south to Marathon in the Keys!

Friday, January 28, 2011

82° 14.421’ W

26° 140.826’ N

At anchor in Pelican Bay off Cayo Costa



Saying Good-Bye



Leaving the dock



At 9am the tide was at the correct height for Barb and me to get our boat under the bridge! We said our farewells to Joan and Tom then departed their home and dock on Siesta Key and headed south down the Intracoastal Waterway! Traveling this section of the GIWW was slow going as the waters are home to the protected Manatee. We also encountered a few bridges that had to be lifted and two swing bridges that were rotated for us to pass.



Approaching the bridge



Swing bridge



Today we had one of our best weather days since entering Florida. It was warm and sunny day as we traveled 50 miles to where we are now anchored. Tomorrow weather permitting we will cruise another 40 miles to Fort Myers and hope to touch base with our friends Barb and John Flint.



Drawbridge



While in Fort Myers, we hope to visit with Kathi and Harold Rogers who have a summer home in the area. Barb and I traveled with Kathi and Harold for a period of time while on the Trent Severn water way in Canada.

After Fort Myers we will head for the Keys!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

82° 33.473’ W

27° 17.232’ N

Grand Canal off Roberts Bay

Siesta Key, Florida



We are still experiencing some of Florida’s cool weather with sunshine and blue skies. We can’t complain - just can’t wear shorts and t-shirts!

Joan and Tom drove us to the Ringling Circus Museum. It was everything we had expected. I would highly recommend a visit if in the area.



Later we went into town for dinner at an Italian restaurant. Good food……..good company. We started saying our goodbyes as we will depart tomorrow. We can’t say enough about our stay here. Where else can you live on your boat walk into a beautiful home of friends and socialize while drinking there liquor!

Tomorrow we will cast off around 9am when the tide is out and the water is not flowing. If our departure goes as planned we should clear the fixed bridge then motor into the bay where we will drop anchor for a few minutes and install our running lights that were removed to clear the bridge! Tomorrow we will push as far as conditions will let us travel. Our goal is to reach Fort Myer’s, Florida and reconnect with friends we have traveled with before.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

82° 33.473’ W

27° 17.232’ N

Grand Canal

Siesta Key, Florida



Storks



Entering Grand Canal



Almost there!

O'Brien's home

We had a short 15 mile trip moving the boat from Longboat Key to the Grand Canal! We cruised the distance without any problems until we confronted a low fixed bridge without height markings. Our charts showed a bridge at its location but nothing else. We entered the canal at low tide without any current. After assessing the height I moved the boat to the center of the narrow canal and quickly removed the running lights. We cleared the underside of the bridge with a couple of inches to clear. Our friends Joan and Tom had made arrangements for us to dock on the sea wall between their home and their neighbors’ Frank and Lyndon.




Backyard



Moor $tuff docked in the canal



Barb and I had no idea of the location or what type of amenities we might experience. There was sufficient water under the boat and there was adequate space for us to squeeze between two other boats. The homes are beautiful, the dock and hook up is five star, and our hosts are over the top gracious!



A major storm roared across Florida within hours of arriving, with damaging winds and rain squalls that lasted all night long. We were in a protected canal with the Gulf of Mexico a quarter mile to our west and the Roberts Bay a quarter mile to our east. With all of the violent weather that every one was experiencing we gently rode out the storm in the Grand Canal!

Our schedule is flexible at this time, and we are not sure of our departure date.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

82° 33.473’ W

27° 17.232’ N

Grand Canal

Siesta Key, Florida



Siesta Key Beach



Siesta Key Beach



Today was a day that Joan and Tom drove us around town to see the sights of Siesta Key and Sarasota! We did lunch at a local water front restaurant, had a beer at another water front stop then dinner at a local sea food restaurant!

Tomorrow we will visit the Ringling Circus Museum. This is a stop that I’ve been waiting for.



Tom - Joan - Barb - Skip

Weather and tide permitting we will depart this beautiful location on Friday and continue moving south.







Monday, January 24, 2011

82° 40.812’ W

27° 26.317’ N

Moore’s Stone Crab restaurant and dock

Longboat Key, Florida



Heading to Longboat Key



Sunshine Bridge



Moore's Stone Carb Restaurant



We arrived at the dock of Moore’s Stone Crab restaurant around noon. After a cool refreshing drink at their bar we decided to tour the town. We walked to the highway where we took a long free trolley ride to see the town and all of its charm. With all of our sight seeing and hiking we had worked up quite an appetite and it was time to collect our Christmas gift from Keith, Merri and the kids. We choose a table with a view overlooking the surrounding bay and our boat!



Eating stone crab was a first for both of us and the experience was wonderful. They serve four different sized meals depending on your appetite. We choose a smaller one and left filled to the brim!



Our friends swimming along the boat



Later in the evening my nephew Rick Johnson came to the boat for a visit. I haven’t seen him for a long time and we all had a good time.



Tomorrow we will travel a short distance about 15 miles and tie up at Joan and Tom O’Brien’s home on Grand Canal off Roberts Bay in Siesta Key. Joan and Tom are long time friends of Barb when she lived in LaGrange, Illinois.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

82° 41.815’ W

27° 44.408’ N

Gulfport City Marina

Gulfport, Florida



Gulfport

Da Bears let us down again! What a bummer!

Tomorrow we will leave this great harbor and community and head south. Good weather is predicted and will be appreciated for our crossing of Tampa Bay.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

82° 41.815’ W

27° 44.408’ N

Gulfport City Marina

Gulfport, Florida



Leaving Tarpon Springs



Today we traveled 44 miles south of Tarpon Springs. Since we arrived in Tarpon Springs in a heavy fog, leaving the harbor under sunshine and blue skies was a pleasant experience. It’s a beautiful canal that takes about an hour to get you back to the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf.



Homes along the Intracoastal Waterway

The first 40 miles was easy going with a moderate chop and the wind to our back. For the last 3 to 4 miles of this trip, small craft warnings were posted and we had the wind on our beam pushing us side ways. Twenty-five knot winds – white caps, and rollers doesn’t make for a happy Captain! The good news was the harbor was well protected and had good dock personal to help us get in and help secure the boat. We are tied to a floating dock - the first one we have seen in months. The beauty of a floating dock is it rises and falls with the tide!

Later, Barb and I walked into town and had an enjoyable dinner with the local crowd. Tomorrow we will walk the town during daylight hours and get a feel of the community. I’ll be on the lookout for a TV to watch the Chicago Bears win tomorrow and move up to the Super Bowl!



Anclote Island Lighthouse



GO BEARS!!!!

We plan to spend a second night here leaving Monday morning and cruise 35 miles to Longboat Key where Moore’s Stone Crab restaurant is located. Keith, Merri and the kids arranged dinner at the restaurant as our Christmas gift! We will dine, and then spend the night at the restaurants dock.



Friday, January 21, 2011

82° 45.500’ W

28° 09.364’ N

Tarpon Springs City Marina

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Russ and Mary picked us up at the marina and drove to the local laundromat then to Publix for groceries. Both stops were much appreciated and needed! There was also a trip to West Marine (while Barb was doing laundry) which is always needed then off to lunch.



Mary - Russ - Ellen - Harry - Skip - Barb



The afternoon was spent at the Bower’s home then dinner at the local restaurant. Lots of pictures were taken to freeze this day in time. This truly was a high point for me.



Hugs and farewells were said at the restaurant before Russ delivered us to the boat. Tomorrow we will start moving south hoping to find some warmer weather!

Russ and Mary will be in Florida for the next few weeks and with a little planning we should find time to get together again.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

82° 45.500’ W

28° 09.364’ N

Tarpon Springs City Marina

Tarpon Springs, Florida

The day started out with fog that lifted before 9 am! The temp has been in the 70’s with blue skies. Is it possible --- that the weather curse has been broken? This is the first day in two months that I am wearing shorts and sandals.

I flushed both engines today with fresh water which slows corrosion caused by salt water.



Ron - Skip - Dori
Harry & Ellen



Harry and Ellen Bower and their daughter in law Dori and husband Ron Peoples drove to the Tarpon Springs City Marina for a visit on the boat. While there, Russ and Mary Olsson arrived from Illinois and joined the party. We walked to Paul’s shrimp house a block away and all had dinner together. It’s been a long time since we have seen Harry and Ellen and this overdue visit was very special. Tomorrow everyone is going to the Bowers house then out to dinner.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

82° 45.5000’ W

28° 09.364’ N

Tarpon Springs City Marina

Tarpon Springs, Florida



Leaving Clearwater Municipal Marina



Headed to the Intercoastal Waterway



We enjoyed a perfect start to getting underway. The temperature was 70 degrees with blue skies and little to no wind. The fog predicted was not to be found.



Fog - arriving in Tarpon Springs



Headed down the Anclote River
into Tarpon Springs



We took advantage of the weather and fuelled the boat in warm sunshine. Once under way we turned north and slowed the boat to view the beautiful homes on the water front. As we slowly proceeded north I noticed a cloud bank 20 miles away, that I thought it might be fog coming in from the Gulf. I picked up the speed but not soon enough. We were engulfed in the fog within a short time. With the aid of some new electronics we picked our way out of the fog and into Tarpon Springs. The new chart plotter just paid for itself! The temperature dropped and the beautiful day we were enjoying wasn’t so beautiful as we entered the harbor.



The tide was in coming, pushing Moor $tuff side ways! I tried three times to squeeze into our assigned slip and made it on the third attempt. Within an hour light fog filled the harbor reducing the visibility to a quarter of a mile. Tomorrow will be better – Yes it will!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

82° 49.463’ W

27° 58.557’ N

Clearwater Municipal Marina



Clearwater, Florida

FOG – FOG – FOG! It was as thick as pea soup. The fog lifted and all but one of our boating friends departed by noon and moved south to different ports. It’s always sad to see close friends depart but knowing that we will reconnect in the near future lessens the pain!



Mary - Barb



Mary Holwick one of Barbs neighbors, back when she lived in LaGrange came to the boat then drove us to her home for cocktails. We met Juergen a great fellow, and once a resident of Illinois and a Bears fan.



Standing: Mary - Juergen
Seated: Barb - Maryann - Dick - Skip



Later in the day, we went to an excellent restaurant called “Beachcomber” where the food was superb and the surroundings matched the cuisine. At the restaurant Mary Ann Rank also a prior neighbor and her brother Dick Hyman joined us for dinner.

On our return to the boat I showed Juergen a few of our navigations aids before they departed.

Tomorrow we plan to move north to Tarpon Springs.

Monday, January 17, 2011

82° 49.463’ W

27° 58.557’ N

Clearwater Municipal Marina

Clearwater, Florida

All travel plans were canceled due to rain today. The rain started a 6 am and by 11 am we had 4” plus! On the plus side of the rain, it washed away the salt and did a very good job at that!

When the rain stopped we made travel plans for the rest of the week. With all of the rain, dense fog is in the forecast for tomorrow.

Tomorrow we may move north to Tarpon Springs for a few days. Plans are in the works to visit with some of Barbs old friends from LaGrange. I also expect to see Russ and Mary in the next week.

Most of the flotilla from the crossing is still in port due to the rain. Without exception every boat is heading to a different location tomorrow, weather permitting!

For dinner, a group of ten Loopers dinned at Crabby Bill’s seafood restaurant close to our dock. Crabby Bill’s is a very popular Clearwater restaurant with good sea food. A good time was had by all which shouldn’t surprise anyone!

Saturday & Sunday, January 15 & 16, 2011

82° 49.463’ W

27° 58.557’ N

Clearwater Municipal Marina

Clearwater, Florida

What a GREAT crossing of the Gulf we just completed! The 188 mile crossing took 20 hours and 55 minutes! A lot of careful planning was done before departing the Moorings Marina in Carrabelle, Florida. After “Buddy” the weather guru gave his blessing to make our passage safely we departed the harbor with five other boats.

Leaving Carrabelle
Boats in front of us

The first fourteen hours went without incident. The waters of the gulf had lain down, and were gently rolling. Other than the cold, it was an enjoyable cruise before the seas started to build!



Boats behind us

The moon was almost full, and shinned down upon us between the scattered clouds. The light produced shimmered on the water giving us assurance to move forward. When the cloud cover became solid and blocked out the glow of the moon we experienced total darkness. There were no stars - nothing to illuminate us on the open waters of the Gulf! Literally one couldn’t see the cool 48 degree water next to the boat so the rocking and rolling we were feeling had to be associated with past boating experiences. The next four to five hours wasn’t very pleasant as all of the boats in our flotilla were rolling and pitching from side to side!



Sunset - Jan. 15th



For a period I lead the group forward with the rest of the boats spread out behind. The typical spacing between boats is a quarter of a mile. When looking back from our boat you could see all of the navigation and running lights against the black sky. It was very colorful and reassuring knowing that the other boaters were close by while out in the cold and empty Gulf of Mexico!

When approaching the west coast of Florida near Clearwater we encountered crab pot, floats! They were everywhere and numbered in the hundreds if not thousands depending how far one wanted to look! To maneuver a boat through the infested waters filled with such miserable items takes a lot of concentration and as many sets of good eyes as a boat can produce! Barb was great spotting floats that I didn’t see. If a float is snagged by your boats propeller it will lift the cage from the bottom of the Gulf floor and slam it into the bottom of the boat resulting in a damaged prop, rudder or something worse like punching a hole in the hull and sinking the boat! 


Entering Clearwater Harbor - Jan. 16th

 From the time we encountered the crab pots, it took a few hours to work our way through them into a buoyed channel leading us to the marina where we will stay for the night.

Most of the Captains and crews didn’t think much of experience until they had a chance to sit down and relax after their boat was secured for the night! I for one that was awake for thirty plus hours and slept hard for a few hours before returning to the dock and “celebrating” our safe and successful crossing!

The five boats that crossed with us were: QUEST, Ricki and Carl; A LITTL BIT O’ LIFE, Elizabeth and Nelson: DOUBLE TROUBLE x 4, Don, Marty and Gloria: RHO-JO, Rhonda and Joe: NOMAD, Marlene and Scott.

Friday, January 14, 2011

84° 40.393’ W

29° 51.122’ N

The Moorings

Carrabelle, Florida



Buddy at the computer



Tomorrow is the day we will cross the Gulf to Clearwater! A large group of boaters met with “Buddy” the weather predictor this morning! He said there was a window starting tomorrow and our plan is to depart Carrabelle at 12:30 pm then enter the Gulf at Dog Island. From there we will steer east to buoy #26 then turn southeast to Clearwater. At present six boats will cross together or at least depart together. The window isn’t perfect but good enough to safely make the 20 hour passage. If we get there before the sun is at the correct height we will drop our hook and wait for the correct time before entering the bay.



Cocktails on Double Trouble x 4

Tonight one of the last Looper boats to enter port held a looper get together on their boat “Double Trouble X 4” a beautiful 46 ft. Carver. Every one got a chance to meet and know who was making the crossing plus enjoying each others company.

Tomorrow is a big day and the adrenalin is flowing! There will be a long list of things to do before casting off, so will close for now!