Clearwater to Longboat Key - Christmas Pa - New Years Okeechobee to Longboat Key

Happy New Year! It has been so long since we blogged we thought it was time to catch up on our activities since December 12th. We arrived at Longboat Key on the 12th- 3 days ahead of schedule. We tried to get into an anchorage off of Jewfish Key but the anchorage was totally full and the water around the area very skinny so we just decided to head into LBK.

The marina and resort area are beautiful and we enjoyed our week before flying out tremendously! We met up with Lori and Dave who we met at the Fall Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler and they just took us under their wings. On Saturday night they took us to Sarasota's Marina Jack's to watch the Christmas boat parade with 5 of their other friends. We were on top of a beautiful, huge cruiser with a great view of the harbor. We enjoyed all of their friends and the night a lot. The next week we explored the area including Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key Beach, Bradenton, Longboat (where we had anchored but not explored the town) and Sarasota. It was wonderful not having a "to-do" list or agenda.

On December 19th we flew into BWI where our wonderful friends Jo Ann and Robbie McCready met us with our van. It saved us from driving to Calvert County and picking it up. We were in Tyrone before 2:30! Christmas was very special this year. It had just been three months since we saw Ben and Dave's family- but we had not seen them for Thanksgiving and we were both very glad to be back "home." We spent 10 days in Tyrone and tried to fill each day with wonderful memories. We particularly enjoyed our days with Ben- some days just doing nothing but being together. Dave and I also just loved being with all the family making new memories and re-enacting new/old traditions. All in all it was a wonderful holiday BUT.... the warmth and our boat were calling our name. We moved up our departure date from the 4th of January to the 28th. Sandy and Billy met us at BWI and took our van home to Calvert County. This gave us the opportunity to reunite with our wonderful cruising partners from last Fall- Jon and Bonnie. They picked us up at 7:00 p.m. at the Tampa area and we drove to the east coast to Stuart to their boat which had been left at Loggerhead after having boat work. We were all exhausted as they had driven over 1,800 miles in two days to get back to their boat! We took the next two days to provision and get their boat ready to depart. We did get in some great sight-seeing and meals before we left on New Years Eve Day. Stuart and Hutchison Island area are absolutely beautiful and I look forward to being back their in May!

We called our other cruising buddies- Gail and Dave Edwards who bought a house in Okeechobee last year to see if they would have room at their dock for a New Year's Eve visit. They did and after much delay getting to their house we spent a wonderful night eating, reminiscing and playing a game to usher in the New Year. To make a long story short- the bridge in their area is not used very regularly and you must make an "appointment" in order to have it opened. Jon had called the day before and then the day of to make sure we would be able to get an opening. After we came out of the lock we were immediately in front of the bridge. The bridge tender and his assistant- yes that's right he has an assistant for a bridge that is never opened, attempted to open the bridge but the gates would not come down to stop traffic and so the bridge would not open. They had to call in a highway specialist (yes this is New Year's Eve) to come and work on the traffic gates. Two hours later with much cheering and toasting we were through the bridge and on our way to Gail and Dave's dock. Of course- we toasted everyone up and down the canal as they all came out to stare at the 39' boat coming in front of their house. Word had spread quickly about us being stuck- and many spectators came out by pontoon, bicycles and cars to check us out. But in the end- everyone was happy to see us and wish us the best for the New Year. It was a wonderful way to usher in the new year. And I was happily able to carry on our annual traditions of lighting a bayberry candle to burn into the new year, place money outside of the door to bring in the next year and of course pork and sauerkraut. Thanks to Jon and Bonnie who joined us in all of our traditions!

We left the next morning and started straight across the Okeechobee Lake. It took us a day and a half to get into the Fort Meyers area where we stayed at an anchorage on Saturday night. The anchorage was incredible and we so enjoyed our time of just being on a boat on the water! We arrived at LBK late Sunday afternoon and after toasting our wonderful week together- we finally got back to our "home." I think we were all happy to sleep in our own beds that night.

This was week has been one of getting back into a schedule and getting things done around the boat. We have enjoyed pool and hot tub time all week- although the last two days have just been sitting bundled on the lounge chair and not near the water (temps only 69!). Our boat is currently getting detailed and she has never- ever looked so shiny and pretty! So excited to take pictures and post. We got together with our old friends from Calvert County on Tuesday- Bob and Bonnie Scott. It was so nice to see them and catch up on their travels in their "land yacht!" We are looking forward to Sandy and Billy's arrival on Thursday and praying the weather is nicer than what is forecasted! I am sure there will be lots of pictures to post after the weekend! Dave and I wish you all a Happy and Healthy 2016!

Sunset across from Captiva when we were on anchor with Bon Voyage

Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade with new friends. Solomons Island parade put these folks to shame!

Siesta Key Beach. I told Dave this is the only snowman that I wish to see for the rest of the winter (and next winter and next winter.....)

These were just some of the beautiful decorations at our marina. They really did a beautiful job!

Well it wasn't meant to be be! As we were driving to Tyrone we saw lot of snow in Woodbury and even snow falling in Altoona- but when we hit Tyrone NO SNOW! Yay!

One of the joys when we come home is our "grandpuppy" Titan who just loves to sit with his Nanny. He lays his head right up against my face to sleep. He is just a big sweet baby!

Exploring Sarasota is the iconic statue of the returning sailor kissing his nurse. You can see how big the statue is with Dave and I underneath!

 

Our wonderful cruising buddies and good friends Jon and Bonnie at Hutchison Island Turtle Beach. So happy we got to reconnect!

The hard coral that has built up on the beach

The four Amigo's!



Dave and I enjoying the view on the back of Bon Voyage



Sunrise on Lake Okeechobee

 

 

We were not used to the locks on the Lake- all they do is allow water to flow into or out of the lock to raise or lower the levels. Way different from the large river locks!

 

 





Bon Voyage's burgee flag from the great State of Iowa!



Captain Jon in the pilothouse!

We met our wonderful Looper Friends from Elizabear (Jane and Tom) and Always Home (Wayne and Donnadee) at lunch at Marina Jacks. Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE LOOPERS!

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zQ-p5yMRca88.krc3uHJWCmsw

An Entire Week in Clearwater Beach and there was no medical emergency!

We arrived in Clearwater Beach last Tuesday after our overnight Gulf Crossing from Carrabelle. Never thought I could be in one place for a week- (without a medical emergency :-)) - without getting antsy- but this past week has been perfect. It is so warm and sunny here! We walk everywhere and absolutely totally love it! I told Dave that we have to move here- everyone is so healthy looking... always out walking or running or biking. I really am enjoying walking to the Publix a mile away or to the shops on the main street. It just makes you feel good about yourself! Tomorrow we are leaving for an anchorage somewhere near St. Petersburg. Our reservations at Longboat Key don't start until the 14th so we will be just enjoying short days and anchorages- our favorite type of cruising! We are hoping to meet up with our new Rendezvous friends Lori and Dave and anchor out together next weekend. Right now Longboat is dealing with a terrible red tide and lots of dead fish and we aren't in any hurry to get into the resort!

Last week we went to the Clearwater Aquarium and a Dolphin Expedition. We probably didn't need the boat trip as we have seen so many dolphins- but it was fun watching the excitement of the children on the trip. We saw lots and lots of dolphins and the trip is actually research for the Aquarium as they gather data about the dolphins and the water quality. The aquarium houses the dolphin Winter that lost its tail in a crab trap. The movies Dolphin Tale 1 and 2 were filmed at the aquarium. Hope and Nicholas, who were also featured in the movie, are also still at the aquarium. It was so interesting to watch their training and Winter's physical therapy session. The aquarium is also an animal hospital and we watched them administrating I.V. therapy for a huge sea turtle. If you are ever in the Clearwater area it is well worth the trip!

On Friday we took the Jolly Trolley to Tarpon Springs with our friends on Plane 2 Sea (Charlie and Kay) and Elizabear (Tom and Jane). We had a wonderful time! It was like stepping back into the 70's! It is heavily populated by Greek Immigrants who were/are sponge divers/farmers. There are sponges for sale everywhere! We all (the ladies) bought a sponge and air plants to put into them. Dave said I will kill it just like all the others but I am hoping for better success! Lunch was incredible- fresh seafood and fresh house-made Sangria. We bought Greek wine and of course incredible Greek pastries! Dave said the restaurant looked like Disney World! All in all we just had the best day!

Saturday our good friends and fellow Loopers- Principal Bob and Sharon came up from Englewood to spend the afternoon and go out to dinner. We cruised with them from New York City up through Canada and really missed them! They are Gold Loopers now after crossing their wake in New Buffalo, MI. Today a friend of Dave's came and visited as he is in St. Petersburg on nuclear power business. Greg has the sister boat just like ours. We stayed at his dock in N.J. when we first started on our Loop.

We will fly from Tampa to Baltimore on the 19th and our good Maryland friends Jo Ann and Robbie are going to bring our van to the airport and we will leave for home from there.

Our niece recommended this place. First night not so good... but 2nd time was excellent!

 

Some of our favorite Loopers- Principal Bob and Sharon at Crabbie Bill's

Just loved Clearwater Beach and Pier 60 for sunsets

 

Instant waterpark on the beach

 

Love pelicans! They are very trusting around people here

 

Got very close to this bird too!

 


Sunset at Pier 60

 

This was our Dolphin Cruise. Enjoyed watching the kids

 

This was Nicholas an incredible dolphin. His mom was dying and beached herself in order to breathe easier. Nicholas followed her on to the beach and got 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his back. He has been in captivity since he was 6 months old.

 
 

Sea turtles that have been rescued

 

This was at the emergency hospital and they were administering I.V. therapy to an injured sea turtle

 

Nicholas smiling at us!

 

We have pointsettias in MD but they are hot-house grown- not in the ground!

Tom, Jane, Kay and Dave. Charlie was somewhere hunting for Key Lime Pie!

 

Saw really neat metal art everywhere. And of course being with Artist Kay I began noticing things that wouldn't normally catch my eye!

 

This was the girls favorite sign. Dave and Tom took advantage of our shopping time to have a "beer on the dock"

 

This was where we had lunch and the most incredible fresh sangria! Thanks Carrie and Evelyn for the lunch suggestion!

 

Hellas Greek Restaurant

 

Pastry counter at Hellas

 

 

 




Sponges that came off the boat- fascinating!


 
 

Here is one of the sponges and the air plants that everyone plants in them. Hoping I don't kill them!

 

I wasn't allowed to bring much on our trip, but I did manage to bring aboard my Willow Tree Nativity Set



Big Bend crossing from Carrabelle to Clearwater

     The Big Bend of the Florida's Gulf of Mexico is an interruption of the inland Intercostal water way.  The ports along this part of the Florida coast tend to be shallow and require planning to enter with the tides, moon phase and wind condition. For this reason many cruisers make a "B-line" across the Gulf to either Tarpon Springs, Clearwater or other southern ports. Bets and I had discussed how we would cross many times. We really were leaning towards shorter daily sun light runs to the ports on the bend. When it finally can down to decision time in Carrabelle Fla. we decided to make the "B-line" to Clearwater. Reports of a friend who was stuck in Steinhatcheehy for several days waiting for the winds to change so there was enough water to leave port was a big factor in the crossing decision. We had been watch the many weather report services and fell into the perfect weather window on Monday for an over night crossing. Eddys Weather WAG is our overriding decision source. Eddy provides this service to Loopers and his conservative stance on crossing ensures you will have an acceptable ride, even though its a "WAG"!
   We hooked up with friends  Tom and Jane on the 49' DeFever Elizabear. Our speeds were the same and we made perfect partners for the crossing. We headed out at 3PM from Carrabelle and headed into the Gulf. Initially the water was dead flat calm. It was looking like the perfect conditions. About three hours into the trip we did experience ground swell waves that hit the four foot range at times. That only lasted a few hours and when the sun went down the seas flattened and we had a smooth ride the whole way to Clearwater. The trip was 188 miles and made Clear water at around 1130. Fryedaze and Elizabear communicated at the top of the hour along the trip check up to see if everything was going well.
   Bets and I had a little anxiety about an over night run 45 miles off the nearest coast. When the sun finally went down it was black out on the Gulf. The stars were amazing. Without the light of cities and clear skies you cane see more stars than back on shore. The moon came up at around 11 PM. This reduced the view of stars but added more visibility of the surrounding water.
   Bets and I traded off three hour shifts at the helm. We were so excited in the beginning that we didn't sleep on our off watch time. After midnight we did get some needed sleep while off watch.
All in all it was an incredible experience that we will remember when we cant remember anymore:-). It was pretty cool coming into the Clearwater marina and meeting up with the Loopers who had finished the trip in the last two days.

The Pelicans are saying " Dude, this is no big deal"

 The route across the Big Bend would take us from "R2" at Carrabelle to "R2" at the Cross Florida Canal and then on to Clearwater.


 Dead calm across the sound YIPEE!

Elizabear heading out and in the lead for the Big Bend crossing.
Elizabear takes us out of the harbor.

 We never get tired of these guys playing with us.



We decided that we will wear life vests with water activated strobe when we leave the bridge, it makes it easier to find the body :-)

Escort service