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Punto Gorda, Cabbage Key, Sanibel & MANATEES!

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On Sunday, we "Lifted" it into the actual town of Punta Gorda.  It was warm, but we walked around anyway.  Went to their Viet Nam Memorial which is modeled after the one on the National Mall and did some shopping - didn't buy anything and then found a great coffee shop! We "Lifted" back to a Publix grocery store, did some shopping then, Lifted back to the marina!   When we got back, we walked to the pool and relaxed, then ate and drank some dinner! Monday, we motored to Cabbage Key. On the way, we dropped the hook and went for a swim!  Cabbage Key was originally developed in the early 1930's by the Rinehart family - purchased for $2000. They built a 6,000-gallon water tower, which stills stands today and was built on one of the highest places in Southwest Florida.  It was 41 steps only, so we climbed it! The Inn and several cottages were first opened in 1944 by the Stults family. It is currently owned by the Wells family with a fabulous restaurant. It is ca...
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Owen's Fish Camp - on the hook near Venice - Punta Gorda

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Owen's Fish Camp in Saratoga - Fun, fun, funky old school fish food dive! I had a Lynchburg Lemonade (jack & lemonade) and Jan had a Bourbon Tea (tea, bourbon and peach). Don and Jan loved the barbecued oyster appetizers.  A great place with lots of fun, good atmosphere and great food! On Friday we motored 20 miles to Venice and anchored in a great spot. On our way we stopped at Midnight Pass, Siesta Key.  Legend has it, this was a drug smuggling spot in the 70's & 80"s.  Today, it is a smooth blue lagoon for rafting up.  We motored over in the dinghy and swam in the Gulf. Saturday, we had a 48 1/2-mile trip to Punta Gorda and the Burnt Store Marina.  It would have been a little shorter if Captain Don (now called dodo Don) hadn't made a route error. Anyway, by the time we docked we were ready for some relaxing.  We walked over to the Marina pool and chilled.  While in the pool, Don decided he was going to run for Governor of California in a new...
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Pass-a-Grille to Bradenton Beach to Sarasota

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We left Pass-a-Grille and motored all of 21 miles to Bradenton Beach. The good news was that we made it, but the bad news was that we had to motor across Tampa Bay. A rocky, rolling, sporty ride with 6' swell occasionally and wind! Ray and Jan did fine, except for when Jan slid off the couch because of us leaning sideways!  Yikes! Bradenton Beach is a cute tourist town with a beautiful beach & fine white sand! We swam in the Gulf both days as we were just three blocks from the beach!  Free laundry at the marina was appreciated - but we had rather sleepless nights because of the wind. Found a great Tiki bar with music at the Bridge Tender Inn - thank you Kylie Nero. Three of us had a drink called "Becky's Bikini Babe" - Coconut Rum, dark rum, OJ, Pineapple juice with a splash of Pina Colada. Sent a photo of it to our niece Becky! On Wednesday we motored just 15 miles to Sarasota and docked at Marina Jack's, right in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Sarasota has ...
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St. Petersburg and Pass-A-Grille

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 You've probably been wondering where we are???? We docked in St Petersburg Municipal Marina at around 4 pm on the 15th!  What a beautiful locale, and Frank, the Dock Jockey is a delight! He hails from North Carolina but works in St. Pete for 5 months out of the year and then returns to North Carolina mountains for the hurricane season. Thursday during the day we prepared Cady Girl for our guests - you know, vacuum, dust, make beds - same-o, same-o. After, the slave driver Captain finished washing the boat, we took a 3-mile bike ride to the hardware store.  I was not happy! It's too humid for this Oregonian. Jan and Ray arrived around 5 having hitched a ride from the Tampa Airport with a young man, they met on the plane. They settled in and then we walked up to the Stillwaters Tavern on Beach Dr. NE.  Outdoor seating, lots of people watching and great food and drink. The architecture and homes in St. Pete are beautiful and the flora and fauna are "bitchin", per Capta...
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