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February 17th, 2008 | Author:

Long stretches of beach await you when you walk across the mile stretch from Pelican Bay to the Gulf. Hardly anyone was there this morning. Kelley and I just love to walk. He took off ahead while I began combing the beach for shells. Last time here, I was amazed at how many types of shells, spirals, scallops, and sand dollars were there.

I kept looking down for shells that been washed up before. I thought how typical of me; looking at the past and not looking forward. Perhaps a treasure was missed. I always like the comfort of the known. But then I thought about what might be occurring right now as the waves are gently slapping on the shore. Of course, the correct ending should be that I looked up and there was a conch rolling onto the shore.

Didn’t happen, but I began to think about this adventure that we are on. I enjoy places where I have been and like returning to them, but what about the spots out there that could become familiar. I need to be looking forward and seeing what is there now and what might be tomorrow. There is a conch waiting to be seen; I will keep my eyes peeled and see it first!

We are going a short distance tomorrow to Boca Grande, South Gasparilla Island. I spoke to the dock master and told him I didn’t know how to tie to those poles that are at their docks. Being from California we are unfamiliar with them. He told me not to worry. After he gave me instructions I would be able to lasso a 20 foot pole from 10 feet away! Yee haw! Call me a cowgirl!

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February 16th, 2008 | Author:

Prime Time was ready! The Captain was eager! The First Mate was…. leaving her new friends behind… but also ready to see if the three of them had what it took.

We said we would leave the slip at 10 am and we were off a bit, we were early. Friends were there though to bid us fair seas and we were pleased to see them and accept their help.

Before we entered the Miserable Mile, boats were passing us right and left. We were just bobbing along. Then everyone has to slow and inch their way through the Mile. Kelley looked back as we got toward the end and we both were amazed to see this long line of boats. Once we were out of the Mile, up went speed and we were passed and bounced some more.

This trip to Pelican Bay was a piece of cake. We had a GPS that was working. We had used the charts before with success, but to have a GPS – Columbus never would have gotten lost. We made the trip in 4.5 hours, traveling about 8 knots an hour.

Traveling on a Saturday over President’s Weekend on the ICW is like traveling on the US 5 trying to get somewhere. Everyone is out enjoying the beautiful weather. The Bay is serene – although there are more boats here than there were last time.

A great beginning to our adventure! Did I really write Great Loop?

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February 14th, 2008 | Author:

A big surprise awaited me in the morning. A card…and a singing one: Do you love me? Now that I can dance! You bet, Kelley York!

We wanted to go to Matlache because we had heard it was so laid back and charming. It is right out of the 50’s. The Barry’s were up for the trip and off we went at 11.

We ate lunch at a cute little Italian Restaurant. I had a yummy soft shell crab sandwich and Kelley had Gulf Shrimp. There were little shops to look at, a bridge that has to raise for almost nay size boat that comes by, and a fish market where we bought fish for our trip.

Here is a fish tail for you:

A delightful afternoon! In the evening, we met again with Colleen and Mike, the Barrys, and the Fines (friends of the Barrys) to toast the sunset, and I am sure, the first rate mates we all have!

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January 19th, 2008 | Author:

Bacchus! All of the people that we have met here in the Marina all go for Happy Hour at Bacchus! It is a nice chance to catch up with everyone – although to be honest, we see almost everyone daily.

The group has welcomed us with open arms. I enjoy them all. There are teachers, quilters, artists…people that live full time on their boats, others that have homes or RVs that they enjoy when they aren’t boating (or in the summer).

Cheers!

I leave you with this last picture. There is a museum in the historical section (which is where we are) and it is being completely restored. There are 2 large black circular pieces that are in front of the museum. They are made out of metal and have words that are cut into them. I have walked by them many times during the day and tried to figure out why the pieces are even there. I think that the words are the names of plants…but at night, this is what the pieces do. It is a sight to behold.

This is the front of the museum. Love it!

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