The sunrises . . .
& sunsets . . . .
on Longboat Key continue to be more beautiful from one day to the next. The weather has been unseasonably cool for March, but sixties & sunny is still more pleasant than twenties & snow!
February brought more visitors from the north. We took a short cruise around Sarasota Bay with my parents & Aunt Carol & Uncle Bob. Aunt Mary Ann & Uncle Dave were also down the following week, but unfortunately we only had a short time to visit on the boat before we all flew home.
On February 22nd we left the marina & headed north for a several day cruise up to Tarpon Springs. Our "winter water home" is at the end of this channel in a well protected basin.
Our journey took us along Anna Marie Island, where the waters were clear & a beautiful blue-green.
And then into theTampa Bay, which was like being out in the Gulf.
Approaching & passing under the Sunshine Bridge was an awesome experience. We have travelled over the bridge so many times, but passing under it was incredible!
We anchored in Boca Ciega Bay at Gulfport for the night. It was a quaint little town adjacent to St. Petersburg.
The next morning, we headed north travelling past many cool beach towns.
There were several stretches that were so narrow that we could see the Gulf of Mexico across the road (look closely).
The weather was a bit hazy with minimal sunshine, but it was still a fun ride. Darbi looks a little bored here . . . .
. . . but quickly regained interest when a dolphin joined us.
She just can't figure out what they are, but she sure lets them know she is there!
We passed a variety of boats along the way, from jet skies to pirate boats to dinner cruises.
We passed Clearwater Beach & Honeymoon Island at Dunedin, where the weather became really eery! It was like we were heading into an abyss!
We finally made it to the mouth of the Anclote River, which was our passage way to Tarpon Springs.
The sponge docks were everything we expected. The street was lined with Greek restaurants with authentic Greek food & music filling the air!
We docked at the famous Pappas Restaurant, which was within walking distance of all the festivities.
The next day we had a blast experiencing the "Greekness" of Tarpon Springs, including overdosing on baklava!!
Later that day we hooked up with one of the Y-guys, "Beijing Bob" & his brother Dave. Here we are having a cocktail at the Veranda rooftop bar overlooking the sponge docks . . .
and our boat . . .
From the rooftop, we enjoyed yet another incredible sunset!
After three fun days & nights, we departed Tarpon Springs with the moon setting at our bow & the sun rising at our stern.
Another memory made . . . .
