Southern Home

Monday 1/18/10     We finally found the off switch on the vacuum that was holding us in Tarpon Springs. At 9:53am we cruised out of town and decided to head down the ICW since it was still bumpy on the Gulf. Bridges, no wake areas, traffic, and shallow water. Thats' the ICW, not a fast track for sure.

Our travels took us through Clearwater and on to Tampa Bay where we traveled beside I-275 to the Sunshine Skyway bridge before heading to DeSoto Point on the Manatee River for our overnight anchorage.

Tuesday found us again on the ICW heading south. Past Sarasota and Venice and on to our Cape Haze anchorage. We arrived in time to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon with a cocktail out back watching the boat traffic in the channel. This location will also go down in history as the spot where I whipped Pam. Now before you think I'm cruel I have to say that she asked for it! Several times during the trip she has asked for it. IT of course is Dominos and I put her out of her misery for ahwile!

Wednesday 1/20/10 dawned and we pulled anchor at 8am. One last hurdle, the Boca Grande Bridge which we needed to open for Tourist to pass through. Like a good Catholic our timing was off and we had to wait for the 8:30 opening. Our run was a smooth one through Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, even through the Miserable Mile where we followed a beautiful Marlow. The route was full of dolphins jumping and playing in our wake, all of which cause Pam to make excited sounds like a 6 year old every time she spots one! After topping off the fuel tanks at the Ft. Myers Yacht Basin we were helped into our slip at Legacy Harbour by the friendly staff. To Pams' delight we are only 2 slips away from our primo spot that we had last year. The marina is almost full so boat gawking will be at a high for the next few days. Shortly after we tied the docklines my Mom and Dad showed up to make sure we arrived safe and sound. Our day was complete when we went to spaghetti night at the Elks Club. How can you complain about $8.00 for a round of drinks and $28.50 for dinner for four!