Monday morning with the wind predicted to increase steadily throughout the day we got underway with the goal to get across Tampa Bay before it got ugly. Before we got too far though we decided to take advantage of the free pumpout available at the city owned Clearwater Harbor Marina right under the causeway and along the ICW. Very convenient.
Our travel down the ICW from Clearwater was dotted with bridges. Most of them we could fit under without lowering the antenna. Some we could make by lowering it. The tense part comes in reading the sign board on the bridge bulkhead that displays the clearance. It's usually facing the side of the channel and is not plainly visible till your close. Additionally there is at most bridges a smaller sign that indicates an additional 3' to 4' of clearance at the center span. Again you can not read it until you are right next to it.
So by now you're thinking....just radio the bridge tender and ask the clearance. Good idea! Only problem is, as I found out later, that according to one bridge tender they can not give out that information! Ridiculous.
Our travel down the ICW was pretty quiet today with only a couple of other boats on the waterway. Shortly before getting to Tampa Bay we were again entertained by the dolphins.
As we ran along the approach to the Sunshine Skyway we watched the kite surfers taking advantage of the blustery winds.
Once we cleared the land barriers we were met by 3' seas. Fortunately they were directly on our bow as we made our way across the bay to the more protected waters on the south side.
Again bridges dotted the way and by now the rain had started along with the wind. Not the best of situations when you have to idle around waiting for a scheduled opening of the bridge. Fortunately we fit under the first one (after some discussion about clearance with the bridge tender) and with a burst of speed from Tourist we were able to arrive at the second bridge in time for their opening. It was only later that I learned from another tender that they could not divulge the top secret information about the clearances.
We worked our way south while listening to the deteriorating weather forecast on the vhf. Again we had wanted to anchor but decided to take shelter at Marina Jack's (www.marinajacks.com) in Sarasota for a couple of nights.
Our arrival was just in time to get Tourist secured and plugged in to the umbilical cord before the wind increased and more rain started to fall. We did manage to get to the office and pay for our slip without getting wet thus avoiding a "Pamick" moment due to wet hair!
One of our neighboring boats was a rather large Hatteras that Pam thinks should be our next boat.
While in Sarasota we managed to catch up on laundry. Get our nails done. And found a great burger at Patrick's (www.Patricks1481.com) located just a few blocks from the marina in the downtown area. Apparently others have found Patrick's also because by the time we were finished there was a line outside the door waiting for tables.
By Wednesday the weather cleared enough to get underway. The wind was still blowing with rough seas offshore but the ICW was very tame and a few boats were underway.
It didn't take long to be rudely passed by an express cruiser who just had to get there first. He rocked us pretty good but I had an ace up my sleeve. The Blackburn Bridge.
Too low for the express cruiser to get under meant he needed an opening. Since we were only a couple of miles out I radioed the bridge to request an opening when we got to it. No problem I was told. Keep coming. A couple of minutes later the rude waker called the bridge to get an opening. Sure thing he was told just as soon as the boat behind you gets in range I'll open. Gotcha!
Our travel took us through Venice and on to an anchorage near Cape Haze that we have used before. As we neared the anchorage Pam & I commented on how during our previous overnights here we were normally alone or maybe shared it with just one other boat. Obviously we should have zipped our lips because by the time the sun set we had 6 boats tucked in beside us and behind us.
Fortunately in this location that's not a problem. In fact there was still room for 2 or 3 more to get in before it would get uncomfortable.
Thursday morning we timed our departure to allow us enough time to make the 9 am. opening of the Boca Grande Bridge. Most of the other boats made the 8:30 opening which was fine by us since the area above the bridge isn't all that accommodating for 5 or 6 boats to be circling waiting for the bridge to open.
As we made our way south the effects of the East wind became more evident as they blew across Charlotte Harbor. Once we cleared into the open bay the seas were hitting us broadside making for a very rolly ride. Again with an increase in speed we were able to get on top of the waves and have a much more comfortable ride until we ducked in behind Useppa Island. The rest of our ride was pretty smooth as we made our way to our turn to cross the "Miserable Mile" and head up the Caloosahatchie River.
At our first no wake area near Shell Point we were able to catch a view of the Westin at Glover Bight. Pam and I watched the contractors complete this structure a few years ago from our anchorage in the bight and decided to drop the hook once again nearby and enjoy the rest of the day.
We also noticed that the anchored bait shop in the no wake zone had changed from a boat to a floating structure. I guess that's progress.
By the time we anchored the temperature was in the mid-70's with the sun overhead. Time to find a swimsuit! We celebrated our arrival back to what has now become familiar waters with a little cheese and cocktail spread in the cockpit.
We finished the day with steaks on the grill and a beautiful sunset.
Friday we took our time getting ready since we wanted to look presentable when we arrived at Legacy.
We had an almost incident free trip upriver to the marina except for one jerk in an identical Sea Ray to ours who came by on plane close enough to shake his hand. Needless to say he rocked the crap out of us before he slowed down a quarter mile later for the minimum wake zone. It's idiots like him that give Sea Rays a bad name. Oh to have a bow cannon!
As always the staff of Legacy were there to help with lines as well as some of the usual suspects who we share the dock with. It was great to finally get here and start re-connecting with everyone.
Eventually, in what has become a first day tradition for Pam & I, we made our way next door to Joe's Crab Shack for lunch.
Before long after settling in it was time for Docktails! We're here!
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