We woke up this morning fully refreshed – it was great being at anchor. No wind to speak of and with the extra blankets we were plenty warm so we slept like logs all night. We had a nice leisurely breakfast, did a few chores and departed the anchorage at 10:30. Our journey today took us through Sarasota Bay where we were witness to a momentous occasion. Our traveling mates, Michael and Jana on Second Star, crossed their wake and finished the Great Loop. We pulled alongside and took pictures and a video as they crossed the marker where they started some 3 years ago. Later tonight we plan on celebrating with champagne and a dinner at the Crow’s Nest.
There was quite a bit of boat traffic today compared with what we saw yesterday. We even passed a boat that recognized us and called us on the radio. It was a couple we had met at the rendezvous in October at Wheeler Park. We had sat with them one night and chatted with them at length. They didn’t have a boat and so they were boat shopping in addition to finding out more about the Great Loop. Since that time they have found a boat they liked and were taking is on a long sea trial (from Sarasota to Mobile). We had talked to them at length about the Monk so they definitely recognized us as they passed by and gave us a call.
The scenery was spectacular today. Lots of mangrove trees in Little Sarasota Bay and Mangrove Cut near Siesta Key. If possible, the houses we saw today made those from yesterday seem paltry. We passed through several bridges today, 2 of which had to be opened for us because of limited clearance. Our destination today was Higel Park in Venice. There are a couple of anchorages in the vicinity, but we were lucky enough to find free dockage at the public dock. There is room for 3 or 4 boats and when we arrived only 1 sailboat was there so both Monk’s Vineyard and Second Star tied up at the dock.
Later in the evening we joined Michael and Jana on Second Star for a celebratory drink of champagne and then we went to dinner at the Crow’s Nest. It had been a good day, especially with improving weather conditions.
There was quite a bit of boat traffic today compared with what we saw yesterday. We even passed a boat that recognized us and called us on the radio. It was a couple we had met at the rendezvous in October at Wheeler Park. We had sat with them one night and chatted with them at length. They didn’t have a boat and so they were boat shopping in addition to finding out more about the Great Loop. Since that time they have found a boat they liked and were taking is on a long sea trial (from Sarasota to Mobile). We had talked to them at length about the Monk so they definitely recognized us as they passed by and gave us a call.
The scenery was spectacular today. Lots of mangrove trees in Little Sarasota Bay and Mangrove Cut near Siesta Key. If possible, the houses we saw today made those from yesterday seem paltry. We passed through several bridges today, 2 of which had to be opened for us because of limited clearance. Our destination today was Higel Park in Venice. There are a couple of anchorages in the vicinity, but we were lucky enough to find free dockage at the public dock. There is room for 3 or 4 boats and when we arrived only 1 sailboat was there so both Monk’s Vineyard and Second Star tied up at the dock.
Later in the evening we joined Michael and Jana on Second Star for a celebratory drink of champagne and then we went to dinner at the Crow’s Nest. It had been a good day, especially with improving weather conditions.
Sunrise in the anchorage
White pelicans on a shoal
Almost a traffic jam ahead of us. The oncoming boat never slowed down
Part of the Sarasota skyline
Second Star --- approaching the point where it all began over 3 years ago
Yeah !!! We did it (if you look close you can see confetti flying in the air)
The new burgee -- ready for the flagpole
Underway as a "veteran" looper (gold burgee now flying)
Some of the mangroves we passed, with nesting birds
Colorful homes on a small inlet
Approaching the Blackburn Point Bridge
A very unusual looking home.JPG)
Nice home and landscaping
...and one final house with boat
No comments:
Post a Comment