#21 February 6 - March 6

We headed back to Florida on Feb 6th to Vero Beach to visit John and Shannon and the boys.  Sunday the 8th Conor was Confirmed. We had a great visit and then headed to the boat at Charlotte Harbor on the 9th. 

Grandma McGuire, Bill, Shannon, Connie, Bishop, Aidan, Conor and John

There were a few chores we had to do before we set sail for points south.  A little problem with the batteries - almost dead.  The yard's electrical system needs some upgrading since so many boats are there working with sanders, power tools, etc. Not to mention there was a cold snap and everyone was running a little heater on their boat.

We did attend a dinner party on Valentine Day with many of the inhabitants of the yard.  The owner is drummer in a band and played at a local restaurant.  A good time was had by all! See us in the mirror?

Horatio is growing and always interested in what is going on outside. Here he is watching our neighbor working on his sailboat. 

We left the boat yard in Charlotte Harbor on the 15th of February, heading south, stopped at Cayo Costa State Park again and then on to Fort Myers Beach. Picked up a mooring and called Miranda, our granddaughter.  As it turned out, Olivia and friends were coming down for spring break so we had a great time the the girls and their friends.  Took them and their boyfriends out to dinner.

Turned out we were still having problems with our batteries and ended up going into Salty Sam's marina for some expert advice. Long story,but we were there a week. Not to worry lots of places to visit and have lunch. Here we are at the Parrot Key Carribean Grill. 

Kelly's friend Matt lives down here and when Kelly told him we were here he arrived with a case of Yuengling. He shared a grilled shrimp dinner with us.

Our next stop was Naples.  Ah Napoli! We thought these houses were a bit over the top - they don't hold a candle to the community known as Port Royal Palm. where some empty lots go for 10,000,000.00. NO, that is NOT a typo!!  Hmmm! Must be nice!  

Good day! - - - - nope, not ours.  Notice the pelicans waiting for the handout when these are cleaned.

This is approaching Marco Island. Also a very affluent un-affordable waterfront. What modest homes that still exist are being bought up, torn down and replaced with impressive over-the-top residences. 

I don't mean to mislead you. There are many places that are available in the interior of the islands of Naples and Marco and the folks are lucky to have them.  A school friend of mine, Mark Gabor lives in Naples, He and his wife, Peggy, were gracious host and drove us on a tour of Naples, answered the many questions we had about making the move to living here in Florida.We all met Jon and Kathy Green (another school friend) for dinner then Mark took us to their place before dropping us back at the boat. Their place was beautiful; a two bedroom duplex with screened porch looking out on a nice yard. Large living room, dining area and kitchen. Even a den.  Actually, it is something we would like. Hmmm!

While at Marco, Tom and Coletta on Greeks Folly arrived.  We cruised with them earlier in our trip and we spent 3 days here catching up on their travels and renewing freindships.  They are staying on for their son's wedding and then heading across the Okechobee to the East side of Florida.  We may run into them again.

These replicias of the Nina and the Pinta were harbor at Marco for the weekend. Quite a sight to see. Their next stop will be Vero Beach.

We left Marco on March 2nd for the 90 miles to the Floriida Keys.  We stopped at two anchorages on the way and arrived at The Boathouse Marina on Fat Deer Key just at the East end of Marathon. Tom and  Coletta gave us the tips on where to find a Marina for the month we wanted to stay. It is a quiet, well appointed Marina tucked in off the Gulf and very protected.  We had hoped to find a place at the Boot Key Moorings or Marathon City Marina where most Loopers congregate but there were 27 on the waiting list. This place turned out to be just perfect. and we can stll dinghy, bike or bus down the road to check out the activities or locate other loopers we may know. 

We were pleasantly surprised to be promptly invited to a dock party when we arrived. It was a Pot Luck, tons of food and folks just brought their chairs and then the music started.

See Dad behind the guitarist?   I know it's blurry - - but then, they wouldn't stand still!!

 There is a beautiful pool, the bikes are down off the boat, ready for exploring. The weather of course is sunny. We are going to settle into this island life for a little while; try to get a feel for it.

The Island Fish Company, restaurant across the street; looking out at the Florida Bay.

I think we will go to the pool today. . . 

#20 Dec. 13th - February 5th, 2015

I guess I left you all at Englewood Beach on Dec 12th. We spent the next few days at Cayo Costa State Park, walking the beach and I found an absolutely perfect slotted Sand Dollar. I wish we had taken our chairs to the beautiful deserted beach. We then stopped at the Darling wildlife refuge in San Carlos Bay and finally on Dec 16th we arrived in Fort Myers Beach.  Picked up a mooring ball in the bay just 10 minutes dinghy ride from all the razz-ma-tazz of beach life in Florida. Our Granddaughter, Miranda, who lives and works here, came and picked us up the next day and we spent some solo time with her before her Mom and Dad and siblings, Olivia and Hugo arrived on the 20th. Two more of our children, Terri from Delaware and Kelly from Traverse City, Michigan also arrived to spend the week with us.  It was a wonderful, relaxing week taking their dogs to the dog park beach in the mornings then spending time around the pool of the rented house and at the beautiful beaches of Estero Island.

Speaking of dogs. . . take a look below!

Terri and Kelly, our daughters, brought us a new crew member. She sat us down and said "Now, keep an open mind . . . . !" And Kelly says "If it doesn't work out, I'll take care of it...."  We were flabbergasted and surprised when they then handed us this little bundle of cuteness! A Cava-Poo. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -- Mini Poodle mix. Assured us it will not exceed 12 lbs. Collectively, our children made sure we had everything we need.  Crate, toys, puppy pads, collar, leash, food, brush, a bed shaped like a boat and an airline approved travel case!!  Oh, also two little coats for the cold Michigan weather!!

He likes rum, too!

We love him! He is so much fun. And toooo cute!!

JR and Sandi had to leave on the 27th so we stayed and hung out with Kelly and Terri until they had to leave on the 28th and 29th.  It was a wonderful time to meet up with the kids for the Christmas season.  We will see Wendi, Jeff and family when we head home for  a month. Then we are returning to attend John and Shannon's oldest, Conor's Confirmation on Feb 8th.

We left Fort Myers Beach around 10:30 on Dec 30 and traveled about 20 miles back north to famous Cabbage Key. An old style Florida resort.  The walls, posts, and ceiling is covered in dollar bills. The posts are spongy due to so many layers.  The restaurant puts all the dollars that fall off into a jar and at the end of the year, donate to a charity. Last year $20,000.

Another side note - - it is rumored that Jimmy Buffet wrote Cheeseburger in Paradise" here.
So, we had a cheeseburger to carry on the tradition!

Bill's little friend cruising to Punta Gorda where we spent a quiet New Years Eve.   

 January 1, we topped off the fuel tank, pump the holding tank in preparation for leaving the boat; Then headed into 4 miles of canals to the storage yard. Below we are approaching the self operated lock that separates the salt water of the bay from the fresh water of the canals. It was quite an experience. And we were pleased to be in the fresh water for those miles to flush engine, air conditioners and generator of salt water.

Approaching

Leaving

We spent several days cleaning Simpatico inside and out.  and then waxed the hull. She is on the hard at Charlotte Harbor Boat Storage. Great place with all kinds of folks, storing, working on their boats. We left on January 6th for the flight home for a month.  It was 83 degrees when we left. Got home to 17 degrees.  Good thing the kids gave us a doggie coat for Horatio.
That's right -- Bill named the puppy Horatio Hornblower! and yes, we call him Horatio. 

Too Cute! Daughter Sandi brought her new Bull Mastiff Puppy Belle for an introduction.  At first Belle acted afraid of Horatio - - that soon changed.  Horatio 9 weeks, Belle 11 weeks.

Jan 17 we attended a family Christmas at my Brother Mark's home (second from right) Always try to get a picture with my siblings. Gary, Joyce, Mark and me. Our Gathering was, as always, a treat. Seeing all our Neices, Nephews and their children in addition to our siblings.  Realizing I am the oldest in our family is a bit sobering, though.

Off to the cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a bit more Winter fun.  Bill watched Kelly's (our youngest) dog while three of my daughters attended Women on Snow in  Eagle River, Wisconsin.  Horatio and Bosun played 'non-stop' practically the whole time.  Bill was exhausted when we got back.

Wendi, Mom, Kelly and Sandi

Sandi and I stayed on and rode cross-country for a few days.  Great fun!

We are all back home now and digging out  from a Winter storm that left 12" of snow around. Bill spent the better part of the morning cranking up the tractor and plowing the drive and some of the road. As you can see below it is truly a winter wonderland. We are looking forward to leaving on the 6th of February to head back to Florida, attend Conor's Confirmation in Vero Beach then on to the boat to resume our Great Loop adventure.

This is the scene from our front door! It is the evening before our flight. Everything is buttoned up and battened down. 

Horatio says, "Come on, Mom! Let's go find the sun".

Check us again in about a week, take care.

#19 - Dec 7th - Dec 12th

Dec 7th  OOHH! It is a nasty heavy wet fog day.  We are just hanging out this morning waiting for the fog to lift a little.  We cast off around 11:30 am and headed down the waterway. Not to far, only 20 miles to Gulfport near St. Petersburg. The anchorage was invaded by at least 50 fishing skiffs the next morning. they would rush from one place to another and cast their 14 foot nets over the water to catch the schools of mullet. All the boats in the anchorage were rocking and rolling. It lasted about 30 minutes and they were off to another area around the bay following the schools.

Dec. 8 We hung out on the boat, catching up on paperwork and chores till 1pm since it was another misty soggy-just short of rain kind of day. We slowly made our way south to Anna Marie Island, a whole 17 miles.

This is the  magnificent Tampa Bay Bridge off our Port side as we Crossed Tampa Bay for Anna Marie Island

Our plan is to visit Greg and Chris Louch, friends from our 13th Street days in Port Huron, MI. Arrived around 4pm, watching the charts, following guides -- and promptly ran aground!!
Since chart and guide data published, a sand bar had developed. No maneuvering got us off. The best investment we  ever made - Boat US TowBoat Insurance. We joined the "when" club of the "when, not if, you go aground"group. Ha!

Dec 9th  The 'free' dock was vacant so we weighed anchor and parked the boat there for the day. Greg and Chris arrived and we visited and caught up on their adventures of planting roots buying a house in Bradenton just across the waterway from where we were.

Chris and Greg took us on a complete tour of Anna Marie Island, Then on to their neighborhood where these wild peacocks roam. 

 They proudly showed us their new home and all the work that Greg has done. We were really happy to see they are doing well and love being in Florida. It was good to see them. After a great steak supper they took us back to the boat where we decided to just stay put rather than take the boat to anchor. The dock is supposed to be for day use only but nobody bothered us.

Dec.10th - We are off to Sarasota, 13 miles. at 9:30am. The skies cleared and the sun appeared. Less wind but still chilly!  What's going on - its supposed to be warm down here!
Sarasota is a beautiful waterfront city, Lots of condo buildings but they are architecturally attractive. Marina Jack's manages a mooring field in the bay and we got the no 1 ball closest to the Marina. Easy in to the dinghy dock and the city. We hadn't had breakfast or lunch but snacks so we found our way to The Columbia Restaurant, recommended by friends Don and April Gordon. Didn't take us long to find our way on Bus #4 to St. Armand's Circle (the elite shopping mecca of Sarasota) and the restaurant where we had their signature salad and Sangria prepared at table.

preparing....

Enjoying!

Named after our Granddaughter

 We headed back to the boat after dinner, Connie feeling poorly from what started out what we thought to be allergies, but the congestion was worse and a fever set in with aches and pains. Got lots of remedies on board and by morning I was ready to go to the Circus.
Sarasota is the home of the John & Mable Ringling 66 acre complex. Their home, palatial, on the bay, their extensive art museum, gardens and Circus museums.  We spent the whole day.

This is just the Big Top in miniature displayed depicting Circus Life

Every piece is handmade and painted. This tent is the menagerie where the animals were on display for patrons before they entered the Big Top

There were draft horse tent, barber tent, cook tent, dressing room tent for performers, blacksmith tent, performing animal tent,  - a tent for every facet of life needed to keep a community of 1800 people fed, healthy and housed. Roustabouts could put up that Big Top in 2 hours. Many of the performances were for one day only - they would knock down and be loaded on the trains for the next stop down the road for the next performance.

Ringlings donated their holdings to the State of Florida. But John Ringling died with $311 in his bank account.

These are Banyan trees. They grow roots from the branches to the ground. Fascinating! Many adorn the grounds around he Ringling compound.

This is truly a place to visit if you have an opportunity. We left around 5:30 and headed back to the boat. Stopped at Patrick's on Main for the "best burger" in town.  And it was very good.

Dec 12th - Of course, now Bill is not feeling so good, Connie is better so this morning slept in, then at 11 or so headed down the waterway to Englewood Beach anchorage to just chill out, rest and recuperate. Next stop will be Cayo Costa State Park. I want to take my chair and sit on the beach in the Sun!

#18 Nov 29 - Dec 6th

 November 29th was the big day to to the big jump 170 miles to Tarpon Springs.  5 boats left from our location around 1pm in the afternoon for what turned into a 23 hour voyage.  The first few hours were a little lumpy but nothing the least bit extreme.  Our group settled into a  nice steady pace and kept track of one another over the moonlit night. We reached the area about 3 hours out from Tarpon at dawn. Perfect to see the traps that were fairly significant in number.  There was not an issue as we were very vigilant.
Tarpon Springs is a delight. Highly recommend you make it a stop you are in the area.  It has the largest Greek population and influence in the U.S.  The area is known for the Sponge industry. It's harbor is most definitely a working harbor with boats dedicated to Sponging, Shrimping, Crabbing and Fishing  Of course their are Marinas for pleasure boats visiting the area and the waterfront has become a tourists dream.  All with a very strong Greek influence. Sponges (all from the Gulf, I might add) and soaps, great Greek restaurants, little Greek social clubs where the guys gather to play cards, outdoor coffee shops.

Can't keep the guy away from those pastries from Hellas - the primo bakery in town.

Greek Sponge Diver, most divers use wet suits and tanks today.

Working sponge boat, sponges hanging and drying after the gelatinous membranes have been removed. The tarps on deck are covering hundreds more sponges. The sun actually rots the inner gel, then the sponges are cleaned and dried again.

We went on a dinghy ride to see the Manatees and saw this palm.  Unbelievable, such perseverance!

Our friends in the Manatee Lagoon. We saw many but was impossible to catch the photo.

He just threw his net in the water and brought up about fish.

Waterfront from the river

Not a lot of high rises here, but beautiful manicured homes all around.

Dec. 3rd we headed out for Clearwater but only went about 10 miles to Dunedin and put down the anchor.  We just savored the evening away marveling at the weather.  Saw little Optimist Pram Sailing fleet in the Bay and commented how "Gosh, the kids must have the day off". Dad says, No, It's summer".  No it isn't!  We laughed! Sure felt like summer to us.  Come to find out it is a sailing club of women, the Windlasses.  Every Thursday morning they are out there.  We took the dingy in, saw some other boaters we met there tied our dingy to their boat and explored the town.  Some very interesting facts.  Dunedin is where the first amphibious tank was invented, the heard about it and the rest was history. Eventually over 18000 were built.  Also, Orange concentrate was developed here and the government once again contracted for the company to produce mass quantities to be sent to Europe during the WWII to supplement the citrus they were lacking in their diet.

Dec. 5th we pulled anchor and went a whole 10 miles to Clearwater Beach.  Oh My, I have never seen such pure white sugar sand beaches in my life. Just the right amount of Hotels, shops, Honky tonk shops, Fisher Charters,  The entire waterfront is meticulously maintained and the community offers tons of attractions and things to do. But I think folks just loll around on the beach.
Friends Arline and Ray Cutro, who we traveled with early in our trip picked us up around 3pm. Arline, as promised us a fabulous Italian dinner.  The evening was way to short as we reminisced about our travels, sharing experiences and photos.  They completed their "Loop" in September and now fly their "GOLD Looper Burgee" on their boat.

Dec. 6th  We have done our laundry doing breakfast and are about to grab the "Jolly . Trolly" for more exploring of the area.

After our breakfast this morn while waiting for the laundry, a fellow came by to show us his beautiful birds. 

Smallest BEST!

Two long boats paddled roasting the Christmas pig in the middle!

Ray and Arline picked us up and took us to Duneden where the lighted boat parade was held.  We had ring side seats on our friends Tim and Pam's boat Sweetwater.  The above photos really don't do justice  -- the lights were phenomenal! These three were the winners in  my opinion.

The best part was being on that boat with folks from all over North America, Illinois, Michigan, Ottawa, Canada, Arizona, Florida and a couple whose boat is their permanent home. All of us sharing in the Great adventure of doing the Loop. Oh, the couple From Ottawa left in June with their dog in a canoe.