Monday 12/3 – Monday 12/10
An early departure from Cayo Costa gives us the benefit of calm seas as we head for our next destination to Fort Myers. Approaching Pine Island Sound, our passage takes us by well known Captiva and Sanibel Island followed by the so called “Miserable Mile” , the crossing of San Carlos Bay leading to the beginning of the Caloosahatchee River and the marking of Mile 0 of the Western Florida ICW. Although our crossing is favorable, it was not without distress from the inconsiderate large craft waking us at way-too-fast speeds. Hailing them by VHF radio was often to no avail, however Royce's frantic waving and picture taking of the approaching craft seem to be the best solution. Our ten mile passage up the Caloosahatchee River leads to Fort Myers and brings us to Legacy Harbour Marina, our “without a doubt” best marina we have ever had the pleasure to stay. It's impressive amenities include a boater's lounge (complete with kitchenette, dining table, couches, tv, computer, phone, patio and bathroom), well maintained air conditioned showers, floating docks(a rarity here), pumpouts at each slip, cable tv, internet, swimming pool, laundromat, gated car parking and friendly helpful staff. It is also within easy walking distance to a Publix supermarket and the downtown business district. Our week stay is enhanced by our friends Mike and Cathy(Xplorer) and other loopers who have picked this marina to winter here or stay while away for the holidays. Our arrival here marks the end of our cruise on the Western Florida coast so with the generosity of Mike and Cathy, we drive back to Tarpon Springs to retrieve our truck and trailer with their rental car. With our trailer empty, we take the opportunity to buy a new set of upgraded trailer tires. During the week, we enjoy the amenities of the marina, explore the surrounding area by truck and do some work on Puffin.


Way-Too-Fast

Naples Beach

Mike Beach Walking

Cathy Beach Walking

Saturday 12/1 – 12/3
Leaving Cape Haze, we enter into Gasparilla Sound and the large expanse of Charlotte Harbor, navigating our way with the aid of daybeacons and our GPS. After passing the long stretch of Gasparilla Island and across Boca Grande Pass, we head for an anchorage on Pelican Bay nestled between the undeveloped shores of Cayo Costa and Punta Blanca Island. Going ashore, we enjoy Cayo Costa State Park where we ride a “vineyard wagon “ type trailer pulled by a farm tractor across the island to the Gulfside beach. Because the island can only be accessed by boat, Royce and I find many nice shells. We explore the bay by dinghy and enjoy happy hours with beautiful sunsets.




Cayo Costa Commute

Pelican Bay Shoreline

Cayo Costa Sunsets

Friday 11/30
Upon leaving Venice, our trek south leads us thru a narrow ditch-like passage of the Intracoastal Waterway until we come upon Lemon Bay passing along Manasota Key. After stopping at Stump Pass Marina where we take on fuel, water, ice and a pumpout, we continue on until arriving at Cape Haze, a well sheltered cove where we anchor overlooked by many beautiful homes. We launch the dinghy and explore an adjoining canal in the cove that leads us north back out into the GIWW where we decide to cross over and go into a narrow mangrove lined passage and follow that to Don Pedro Island. Upon landing, we discover the beaches of the Gulf , but because it is approaching sunset, we must soon head back to our anchorage.

Thursday 11/29
Leaving our anchorage at New Pass, we motor thru Little Sarasota Bay and Blackburn Bay passing along Lido Key, Siesta Key and Casey Key. We observe many homes with private docks(most of the boats have lifts to hang them out of the water) within street-like canals or along the waterway. After about three hours, we arrive at the “free” city docks of Venice. We soon find ourselves walking along the beaches, having an ice cream and takin' a nap. After returning to Puffin, we decide to have dinner at the Crows Nest Restaurant.


Blackburn Swing Bridge

Wednesday 11/28
Going ashore at the Sarasota Sailing Club, we walk to the nearest bus stop and ride north towards Anna Maria Key to take in a roadside perspective and catch views of the Gulf coast. Amazingly, at a transfer station along the beach , we run into Don (the fellow looper we initially met in Nashville) whom we just saw at St. Petersburg.

Tuesday 11/27
Arising at 0'dark thirty, we make our crossing in very desirable conditions.(Oh! what a difference a day makes) As we continue south on the the GIWW, we enjoy the scenery along Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key until anchoring in a “Skipper Bob”(cruising guide) well protected location near New Pass. It seems the dolphins have an affinity for this cove as we see them “porpoising” to our delight! A short walk takes us to another beautiful Gulf coast beach along Longboat Key. After a dinghy cruise and happy hour, we enjoy a delicious steak barbeque with corn on the cob and fresh green beans.


Passing by Sunshine Bridge across Tampa Bay Entrance

Sarasota Bay Shoreline

Puffin At New Pass Anchorage

Monday 11/26
Although it is a bit windy (10 kts gusting to 18) Puffin and crew weigh anchor as our batteries are in need of charging and we have the urge to move on. Our trek across Tampa Bay wasn't too bad until upon approaching Mullet Key Channel, we decide to return to the shelter of Boca Ciega Bay finding Gulfport Municipal Marina a very nice refuge. We meet an interesting couple that are building a Wharram catamaran to cruise the world and we share our adventure with them. A check with SailFlow.com indicates a more favorable northerly with diminished winds in early morning across the Tampa Bay entrance.

Friday 11/23 – Sunday 11/25
Departing Clearwater Marina, we negotiate our way thru the predominantly metropolitan sights lining the waterway. Once past these narrow confines, Puffin comes upon the large open expanse of Tampa Bay as we make our way to St. Petersburg, setting anchor at Vinoy Basin located in the heart of the city's bustling waterfront. Going ashore finds us in the middlle of a Christmas tree lighting celebration at the waterfront park. Later, a free trolley take us to the huge inverted pyramid building at the end of the Municipal Pier. The next day we peruse the Saturday Morning Market enjoying the eateries there, take an informative tour trolley ride around town and walk about the shops in the evening. Sunday is spent catching up on the blogsot and going to the Pier for “Music Fest on the Pier”


Puffin Anchored at Vinoy Basin

St. Petersburg Municipal Pier

Music Fest on the Pier