Florida west

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This has been a relaxing stretch for us - compared with this time last year when we were driven to head south as quickly as possible (50 miles a day!) because of the cold weather.

Now we are moving when we want to and enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.

We spent 5 days in the Dunedin area enjoying the company of friends Margaret and Ted who showed us the land attractions while we were able to get them on the water to visit a small sand island.

The only shortcoming for us is the lack of good anchorages in this area (although Dunedin's City Marina charged just 90c a foot for a slip) - we'll need a string of gold star days to get back on budget.

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Photos

with Marg & Ted
we had a very civilized sail to 3 Rooker Bar with Margaret and Ted

beachcombers
you can find all kinds of interesting stuff on a deserted beach

anhinga
this is a slightly more attractive cousin of the cormorant (or shag!)

bbq
now this is a BBQ! he was set up to feed a large kid's birthday party in the park by the marina - there were 3 separate compartments for different meats and preparations.

Dunedin dawn
sunrise over Dunedin, north of Tampa

heron
marinas are popular hangouts for birds - this night heron was eyeballing us for a handout

bottom scraper
boats are rarely hauled out of the water here so divers like this one are hired to scrape the sealife off the hull, prop and shaft a couple of times a year

little toot
I have a soft spot for this Clearwater tour boat as Little Toot was my favourite Golden Book when I was learning to read

Clearwater beach
one of the whitest, widest beaches on this coast

roof garden
we doubt this boat gets off the dock too often!

Clearwater
we visited Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a "hospital" for injured sealife - we never tire of dolphins although we see them every day - at 3 Rooker, one played with our anchor duck - tugging on the string to pull him under the water

prosthesis
this artifical tail was specially made for a dolphin (Winter) that had become entangled in a crab trap rope and had its tail amputated

Clearwater marina
we may never get comfortable docking with poles and finger docks - we miss our cosy space at Wiarton with no tides, barnacles and rickety little docks to deal with

3 rooker bar
now, this is the life!

Comments

[Judy Coghill]

Colour me envious
Hi Marlene and Ian, It's been raining and gloomy here in toronto for 2 days, so I am very envious! Judy

[M&T]

YEAH...We are in the news!
That was lovely!So glad that you did enjoy C Beach!Nice photos!

[Donna Denny]

Feel the warmth!
Great to get your latest photos and stories! I'm just waiting for snow so I can cruise as well...no sign yet, just rain. Spending a lot of time in TO. Keep flying with spirit!!!!

[Bill and Audrey]

brings back memories
love the pictures...wish we were there..I know what you mean about the docks...we are spoiled in Wiarton...no snow yet but getting colder daily...you might look at Cedar Key north of where you are..I haven't been there but was told by Jeff Krampien that it is quaint..old Florida sort of...not sure of depths etc....we hope to leave for Florida mid Jan ...will be in Bradenton..will give you the address next time..should have my computer with me..we did stay at the Twin Dolphin Marina at Bradenton..liked it...up the river by the bridge..smooth sailing until next time...Bill