Tuesday, December 10, 2013

End of Chapter 1…Twin Dolphins Marina!!!!


Saturday morning was a balmy, warm day in Clearwater….an absolutely perfect day for one last sail down to the Tampa Bay area and Bradenton, FL.  The Gulf was like “glass”, which really doesn’t happen too often!  I felt it was the water gods taking good care of us on our last section of our journey.

The trip was just perfect but nothing noteworthy to mention!  Lots of boats were out, lots of crab pots to watch out for and a number of ships heading into Tampa.  Our one “memory” was the boat that passed us fairly close!  As good boaters always do, we waved at one another!  That’s when I noticed the “captain” of that boat!!!  I said, “Steve, that guy isn’t wearing any clothes, right?”  Yepper, he was REALLY enjoying the warm, sunny weather.  What you don’t see on the Gulf!
Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge
 
We got into Twin Dolphins Marina about 3:30 with a big smile on our faces.  We had made it!  After the usual tying up, etc. we just started relaxing.  There is a lovely restaurant, Pier 22, in the marina, so that was our dinner plan.  As we walked to dinner, all the Christmas lights were shining and everything was so festive and we had no coat or jacket on!  Almost seemed like on Dec. 7th this was wrong!!!  But they had great entertainment and we just ate and listened to the music. 
Twin Dolphin Marina


Pier 22 Great Place for Happy Hour and Dinner
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My college roommate, Pat, and her husband had driven over from Palm Coast, FL and were staying with former Padre Island friends here in Sarasota.  They came to our rescue yesterday morning (since we were car-less!).  After a bit of conversation, we continued the day on to lunch on the water, and then to Katrina and Rodney’s home for delicious food and more talk!  After being on a boat and the water for so long, it’s just wonderful to be in a home!
Anna Maria Oyster Bar


Dinner With Pat, Bill, Rodney, and Katrina
 Today we are getting our rental car, so we’ll have wheels!  We are going to be running some errands, etc. before meeting the above mentioned friends for gumbo dinner!  I told you we are BIG fans of gumbo, so this will be GREAT!  Tomorrow we will finish up last minute things on the boat and then we are off for Indiana!  I know, it’s going to be cold and snowy, but we’re ready to see the kids and grandkids.  Also, this Grandma has some shopping to do J