DUNEDIN, FL - STILL HERE

Monday, December 8th to Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

Day 126-128
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2481


  Monday we spent most of the morning and afternoon inside due to cool weather and drizzly rain.  Late afternoon the drizzle stopped and we drove Mark and Becky on "Mara Beel" to Tarpon Springs.  We both had fellow boating buddies staying at Turtle Cove Marina and went for a visit.  That evening we had Becky's fabulous crock pot chicken entree.  It was served on corn tortillas with Greek yogurt, cheese, salsa, rice and beans.  It was YUMMY!  Mark provided entertainment with lots of funny stories.  

  
  Tuesday was another cool day with the addition of wind but minus the rain.  Tom and Linda on "Raydiance" arrived and we visited with them for awhile.  In the afternoon, I drove Linda and Missy to downtown Dunedin for a little shopping.  We met the guys at Frenchy's for dinner.


  Wednesday we began preparing for our trip up north to visit friends and family for the holidays.  While Angie did some packing and cleaning up the boat, Dan went shopping at West Marine with Mark and Tom.  After our cruise to Apalachicola in the fog, we decided to upgrade our electronics.  For Christmas, Santa is bringing "Seahorse" a new radar and chart plotter.  For dinner Angie organized a gathering at Ozona Pig.  Seventeen Loopers joined in and we had lots of fun and enjoyed great BBQ. 

Dinner at Ozona Pig

Dinner at Ozona Pig

  Tomorrow we begin our journey north for Holiday festivities with family and friends while "Seahorse" enjoys Florida's sunshine.     

DUNEDIN, FL - DOWNTOWN

Sunday, December 7th, 2014

Day 125
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2481


  We explored downtown Dunedin, FL which has many little shops and restaurants.  Restaurants of all varieties can be found, from Mexican to BBQ and Seafood to Bistro Cafes.  What we found most enjoyable were the Christmas decorated lamp posts.  Local businesses and organizations each took a lamp post and decorated it with a different theme.  These were some of our favorites.  

  


  In the evening we were able to "pay it forward".  We helped to host a dinner for those Loopers who made the Gulf Crossing the nights prior.  This was done for us on our arrival, and we wanted to do the same for others.  After traveling all night, we found we weren't interested in going out for dinner and also didn't want to cook. So, having dinner made for us at the marina was really appreciated and we wanted to pass that gift along.  We had a great feast and enjoyed talking and getting to know the "newbies to Marker 1 Marina". 

DUNEDIN, FL - CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE

Saturday, December 6th, 2014

Day 124
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2481



  We took a break from site-seeing and just relaxed on the boat.  Marker 1 Marina had an afternoon cookout for boaters in preparation for the upcoming Christmas boat parade that occurred in the evening.  Christmas music was playing and there was a lot more activity on the docks.

  The Christmas boat parade started at Marker 1 Marina and many of the boats had elaborate decorations.  There were 26 boats in all.    Here are some of the highlights.

 
  We finished our evening watching the Ohio State Buckeyes win the Big 10 Championship game against Wisconsin (thanks to free cable at Marker 1 Marina).  Christmas boat parade and O.S.U. win - great way to start the Holiday Season. 

DUNEDIN, FL - ST. PETE BOAT SHOW AND TARPON SPRINGS, FL

Thursday, December 4th to Friday, December 5th, 2014

Day 122-123
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2481



  Thursday we attended the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show in St. Petersburg, FL.  We went with three other couples and had a great time.  Fortunately, we were able to keep most of our money in Dan's wallet.  We did purchase a few unique items. The most impressive was the Big Skinny wallet.  Dan's old wallet measured about 2 inches high, and, after changing to the Big Skinny wallet, it now measures 1 1/4 inches.  Amazing!  
See it to believe it at: http://www.bigskinny.net/


  Friday we decided to do "the tourist thing" and go to Tarpon Springs, FL sponge docks using our rental car.  Unique gift shops, tourist shops, bakeries and restaurants (mostly Greek) are almost unlimited in this area of Tarpon Springs.  This city has the largest percentage of Greek Americans in any city in the United States.  Greek immigrants came to the area to dive for sponges on the bottom of the sea.  In 1905, John Corcoris introduced the technique of sponge diving to the area, and recruited divers from Greece.  Unfortunately, a red tide algae bloom in 1947 destroyed a lot of the sponge fields.  Many sponge divers had to turn to shrimping and fishing for their livelihood.

Memorial to sponge divers

Maybe Angie will pick sponge diving as a second career

  Given the above history, it is no surprise that there is an abundance of Greek restaurants in Tarpon Springs.  One of the most popular is Hellas Restaurant and Bakery.  We couldn't leave Tarpon Springs without at least having lunch at Hellas.  We opted to split the combination plate and enjoyed each sample entree.  The highlight for Angie was the chocolate baklava - pure sweet goodness.  For more about Hellas history go to: http://hellasbakery.com/company-info/hellas-restaurant-and-bakery-tarpon-springs-florida  

Hellas Restaurant and Bakery

chocolate baklava - heaven on a plate

  After dinner Dan found a new friend from Hawaii at one of the tourist shops.  

Dan with his hula girlfriend

  Given the time of year, the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs were decorated for the Christmas season.  We continue to find it fascinating that the palm trees are decorated, given our mid-western upbringing. 

Christmas tree on the docks

decorated palm trees

  After leaving Tarpon Springs, we decided to go take a walk on the beach.  We found Sunset Beach, and, although the sun wasn't setting, the beach was beautiful.  We look forward to seeing many different beaches on this trip.  

Dan on Sunset beach

Sunset beach

  We made it back to the marina just in time to see a beautiful sunset from the Causeway Blvd beach.  This is a very small beach, but, it is only a short walk from the marina.   

sunset from Causeway Blvd beach

     

DUNEDIN, FL

Monday, December 1st to Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014

Day 119-121
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2481


  Monday was spent recovering from the Gulf Crossing.  We were able to get some boat chores done before collapsing for the evening.  Angie did laundry and Dan washed "Seahorse" which was like a block of salt after crossing the Gulf (Margaritas anyone?).  We also made an itinerary change.   Instead of leaving the boat in Fort Myers, FL for the Christmas trip back north, we decided to leave "Seahorse" here at Marker 1 Marina.  We will be able to enjoy this area for a little longer and leisurely make our way to Fort Myers when we return.  


  
  Tuesday was a "Frenchy's kind of day".  We took a walk around the area and had lunch at Frenchy's Outpost Bar & Grill.  A Cajun grouper sandwich was enjoyed.  The afternoon was spent working on our Christmas list ideas, doing some of our Christmas shopping online, and putting up our Christmas tree and newly purchased lights and decorations.  For the evening meal we went back to Frenchy's with about 6 other Looper couples.  This time tacos were the choice - one fish and one pork.  The food was so good we suspect we'll go back again.

Angie decorating our Christmas tree

Christmas decorations

  Wednesday we went to Honeymoon Island beach with Mark & Becky on "Mara Beel".  The island used to be called Hog Island until 1939 when a New York developer built fifty palm-thatched bungalows for honeymooners.  The name was then changed to Honeymoon Island - probably a better choice. Who would want to spend their honeymoon on an island called Hog Island?  We relaxed and watch the waves roll in, and, for a little exercise, we took a nice stroll on the beach.

Honeymoon Island Beach

  Many couples joined together for a pot luck dinner.  There was good food, great company, and lots of laughs.  How many cooks does it take to grill all the meat?  Apparently quite a few.  What a fantastic evening. 

Men and one grill

     

APALACHICOLA, FL TO DUNEDIN, FL - CROSSING THE GULF

Saturday, November 29th to Sunday, November 30th, 2014

Day 117-118
Miles Traveled: 194 (in 26 hours)
Total Miles Traveled: 2481


  We enjoyed our stay at Apalachicola, FL.  This was a neat little town to stay at until a weather window opened for an overnight gulf crossing.  The Water Street Hotel Marina, although small, was nice and conveniently located to town. 

leaving Water Street Hotel Marina

  Saturday morning after reading Eddy's Weather Wag on the AGLCA forum and looking at the weather and wind forecasts for the hundredth time,  we decided it was time to cast off our lines and cross The Gulf to the west side of Florida.  Before leaving, we had to get the cabin secure for possible rough seas.  Nothing could be left on ledges or shelves that might fall off.  The table and trash were laid on there sides.  The couch was secured to the wall.  These were just of few examples of preparing for this day's journey.  This was not going to be a typical "day on the water" so extra preparations had to be made. 

Dan ready to captain "Seahorse" across The Gulf

  We buddied up with three other boats for this trip.  Safety in numbers.  We chose our crossing mates because our boats traveled at about the same speed, they were well maintained vessels, and we had confidence that if a problem arose our buddy boats would help us out.  We crossed with John & Kathy on "Serenity", Roger & Mary on "Ta-Ta, and Mark & Becky on "Mara Beel".  Jim & Mimi aboard "Perfect Balance" also decided to travel with us at the last minute.  We could not have hoped for a better group of boaters to travel with for this nighttime Gulf of Mexico crossing.  

"Serenity" and "Mara Beel"

"Ta-Ta"

  The cruise started out a little lumpy coming out of East Pass to enter The Gulf of Mexico.  But, as the afternoon and evening progressed, the winds and waves improved and made for a pretty comfortable ride.  There were many times we had dolphins swimming off of our bow.  The sunset and sunrise on The Gulf were spectacular.  

entering The Gulf

dolphins playing in our bow wake - on both sides

sunset on The Gulf

sunrise on The Gulf

  Neither of us slept much during the crossing.  Even though we took turns driving, the other just wasn't able to fall asleep - too much excitement.  We left Apalachicola, FL at 10:00 am and arrived at our final destination, Dunedin, FL, at about 1:00 pm on Sunday.  

  We did come across a lot of crab pots (metal cages to catch crabs with floats attached for fisherman to find them).  These floats that mark the crab pots are small and blend in with the water so they are difficult to see.  We played "dodge em'' " when we got closer to shore on the other side.  These are common findings along the coast.  


  On Sunday, after our arrival, putting the cabin back together, and a short nap, another boating couple had a BBQ for our "crossing group".  We had grilled chicken and all the fixins'.  It was a great way to celebrate a successful and safe crossing, and we didn't have to cook. "Cheers to a Good Crossing!"  

Our Gulf Crossing group    

APALACHICOLA - CHRISTMAS SEASON KICK-OFF

Friday, November 28th, 2014

Day 116
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2287


  It was a beautiful cool, but sunny, day. We walked around this neat town for one last day.  We stopped by Piggly Wiggly, know as "The Pig" by locals, for further provisions for the Gulf Crossing planned for tomorrow evening.  Our menu was now complete. In order of consumption as the overnight crossing progresses:
               Chicken pasta salad
               Deli meat sandwiches
               Apples and grapes
               Granola Bars
               Cheese and crackers
               Potato chips and Fritos
               Fig Newtons
               Double Chocolate Oreos
               Chocolate candy bars
               5 hr. Energy Drinks

  
  Now that Thanksgiving was over, it was time to get into the Christmas spirit.  We bought a cute kitchen towel with a garland anchor on the front.  This is the first Christmas decoration we have put out.  Usually we would have started with the Christmas tree, but, with the upcoming Gulf crossing it would not have survived.  The table tree that Dan's son and family bought for us is going to have to wait until we get to the western shores of Florida. 

First Christmas decoration

  Santa made his first appearance for the holiday season aboard a shrimp boat right here in Apalachicola.  The local children were all very excited to see him.  Christmas music was playing and there was a lot of cheering when he showed up.

Santa arriving on a shrimping boat

Santa and his helpers on the bow of the boat

  That evening the town lit up the downtown with lights on the palm trees and decorations on the lamp posts.  The nautical Christmas tree was even lit up. 

Christmas tree

     

APALACHICOLA, FL - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Wednesday, November 26th to Thursday November 27th, 2014

Day 114-115
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2287


  Wednesday was a leisurely day.  A chart and weather discussion occurred in the morning about the Gulf Crossing.  Angie went shopping with some of the ladies later in the morning.  There are a lot of neat little shops in this town.  In the afternoon, we took a walk to the only grocery store in town, Piggly Wiggly.  The walk was nice as it was a sunny day, but a little cool with the north wind.


  Thursday was Thanksgiving Day and we had a great celebration at a local restaurant called Caroline's.  There were 26 people, all boaters, that gathered together today.  We all had one thing in common - getting across The Gulf to the western shores of Florida.  We were able to order a "traditional" Thanksgiving dinner - turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry salad.  A fellow boater had bought a pumpkin pie and we had that during another weather and chart review session after the meal.  It was a good Thanksgiving Day with our "boating family".  The only thing that would have made it better is if the Ailes and Frick families could have been there. 

dressed up for Thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving dinner at Caroline's

    

APALACHICOLA, FL - EXPLORING

Tuesday, November 25th, 2014

Day 113
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2287


  Apalachicola, before the development of the railroad, was the third busiest port in the Gulf of Mexico.  Most all of its industries have centered around the use of the waterways.  Initially, the shipping of cotton was the main industry.  Early on there was also a large timber industry with cypress logs being dragged out of the swamps.  Then the steamboat era came into play.  After that, the fishing industry had its turn - with oysters, sponges, and shrimp.  Still today oyster and shrimp fishing is a big part of Apalachicola's economy.  


  We walked around downtown Apalachicola despite the cool weather and periodic rain showers.  Our first stop was the Apalachicola Maritime Museum.  This was a nice little museum.  The museum has restored a 1930's L. Francis Herreshoff designed 58 foot wooden ketch.  Initially called "The Quark", after its restoration by the museum it was renamed "Heritage". 

Dan aboard "Heritage"

Angie at helm of "Heritage"

  We saw several Antebellum and Victorian style homes.  One house, called the Orman house, has been preserved and turned into a museum.  It was closed so we were not able to go into the museum home.  Rumor has it that during the Civil War Sarah Orman, a proud Confederate, would simulate roof repairs whenever Union troops would arrive in town to alert the Confederate soldiers. 

Orman House

  Downtown there are numerous shops and restaurants.  You could spend days here and not see or eat in all of them.  The town was decorated for Christmas with lighted palm trees and even a maritime Christmas tree. 

Christmas tree

  


 

PANAMA CITY, FL TO APALACHICOLA, FL

Monday, November 24th, 2014

Day 112
Miles Traveled: 64
Total Miles Traveled: 2287



  The theme of the day was fog, fog, and more fog with some rain thrown in for good measure.  When we left St. Andrews Marina at about 8:00 am there was light fog out in St. Andrews Bay.  But, as we cruised further east to East Bay, the fog began to thicken.  We were just about ready to go to the side of the channel and anchor, when Rick and Rose on "Grand Finale" appeared on our port (left) side.  Rick has an airplane pilots license and is very familiar with driving with electronics (radar, etc.), so we followed him through the worst fog.  His boat is an express cruiser and goes a lot faster than our "Seahorse", so, after helping to guide us through East Bay and what we thought was the last of the fog, he sped up and went on his way.  Little did we know that we would be encountering fog banks several times throughout the rest of the day.  None were as severe as the first, but all were definitely a cause for some anxiety.  The fog would be there one minute and gone the next.  We had never experienced fog at 1:00 in the afternoon.

  The scenery (when we were able to see it) was beautiful.  Some were wide expanses of water, like East Bay and Lake Wimico, and others were small channels through marsh lands and creeks.  All are part of the Gulf ICW.  The trees were displaying their pretty fall colors. 

entering Lake Wimico

Wetappo Creek - marsh land, part of Gulf ICW

  We also enjoyed plenty of wild life sitings.  Although, we were disappointed that we didn't see any alligators.

Lots of ducks

deer swimming across the creek

bald eagle in treetop

  We encountered our first swing bridge today.  Fortunately, it was already in the open position so we did not have to call on the VHF radio to have it opened and were able to cruise right on through. 

Easy pass through swing bridge

  We were relieved when we finally saw the first sites of Apalachicola, FL, our final destination for the day.  We headed up Scipio Creek to our slip at the Water Street Hotel Marina.  We were greeting by several other Loopers ready to catch our lines.  There are several marinas located on the creek and all are right near downtown Apalachicola.  We finished tying off our lines in time to go to dinner at one of the numerous local restaurants.  

Cruising up Scipio Creek to the marina