ssloop: Port Charlotte-Longboat Key Nov 15-Dec 11

When we left the boat in storage in March, COVID-19 was a new mystery to us. Little did we realize what an impact it would have on the country as well as the entire world. We are thankful that we remained healthy and safe. On November 15 we flew to Punta Gorda, back to the Pura Vida dos where she has been stored since March. She was a dirty mess when we arrived but after 3 days of work and cleaning she was looking pretty good again. After leaving the storage yard at Safe Cove, our first stop was Fisherman's Village Marina where we spent 2 nights. This gave us time to provision and do some annual maintenance.

On Friday, November 20, we were ready to roll! We decided we were going to stay on the Gulf side of Florida and enjoy the warm Gulf waters and sandy beaches. We spent 2 nights anchored out near Cayo Costa. Ever since we anchored out here when we did the Loop, we heard stories about a small channel through the mangroves named "The Tunnel of Love". We decided it was time to check it out. The further in we traveled the narrower and shallower it got. In fact as we neared the end we had to push the dinghy along with a pole. When we reached the small lake at the end we were greeted by a rather large alligator sunning himself and looking for lunch. We made a speedy exit.

On Sunday, we moved north 10 miles to another of our favorite anchorages just off Gasparilla Island near Gasparilla Pass. We stayed here 2 nights and enjoyed the hot, sunny, calm weather. The dinghy once again got a lot of use. While out on the Gulf of Mexico we had fun watching a pod of dolphins, a slew of sharks and a manatee swim near the dinghy. Steve even jumped in and swam next to the manatee!

On Tuesday, after fueling up the boat at Gasparilla Marina (diesel was $1.95/gallon - an all time low for us - woohoo!) we cruised another 10 miles north to Englewood. Here we anchored out and enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant under the stars. Another amazing day.

Wednesday we went out Stump Pass and traveled 30 miles on the Gulf of Mexico to Big Sarasota Pass inlet where we dropped anchor just south of Longboat Key. Thursday - Thanksgiving - was a gorgeous, hot day. We headed a little further north to the pass between Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island where we dropped the hook for the night. The beautiful day called for a dinghy ride to the Gulf and then to the sandbar just inside the inlet. The evening was warm and calm. It was one of the most beautiful, peaceful, starry nights we have ever experienced on anchor. We have so much to be thankful for.

After 7 nights on anchor, it was time for a marina. We cruised a short distance up the intracoastal to Tampa Bay where we turned onto the Manatee River to Bradenton. Our marina for the night was Twin Dolphin Marina.

Saturday morning our friends Paul & Cindy flew in from Michigan. The weather was still great, but we knew it was going to change in a couple of days, so as soon as they arrived, we headed out to enjoy a couple nights on anchor with them. After 2 great nights on anchor, we headed back to Twin Dolphin Marina. The winds picked up and the temperatures dropped - as forecasted. The next 2 days we explored the area by rental car.

Wednesday morning our friends left to fly back home. The winds finally calmed down again so we were able to head out and spend a couple nights on the hook before heading to our final destination of Longboat Key Club Moorings.

On December 7, Steve flew home and Sheli's mom flew in. The girls had a great few days enjoying time together. It was fun checking out the local shopping, dining and beaches.