Hi F&F
Woke up to a Northerly wind, quite common here so causes slapping noises on the side of our boat during the night .Ear plugs do the trick! Started our journey at 9 am.We decided to go up the West Florida coast ICW ,which is called GIWW meaning the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway . As we started heading North along the Gasprilla Island
( that is the name of the Island ,Boca Grande is on) we saw huge flocks of white pelicans resting in the bays.White pelicans tend to be in the south more. Although the channel is wide , the actual path we take is narrow.Managed to get through the first 9 ft bridge just as it was opening then carried on sometimes in slow no wake areas and other times no restrictions .We averaged about 10 knots. As it was the weekend there were lots of small pleasure boats out zipping around some not even slowing down.The worst was two women in a big boat who just ploughed on by even though I was signing slow down with my hands.The driver just smiled and waved! I guess they are more macho on this side of Florida!As we passed the Venice Inlet ( which is very close to the entrance out into the Gulf of Mexico ) a police boat came past us flashing and siren blaring.First time we have seen that.
Passed Marina Jacks where we kept our boat last year in Sarasota and arrived at the Longboat Key Club Moorings around 2 pm.Graeme decided to fuel up.He always likes to have his tanks full when we are staying put for a while.Just so no bacteria grows! Then we headed to our designated slip.When we arrived we realized we had full afternoon sun in the cockpit area .Not ideal especially if you entertain out there. so we asked to move and got a lovely slip close to the club house with lovely views of the club golf course.This is a lovely spot, heated swimming pool, free shuttle service and bikes , a gym , fitness classes ,beach access and another golf course on the other side of Longboat Key Island.Also several restaurants you can use. After settling in we chatted to a few of the residents.Many people are living aboard their boats here for several months. Also a guy called Bill came by who had just bought a Sabre 48 boat just like ours. We invited him on board and had quite a long chat.All part of the Sabre family! Then we headed to the closest restaurant and had wonderful handmade pizzas ( even watch the guy make and cook them) while listening to a great guitarist playing in the restaurant.
So there will be a break now for at least a month til we leave Longboat Key/ Sarasota area.
Take care till then, over and out,
Erica.
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