Thursday Dec. 19

42 miles   0930-1315

Gulfport marina to Sarasota, FL.

Our trip back home to Michigan was very good but way to cold. We were there 10 days and it snowed every day (not much accumulation) and the average temperature was 20 degrees (with wind chill putting it about 0 degrees). Aside from the weather we had a great time seeing all our family and friends.

 

It was good to get back to the boat and warmer temperatures. We left Gulfport with sunshine and 66 degrees. We started out in the Intracoastal Waterway and just before we got to Tampa Bay while we were in the middle of the channel we hit bottom. Thankfully it was sand and we were off it as fast as we hit it. Crossing Tampa Bay went very smoothly with only a 1 foot chop. The winds were out of the east and not very strong.

Saying goodbye to Gulfport Marina.

Sailboat heeled over with the tide.

 

 Cruising thru the channel in the Intracoastal.

 

Sunshine Bridge going over Tampa Bay.

 

 

Back in the Intracostal and a short distance from our anchorage we saw the Ringling Mansion. We toured the mansion and the grounds several weeks ago when we came by car. It looks even more impressive from the water.

 

 Sarasota FL.

 

 Near our anchorage for the night.