As we departed Pensacola for points East, the dolphins were leading the way.
Our first stop after Pensacola was Destin. Just the other side of the bridge we stayed at Harborwalk where the large building, a new condo, was under construction. Bonnie had to be careful entering the marina due to shoaling just the other side of the bridge. Docked with no problems other than many many boats all around on this beautiful week end.
One night in Panama City then on to Apalachicola to wait for a weather window so we can cross the Gulf to St. Petesburg. We waited for one extra day while storms passed with 20-25 knot winds. We then departed Apalachicola and passed the downtown area and the vessel "God's Blessings" trusting that God would bless us a little more than the vessel bearing that name.
We were most fortunate to travel from Apalachicola to St. Petersburg with LUCKY STAR, Bob and Jan Christensen and their son Rob. We first met Bob and Jan in Peterboro, Ontario, then again in Charlevoix, Michigan. The meetings of new good friends is part of what makes this trip so terrific.
We departed the closed and protected waters of the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway via the "Government Cut" south of Apalachicola. Water was predicted to be waves 1-3 feet, winds NNW shifting to the East at 10-15. Everything aboard SONATA was secured for sea, for the crossing.
We departed Apalachicola just after noon, at about 1:30pm. Later, as the sun set, we prepared for the overnight passage, radar working well, LUCKY STAR about 3/4 mile behind us, and the seas were moderate. Prayers answered.
At about 6:30am on Friday, the 15th, we were able to announce "Land-Ho" as we approached Clearwater, Florida. A daylight approach to the coast is required due to the many crab pots, floats, along the coast and channel entrances.
Closer to the entrance into Clearwater, Florida, the condo buildings and surrounding area came into full view showing the beauty and reason so many retire to Florida.
Homes along the quiet waters of the waterway.
Streets now parallel the waterway as we moved from Clearwater to St. Petersburg.
In addition to the road traffic parallel to the waterway, there was an abundance of small craft boaters that shared the waterway with us.
Shortly after we tied up at the Gulfport Municipal Marina near St. Petersburg we were joined by Jane, a dear friend of Bonnie's. Jane was gracious to became our skilled "tour-guide" for the next two days.
Saturday morning we were off to Tarpon Springs, into the Greek World of sponges. We learned how sponges were, are, harvested from the sea and made a purchase. We also learned again how good Greek food can be.
Everyone is all smiles as we wait for our lunch at "MAREIPEION MYKONOS Florida's Most Authentic Greek Cookery". The girls shared a Greek Salad and a sandwich . . . Charlie had papoutsaki (fresh eggplant stuffed and baked with ground beef and bechamel sauce).
Not unlike the ocean front in Virginia Beach, everything is for sale in Tarpon Springs, from Greek belly-dancing outfits, to flip-flops, T-shirts, Crocks, sponges, candy, tours . . . they have it all.
Some of the fleet at rest in port.
Jan, Bob, and Rob Christensen of LUCKY STAR. There was a photo opportunity as we prepared for Bonnie's return to Virginia Beach for the week and Rob prepared to return home having helped his parents make the Gulf crossing.
On the way to brunch Jane took us by the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, a St. Petersburg hotel which has been recently carefully restored to its old beauty.
Brunch was at the Columbia Restraurant (www.columbiarestaurant.com/st_petersburg.asp) which is on the Pier in St. Petersburg. The BOUNTY was moored just outside our windows.
Pelicans posing outside the restaurant near the Pier, heads bowed as we go past and Bonnie is off to fly away to Virginia Beach for the week. Next stops, planned in "pencil", are Venice, Captiva, Marco Island, Shark River, Marathon, and Key West.
As we departed Pensacola for points East, the dolphins were leading the way.
Our first stop after Pensacola was Destin. Just the other side of the bridge we stayed at Harborwalk where the large building, a new condo, was under construction. Bonnie had to be careful entering the marina due to shoaling just the other side of the bridge. Docked with no problems other than many many boats all around on this beautiful week end.
One night in Panama City then on to Apalachicola to wait for a weather window so we can cross the Gulf to St. Petesburg. We waited for one extra day while storms passed with 20-25 knot winds. We then departed Apalachicola and passed the downtown area and the vessel "God's Blessings" trusting that God would bless us a little more than the vessel bearing that name.
We were most fortunate to travel from Apalachicola to St. Petersburg with LUCKY STAR, Bob and Jan Christensen and their son Rob. We first met Bob and Jan in Peterboro, Ontario, then again in Charlevoix, Michigan. The meetings of new good friends is part of what makes this trip so terrific.
We departed the closed and protected waters of the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway via the "Government Cut" south of Apalachicola. Water was predicted to be waves 1-3 feet, winds NNW shifting to the East at 10-15. Everything aboard SONATA was secured for sea, for the crossing.
We departed Apalachicola just after noon, at about 1:30pm. Later, as the sun set, we prepared for the overnight passage, radar working well, LUCKY STAR about 3/4 mile behind us, and the seas were moderate. Prayers answered.
At about 6:30am on Friday, the 15th, we were able to announce "Land-Ho" as we approached Clearwater, Florida. A daylight approach to the coast is required due to the many crab pots, floats, along the coast and channel entrances.
Closer to the entrance into Clearwater, Florida, the condo buildings and surrounding area came into full view showing the beauty and reason so many retire to Florida.
Homes along the quiet waters of the waterway.
Streets now parallel the waterway as we moved from Clearwater to St. Petersburg.
In addition to the road traffic parallel to the waterway, there was an abundance of small craft boaters that shared the waterway with us.
Shortly after we tied up at the Gulfport Municipal Marina near St. Petersburg we were joined by Jane, a dear friend of Bonnie's. Jane was gracious to became our skilled "tour-guide" for the next two days.
Saturday morning we were off to Tarpon Springs, into the Greek World of sponges. We learned how sponges were, are, harvested from the sea and made a purchase. We also learned again how good Greek food can be.
Everyone is all smiles as we wait for our lunch at "MAREIPEION MYKONOS Florida's Most Authentic Greek Cookery". The girls shared a Greek Salad and a sandwich . . . Charlie had papoutsaki (fresh eggplant stuffed and baked with ground beef and bechamel sauce).
Not unlike the ocean front in Virginia Beach, everything is for sale in Tarpon Springs, from Greek belly-dancing outfits, to flip-flops, T-shirts, Crocks, sponges, candy, tours . . . they have it all.
Some of the fleet at rest in port.
Jan, Bob, and Rob Christensen of LUCKY STAR. There was a photo opportunity as we prepared for Bonnie's return to Virginia Beach for the week and Rob prepared to return home having helped his parents make the Gulf crossing. 
On the way to brunch Jane took us by the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, a St. Petersburg hotel which has been recently carefully restored to its old beauty.
Brunch was at the Columbia Restraurant (www.columbiarestaurant.com/st_petersburg.asp) which is on the Pier in St. Petersburg. The BOUNTY was moored just outside our windows.
Pelicans posing outside the restaurant near the Pier, heads bowed as we go past and Bonnie is off to fly away to Virginia Beach for the week. Next stops, planned in "pencil", are Venice, Captiva, Marco Island, Shark River, Marathon, and Key West.
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