3-10-16

Boot Key, Marathon, Fl.

 

 

Boot Key is a bit of a different world from what we've seen.  All our stops have been good in their own ways, but this area reminds us a little of the 1960s in Berkeley or Gate 5 in Sausalito.   Everyone is on anchor or mooring ball.  We all dinghy in to the dinghy dock where there is a community center.  There we find a large all purpose room with tables, wifi, TVs, mail and information.  Attached are workshop rooms where boaters sew sails, do repairs of all sorts, even build small boats.  There is a Tiki Hut cabana where people meet up, party, play music and generally hang out. It has a commune feel. The vibe is extra mellow. Each morning at 0900 there is a cruisers net on marine radio channel 68. It is a forum for announcements, buy-sell-trade-giveaway, help with anything, advice and trivia.  It unites the harbor of 200-300 boats so they know eachother and can help eachother out.  This is our 6th day here; I could get used to this. No wonder people come down here on a trip and never leave.

 

 

Mooring Ball Field



Inside dinghy dock.

Like parking in LA but no dents.  Maybe cars should be rubber???



This boat, like many, dragged anchor in the high winds and went aground.

Manatees are common lolling in the the harbor and channels, much like us Loopers.

Sunrise with the east wind blowing on Boot Key Harbor. 72 degrees.

A new neighbor schooner just dropped anchor.

 



Lazy Sunday on Longboat Key

Sarasota



Longboat Key Beach
It feels a lot warmer than it looks





Lots of seashells all over the beach





Everywhere

 





Curious heron, just a tad too close for comfort, ya know?





 

The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg



Awesome exhibit



 



Longboat Key Moorings Marina

 

January 20, 2016

Longboat Key Club Mooring Marina

Longboat Key is our first "intended" long stay place.  This is an upscale marina and resort with lots of amenities included: shuttle, pumpout boat, pool, hot tub, gym, cable, bikes.  They have golf and tennis available as well.

Downtown Sarasota is about 9 miles from Longboat Marina. Marina Jack's Marina is right down town, usually a waiting list and 2-3 times the rate of Longboat Key.




Found great seafood at Barnacle Bill's on Main Street, Sarasota


 



Happy Hour at  Bistro

.

The Gulf is raging away with  25+ winds.



Ops!!

 

We went to Bridge St. Bistro in Bradenton Beach.  It's a very nice low-key part of the area north of the marina.



Calm Gulf  in background.



Now this version of the Gulf conditions is more conducive to making the crossing. 



Chris and Janis at fuel dock, on their way out of Longboat. Weather has been hit and miss, but this looked like a good day to cruise.

Marina decided we were too long here so sent us to a bigger berth.

View of Marina from office.

Pelican rookery next to our boat






Salt water catfish caught off Anna Maria Pier
 

See ya on down the coast