It has been a slow week. Sunday, we pulled anchor around noon and headed to the Manatee River/Bradenton area. We crossed Tampa Bay and saw some big ships in the ship channel headed out. We felt pretty small! Once across the bay we headed up the Manatee River and anchored just outside the DeSoto Memorial Park. An afternoon storm was brewing, so we closed everything up and waited for the rain.
Monday morning was cloudy and looked like rain most of the day. The winds were picking up and we rocked and rolled most of the day. I actually pulled out my sewing machine and worked on some quilt squares. It has been a while since I have done any sewing other than my hand work hexies!
Tuesday was a much better day. We dropped the dingy in and went exploring. There were two parks. One had several pavilions along the beach and the other side was the DeSoto park. We went ashore and walked the trails. I spotted a really big turtle up in the bushes, but by the time everyone else spotted it he turned and hid under some heavy brush. So, no pictures. We did get some shots of a couple of rabbits and a bird or two. Even got dolphin pictures on the dingy ride back.
Wednesday we headed to Sarasota. We made reservations for mooring balls outside of Marina Jack's in downtown Sarasota. I had been worried about picking up the mooring ball because I had heard stories about how hard it was, but I got it on the first pass! May not happen that easy the next time, but I was pretty pumped!!
Once settled, we dropped the dingy in and headed to the marina to check out the live music we could hear. They have live bands every afternoon and a piano bar inside. The patio area looked like a bus from the assisted living apartments had unloaded and the dancing lessons were on! Those guys really knew how to dance and were having a great time. We enjoyed the "floor show" and had dinner before heading back to the boats.
Thursday, we called a cab and headed for the Ringling Bros. Museum and home. It is a huge area/park like setting on the water. The museum was interesting with a huge miniature circus display. It was amazing how they could set up, put on the show and head out to the next town so quickly. Today you'd need permits, animal rights and union groups and so much red tape they would be lucky to have one show a month. I guess that is why the Big Top in a thing if the past!
Friday, we went exploring around the park by dingy. Kids were playing in the fountains, lots of bikers and people walking. At the far end, we found a Tiki Bar with a dingy dock. Stopped in and listened to some live music (which we found is everywhere, every afternoon).
This morning we walked about 1/2 mile to the Farmers Market. Several blocks of fresh veggies, seafood, plants and other homemade goodies. Picked up some tomatoes, fruit and some homemade pasta and pesto and garlic bread. Then we walked around the park, stopped for iced coffee and dropped our purchases back at the boat. Then we headed for Publix (another mile each way) for a few supplies. Can I say it was HOT walking back? Wow! After unloading our groceries we were whipped and still planned to wash clothes later.
Well...that's just a typical week on the water...still loving it! Here are a few pictures.
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