Gulfport Marina: February 9, 2011 February 15

We decided to stay in a marina and continue working on some boat projects.

This marina has floating docks. The dock and boat move up and down together with the rise and fall of the tide. It makes it easier than a fixed dock because the step on and off the boat doesn't change and you don't have to pay as much attention to your lines.

Matt tying off lines.

                                          

Lollygag at the lay along dock

                              

When we pulled into Gulfport, there was a  flock of green parrots. I suspect they may be migrating since locals are stopping to watch them. They remind me of the red wing black birds back home in Wyoming that came around every spring in large flocks.

Great Egret

Great Blue Heron

I like the Snowy Egret because of their golden yellow feet.

Pelicans are always around the docks. They hang out looking for a hand out. This marina has a sign saying pelicans can catch their own fish and can choke on bones that are to big...so don't feed. Of course, it doesn't keep the pelicans from trying.

                                        

A tree shorter than me....yea

Tall palms

                  

Gulfport, Florida February 8, 2011

Link to anchorage at Golf Port, FL via Google Maps

We are now traveling on the Intracoastal waterway.

pic on bridge

After spending the night in what felt like a washing machine, we left Dunedin and headed south. We passed under 7 bridges.

Leaving the masts down, we didn't have to request a bridge opening.

After the solitude of weeks alone on the Gulf, it was rather startling to see all the houses on both side of the waterway. The further south - thicker the houses. 

Houses and apartments with boat docks seem to be the norm.

Dunedin, Florida February 7, 2011

Link to anchorage in Dunedin via Google Maps

Approaching the bridge between Dunedin and Honeymoon Island. The masts are down so the bridge will not have to open for us and there is a strong storm approaching.

The bridge was opening for a tall boat to go under.

Anclote Key, February 6, 2011

Link to anchorage at Anclote Key

This completes the long stretches of open ocean crossings on the Gulf of Mexico. It is said to be the most difficult part of the Great Loop and, given our limited experience, we didn't know what to expect. We have seen and learned a lot and look forward to more as we continue on the Loop.

Left the anchorage early under cloudy sky's. Winding our way out of the channel was challenging because of all the crab pots. We've seen them all along, but sometimes they are thicker than others. They can be difficult to see as they are all different colors and you don't want to tangle one around the engine prop.

Crystal River; February 1, 2011

Link to Crystal River via Google Maps

Crystal River is a poplar habitat of the manatee. Its the only place in the United States where people can interact with the sea cow in their natural conditions. Tourism is big business for the local economy and there was a steady stream of tour boats passing us every day. We were amused when some boats circled Lollygag and stopped to talk. 

We spent one night at Pete Pier Marina to restock and have mail forwarded.

I am not a manatee

It's difficult to get a picture of a manatee. Thought we had one until we enlarged  it.

Cedar Key; January 31, 2011

Link to Cedar Key via Google Maps

Peaceful anchorage 

Traveling from Cedar Key was an awesome experience and a realization of a dream. We were the furtherest out in the Gulf that this trip will take us and completely out of sight of land in all directions.

Suwanee River; January 29, 2011

Link to Suwanee River via Google Maps

Great River with a song that gets stuck in your head!