V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

 

January 3 - February 3, 2013

We stayed at Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina a total of 5 weeks.! Why? Location? Yes, but mostly because of the people we met there. It was like returning to "A Dock" in Bay City but still unique. Just a fun group! Lou and Annie from Annie's Song, Mike and Sharon sailing on Local Color, Ron and Carol (another sailing vessel) made it a great month.  I've been to busy enjoying this relaxed pace to concentrate on posting on the blog!

 



Lou, Java and Mike

Mike continued to work on projects at his leisure (grill mount and engine sea strainers) while I got a chance to get some reading done. Of course there is still laundry to do! Annie invited me along on her weekly grocery runs. She is a wealth of knowledge and humor and I looked forward to our excursions. 

 

Laundry Day

Annie and Sharon (Local Color)

Our friends up north said we should at least make them jealous with pictures of sunshine and palm trees.

Per Your Requests!

We Rented a Cabana for the Day

Ten other boats finally made the gulf crossing, a full two weeks after our adventure. I am glad we did not wait, although we missed their company. Limelight caught up with The Zone, Why Knot, Proud Lady, Sareanna, Next to Me, Sea Dog and Sea-N-Red. Reports said it was a little rough but everyone arrived safely in Tarpon Springs. Sailing vessels, Catmandu and Memsahib met the flotilla at Turtle Cove Marina.

Catching Up With Anita and Don

Dolphin outside of the Palm Pavilion

Dolphin Outside Hooters Restaurant

 

Proud Lady, Limelight and Sea-N-Red eventually found their way to Clearwater Beach Marina. This called for docktails! Mike and I had not met Phyllis and Buddy off of Sea-N-Red yet. They have not committed to doing the whole loop this year but they are a great couple out of Wyoming and we hope they do!

Phyllis and Buddy

The Best Part of the Loop, New Friends!

Anita, Don, Mike, Mike and Lou

Annie, Scoobie and Lou

Docktails

 



So, What Happened to the Warm Weather?

The group toured the sunset activities at the pier. Every night we are treated to street performers, a craft show and a gorgeous sunset! Want more? Friday and Saturday there is an outdoor movie!

Clearwater Beach's Finest!

Tip Me and Watch Me Play

 

Cap'n Jack Sparrow?







Fire Eater

Clearwater Beach is famous for their sunsets.





Tuesday's evenings were spent at Crabby Bill's. Jeff Gurney entertained us with his ability to play his 12 sting guitar, engaging the audience to sign along. Of course, I did not need to be encouraged but it was nice to have the other patrons singing off key right along with me! We had some fun times there and Phyllis was a good sport. She held Jeff's harmonica while he played Piano (Guitar) Man, (even thought she new better!) I have never seen anyone down a glass of ale faster! (Jeff, that is!) He remained undefeated during our visits.

 

Jeff Gurney @ Crabby Bill'
 in Clearwater Beach

Phyllis is Saying 'Thanks' for the Introduction!







At the end of January, Jared flew me back to Michigan for a brief furlough home to surprise Jen for her baby shower! It was very emotional for both of us. Lucky girl, great guy. Thanks Jared! It's reassuring to know Jen has Jared's family to look out for her. The shower was a success and expertly done. Thank you Robin, Melissa and Jennifer (Jared's Mom)!!! I was able to see Rob that weekend also! Mike and I have really missed him! Luckily I had held onto my down filled coat. The snow was beautiful (especially since I knew I would be leaving it behind!)



Window Winter Wonderland  

Jared shares in the celebration



Our dock friends made sure Mike was entertained while I was away. Dinner out one night had them face to face with Hulk Hogan, a Clearwater Beach local.

 

Waiting For a Table

"Buddy, Is that Hulk Hogan?"

 After a short bout with the flu.... I was once again back with Mike on the Irish Attitude. Our looper friends had moved on the day before. 

Return Flight - High Above the Big Snow the Hit the East Coast!

We planned to hang out a few more days in Clearwater Beach awaiting the arrival of our 'A dock' friends to their winter nests. Mike and I finally decided to purchase a couple of bikes from Wal-Mart. Nothing fancy, 7 speeds and aluminum frames and wheels to minimize rust in this salty air. They will be a big help in Florida where the land is flat and marinas do not have courtesy cars. (We really got spoiled coming down the rivers!) Lou dropped us off and we rode them back to the marina via the Pinellas Bike Trail. We are storing them in the cockpit rather than on the bow. Less to trip over when handling lines! 

 

Adjustments



 

P.S. Just before we left Clearwater Beach we learned our dear friend, Anita, was injured in a bike/car accident! She was crossing a parking lot exit and the driver did not see her.Unsure of the extent of her injuries but it sounds serious. Our prayers are with you Anita!