Monday, January 18, 2016

Behind the scenes

Checking the twin Cummins before cruising.

This is what Sea Jamm is made of.

Had to say goodbye to our Looper buddies and head south.  

Early in the morning.  Have you ever seen a pelican in a tree??

An early riser.

Great cruising weather.  We steered from the fly bridge (open air) for about 5 hours to St. Pete where we stayed the night. After a short walk through the city, we grilled steak on board using a seasoning I bought in Spiceman's Kitchen in Tarpon Springs.

Sunrise in St. Pete

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Five hour cruise today. The first part across Tampa Bay was rocking and rolling.  Contemplating the tossing waves, I decided it was a bit like life.  The waves don't change.  It is how you turn and the speed you travel that determine the comfort. Sometimes you have to alter your course or slow down to make it tolerable.  Remembering the night Gulf crossing, I also believe it is most uncomfortable in the dark. And, in the dark, sometimes you can't tell which way the waves are tossing, so you don't know how to correct the course.  

In the middle of the bay, I spotted a shark. At first, I thought it was a dolphin, but it continued on it's course uninterrupted.  That's when I began to hear the Jaws soundtrack.

Marina Jack, Sarasota

I could live here or at least put down roots for awhile!  This marina was voted #1 national marina in 2015.  I can understand why.  Downtown wasn't bad either!

Sea Jamm admires the Sunset in Sarasota.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Wow!  When I said Tarpon Springs was Greek, I meant it.  It has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US.   The old world flavor takes one to a different time and place.    I have enjoyed their culture, cuisine, and Grecian people.

One of those was Joe Vidalas, our marine mechanic for the day.  He was professional, but personable.  And, not bad looking either.  He kind of reminded me of Jesus in a beanie.  He became our "trip advisor" during our stay.  Wish we could take him with us.

Joe and the Captain

Our favorite lunch stop.  Bikes are definitely the way to get around.

On the docks waiting on our burger.  Tarpon Springs is still a working seaport.  

the Greek burger

The weather and our fellow Looper friends have kept us here for several days now.  We are only a couple of blocks from the Sponge Docks.  The sponge industry began in 1873 when a Key West turtle fisherman accidentally got his nets tangled in them.  By 1900, this city was considered the largest sponge port in the US.

We saw manatees over in Spring Bayou, a bay not far from Sea Jamm.  We watched them about half an hour, but couldn't capture them in a picture.

Alan and I hosted our first docktails.  We had 6 others join us for drinks and munchies before heading out to dinner down the street.

Tuesday, January 12^th

We made it!   22 hours to cross the gulf!   12 hours in pitch black!    More waves than predicted. Definitely not as smooth as the forecast. And, it kicked my butt! Alan was fine. After all, he was a ship's doctor once upon a time. 

We were not pretty as we entered the Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs at noon. After a beer, burger and a bath, we napped. As I write this, he still hasn't awakened. Just may have to have to get my Greek on tomorrow night. Tarpon Springs is known for it's Greek flair/fare and sponges.

And, did I tell you that Sea Jamm is covered in salt. An inch of salt. She will get her bath tomorrow.

Sunday, January 10th

Great weekend for making new friends and for welcoming the "not so new" ones.

Having fun while waiting in Apalachicola to cross the Gulf. Bowery Station for drinks and music.  

Enjoyed our friends, the McGregors, from Thomasville.  Tamara's Tapas for dinner.

Friday, January 8th

Apalachicola

What a lovely town!  We are glad we enjoy it here because we will dock here until the Gulf gets smooth enough to cross over to the west coast.  Our next possible night is next Monday.  Besides, this slip was such a challenge to get into we think we will stay awhile.  This girl was so proud of her man as he maneuvered against 4 knot currents into a narrow spot.  We had 4 strong men to grab the lines.

Apalachicola Bay Bridge in background

Sights of Apalachicola

Anna and Molly left yesterday going back to their colleges.  We are making friends with other Loopers who plan to cross with us when the weather improves.  We love making these Looper friends!

Happy New Year

Saturday, January 2, 1016

Arrived back at the beautiful St Andrews Bay too late and tired to begin our journey east. As a reward for our long drive, we enjoyed a feast of fried grouper, shrimp and scallops at Uncle Ernies.

Molly and her dad cleaning fresh gulf shrimp for an evening shrimp cocktail.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

 Decided to stay an extra day here to show Anna and Molly, our guests for the week, the area. However, Anna discovered a long sandy beach on her morning run and ended up showing us the beauty of the bay. After lunching on Alan's navy bean soup, we began our excursion in the Amavida coffee shop hoping the lattes and hot chocolates could warm us up for the walk ahead. We had no problem as the sun came out warming our path down the long sandy beach where Anna had blazed a few hours earlier. We ended our long stroll listening to music in a quaint neighborhood hang out called the Little Village off the square on the Ware River. However, the sun was threatening to hide behind another cloud layer so we made it back to Sea Jamm to prepare for our journey ahead.

Our Walk

Butia Capitata - Pindo Palm
Unique four headed palm, the only one of its kind in the world.

Monday, January 4, 2016

 Sunny; Destination Port S. Joe. Did I mention that it was sunny?! Haven't seen the sun in a long while.

Heading east into the sun, the water shimmered with diamonds. The sun cut right through the 50ish temperature making for a beautiful Monday. Reached Port St. Joe around 4, back on EST.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

 Spent the day in PSJ exploring and relaxing.