On the Move Again

Eddy found a chair for Spiritus' deck.  He says it might be too big; Linda says it might be too gaudy!

 

 

 

 

If they sell it, SHE will find it!

 

 

 

 

Our friend's dog, Tater Bug, got all dressed up for their Christmas open house!

 

 

 

 

 

In Redington Beach, Santa's sleigh is sometimes pulled by dolphin . . . . . . . .

 

and other times pulled by flamingos.

 

 

 

 

Over the past month, we were "awed" by the pipe organ in the Methodist Church in Dunedin!

 

 

 

 

Linda tries to be creative with her breakfast omelet on Christmas morning!

 

 

 

 

Santa managed to find his way to Spiritus!

 

 

 

 

The Christmas dinner table is set for 24 at our friend's house in Tarpon Springs.

Lots and lots of superb food, laughter, and conversation transpired throughout the evening.

 

 

 

 

 

After the most fabulous Christmas feast we've ever had, Ruth led us in some Christmas carols!

The singing made us feel like we were back home at Mama Sally's house!

 

 

 

 

The Captain says "goodbye" to delightful Dunedin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Treasure Island bridge opens for Spiritus . . . . . . .

 

. . . . . . . and a pirate ship that looks a little out of place!

 

 

 

 

 

We dropped anchor for the night in front of the Don CeSar Hotel . . . . . Florida's Pink Castle!

 

Built in 1928, "The Don" was a refuge for many of the rich & famous over the years. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Captain takes his lookout duties seriously . . . . . .

 

. . . . . and watches closely as Snoopy and the MetLife blimp try to sneak up on us!

 

 

 

 

 

Nope . . . . this isn't a postcard.  Just another wonderful sunset seen from the flybridge of Spiritus!

 

 

 

An early morning view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as we cross Tampa Bay.

 

 

 

 

We've never seen a gathering of white pelicans like this.

  They were either having a meeting or breakfast!

 

 

 

 

 

Eddy "merrily" rows us ashore from our anchorage at Longboat Key . . . . . .

 

. . . . . so we can write all of you a special "Happy New Year" message !!!

  

 



Good Times Continue

Having a "serious" Bloody Mary at Crabby Bill's on Clearwater Beach.

 

 

 

 

Eddy with Kevin Cooper and his wife, JoElla, aboard their boat  "JoElla".  

Kevin & Eddy flew together during their days at Northwest Airlink.

 

 

 

 

Fellow looper, Cindy, prepares her world famous ebleskivers for our brunch aboard Spiritus! 

 

 

 

 

The Captains wait patiently for their first mates before devouring Cindy's hard work!  Yum!

 

 

 

 

Low tide . . . . . . .

 

 

High tide . . . . . . 

 We had to learn a whole new way of securing our lines in order to cope with the tide changes.

 

 

 

 

Mike & Cindy delayed their departure in order to have breakfast with us at Dunedin's famous Kelly's.

 

 

 

 

Cindy said her gourmet cup of hot chocolate was definitely worth the delay!

 

 

 

 

Aurora, the now famous little 22 foot sailboat from Minnesota, departs Dunedin Marina.

  We look forward to crossing paths with Mike & Cindy in 2013 while on The Loop.

 

 

 

 

These two guys were just waiting for an opportunity to scarf up some fish that might be left unattended at the dock's fish-cleaning station.

 

 

 

 

Captain Eddy prepares the fresh mullet he caught earlier in the day (that the pelicans didn't steal!).

 

 

 

 

Making my girl very happy with the fresh catch of the day!

 

 

 

 

We rode bikes to Honeymoon Island one day and were reminded of the beautiful white sand beaches back in Navarre.

 

 

 

 

Sea shells were plentiful if you were inclined, like Linda, to pick them up. 

Eddy, on the other hand, took the opportunity to nap in the warm sunshine!

 

 

 

 

We hiked Honeymoon Island's Osprey Trail and saw 22 nests. 

The trail's pine forest is home to owls, eagles, hawks, armadillos, racoons & other Florida wildlife.

 

 

 

 

These two fellows were NOT on the Osprey Trail !  

Because they didn't bark or even move when we walked by, I had to take their picture.

 

 

 

 

Friends of Linda's sister, Brenda, pose with us on Spiritus before Sunday brunch. 

Notice the beautiful Christmas cactus that Nancy & Dave brought us!

 

 

 

 

 

The Botanical Garden in nearby Largo did an outstanding job getting folks into the Christmas spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr & Mrs Claus get hugs from Ruth & Linda in the Gardens.

 

 

 

 

Enjoying a peaceful pause in this magical wonderland.

 

 

 

 

Central Park, near Clearwater, was decorated with amazing lights as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The spectacular sunset from Spiritus the day our dear friend Dick Pinsoneault took his final trip west.

  We'll miss you, Ricardo.