After departing Ft Myers Municipal Marina, we cruised north to one of our favorite anchorages, Pelican Bay.
We love to dinghy to Cayo Costa State Park and hike to the beach on the Gulf side of the island.
When we return to Spiritus, there is a cold brew calling our name!
On this day we took our dinghy to "Lover's Cove" where we saw manatee, dolphin, osprey, and pelican!
After 3 peaceful days at anchor, Weatherman Eddy predicted nasty, gusty winds.
We crossed Charlotte Harbor and moved Spiritus to Laishley Marina in Punta Gorda.
We were delighted to be welcomed by Mike & Mundy Levy, our Canadian friends on Done Dreaming!
They were docked across from Spiritus...thanks for the great picture, Mike.
It was a super fun surprise to have bro-in-law Fraser and sis Mary join us in Punta Gorda!!
The Tiki Hut is a favorite sunset-watching location! This wild-n-crazy pair is getting their happy on!
We used Laishley Marina's loaner bikes to explore Punta Gorda . . . .
. . . . learn the history (Ponce de Leon landed here!) . . . .
. . . . enjoy the beautifully painted buildings (Punta Gorda is an artsty town!) . . . .
. . . . watch an impressive Pickle Ball Tournament . . . .
. . . . and work up our appetite (and thirst) for a visit to "Celtic Ray" for great music, food and libations!
Yes, all this fun required biking to the bank for a serious cash withdrawal!
After 6 days at Laishley Marina, it was time to head south to Englewood.
This dolphin played in our wake as we cruised the intracoastal waterway.
We discovered a new anchorage just adjacent the Indian Mound in Englewood and dinghied to shore for the day.
The Captain does his work-out before we walk into the charming town of Englewood!
We enjoyed the BEST EVER Farmer's Market and the WORLD'S TASTIEST pretzel!
The Amish Bakers make home-made pretzels that will "WOW" your tastebuds.
And the next morning we experienced another "WOW" moment watching these rowers at sunrise!
Our next anchorage was Longboat Key, where we enjoyed a fabulous sunrise . . . .
. . . . as well as a spectacular moonrise!!
We always love dinghying to shore, walking across the bridge, and catching the trolley to Anna Maria Island.
It was great fun meeting up with fellow Gold Loopers, Rick & Leila from Sun Gypsy.
We all bonded in 2013 while waiting in Kingston, NY for a month for the Erie Canal to open!
No trip to Anna Maria is complete without stopping at "Two Scoops" to indulge in Linda's guilty pleasure!
After a very windy night at anchor in Boca Ciega Bay, Spiritus is happily docked among these sailboats at Gulfport Marina!
Another beautiful sunrise, viewed from Spiritus, as we sip our Kona coffee on the flybridge.
We used the convenient public bus system to go into St. Petersburg for the day.
The gardens at the historic Vinnoy Hotel are breathtaking!
The St. Patrick's Day party in Gulfport was memorable . . . .
an abundance of music, laughter, corned beef, cabbage, and BEER!!!
We spent a week in Gulfport, riding our bikes around this fun, funky, artsy, hippy town.
Their motto is "Keep Gulfport Weird" and they have definitely mastered their goal!
Our RV sibs connected with us in Gulfport and we enjoyed a lovely day together.
The 2 oldest sisters walked on the beach, thinking of their baby sister . . . .
. . . . and sent a spirited "High Five" to her in Amsterdam!
A fun reunion in St Pete with Wet Hen & Henpecker, Cindy & Fred Fallman.
Showing a sailing sister what life is like when you go to the "dark side" by moving from a sailboat to a trawler.
Our last sunset in Gulfport before departing.
