February 1, 2014 Sarasota

Retrieving the anchor at the Gulfport anchorage

We left the Gulfport anchorage around 10am joining Field Trip in the Bay.  We were told we could take a channel skirting the island but it didn't appear all that deep to me and without local knowledge I kept to our original charted path which was through the sun Bridge Channel. 

Pods of dolphins (really porpoises) in Tamapa Bay

To Mary's delight we had multitudes of dolphins (actually porpoises) through the Tampa Bay and into the ICW on the eastern end.

The bridges here have switched to 20 or 30 minute opening schedules and we were caught a few times waiting for an opening forcing us to idle around in circles.  Did I mention there were usually 5 or more boats doing the same thing.
 



We came across Sarasota Bay accompanied by these racing boats blowing by us at god knows what speed.  This happened four or 5 times.  Sort of accentuated how slow were really travel.

View from our mooring back towards the marina

The Sarasota bay mooring field at Marina Jacks is easy to fine but rather rolly since its pretty exposed.  Down here big powerful boats dont seem to understand the relationship to large wakes on moored or anchored boats.  Still though, its a great place and the marina seems to be a social hub with a pretty good food.

Our boat is in the center to the left of the big palms

We're planning on heading over to Siesta Key later to walk the beach this afternoon but this morning we have to head into the marina to pay for another night on the mooring. 

Superbowl parties abound around here but we have a pretty good TV and reception so may opt for just staying on board.  Sunsets here are spectacular so we'll have our deck chairs (thanks LeAnn and Brant) on the bow and have a few drinks as the sun goes down.