Back with the Manatees

We really enjoyed our walking trails, seeing manatees when we returned to Charlotte Harbor.  That is after the first day back.  When we arrived at the boat, we couldn't believe how the birds had taken over!  Our green canvas was covered in white!  Not snow!  Gary spent the first day washing, and washing again.  Those Osprey's are really huge here and I think one used us for his bathroom.
Now weather has set in and we are waiting for a window to go on to Marathon.  It will be another long passage, but we want to winter there before going up the East Coast.

Our elusive manatee friend caught on camera

You can just see his nostril

Beautiful walking around the marina

Walking down the back canal

One of the boats by the houses

Great biking and walking trails

Walking down Marion Trail

Panama City visit

We had to return to Panama City briefly to attend a funeral of Gary's stepson, Michael Shane Teate.  Though it was a sad occasion we enjoyed visiting with all our grandchildren and children.

Jan and Brian

Gene's Oyster Bar The Best!

Amanda, Gary, and Laura

Some of the grandkids at Salty Hog

More oysters group at Salty Hog

Manatee Monday

Entering Burnt Store Marina

When we arrived at Burnt Store Marina in Charlotte Harbor Monday, I thought I saw the back of a elephant in the water!  My first Manatee sighting.  Since then I have had glimpses of this elusive animal numerous times.  I doubt that I will get a good picture as not much of them is visible.  Usually you see the little nose hole blowing for air. (sounds just like a dolphin breathing).  I also have a dock buddy to keep most of the birds away.  A little crane I call "badBird".  We decided to stay here until Dec. to further check out systems (those readers interested in Tarpon Springs repairs and upgrades can check out boat projects section) and in general get rested upand have some fun.
We left Pitman Yacht Services on Oct. 27 and stayed at the City Marina for a few

Favorite hangout "Miss Vickies" while waiting for boat repairs

Little Halloween buddy

Gary's walking mermaid buddy

At City Marina with friendly folks

A real beaut at the Tastee Freeze

Rudder mania at the boatyard

Jan looking over the shaft in the rudder mold

 days to get all our systems up and give the boat a good scrubbing.  Believe me I will fight for detailing if we ever have a boat claim again.
 After looking over our options heading south we decided for a longer overnight passage to get to a inlet with deep water.  So we got WRI to give us a weather route and off we went.  It was another beautiful trip for Gary and I was seasick again (it really upset me as it wasn't rough just rolly).  We spent 3 days on the hook in Charlotte Harbor before making the decision to go into Burnt Store Marina for a month.  Even if we had our watermaker up we couldn't have used it as the water is not clear here due to the fresh water inflow.

Dingy Day trip to Punta Gorda
Irish Pub

At Burnt Store Marina until Dec.