Thursday, 4/9: before we left the marina, we stopped at the fuel dock to top off the tank. We discovered that it is a self-help dock, both docking and fueling. Burnt Store Marina allows me to work my own pumps, so, with Patty's help, we were off in no time.

Once again, after getting out into tampa bay, we pulled out the headsail and motorsailed at 6 1/2 knots back to the anchorage on the manatee river. Not having to contend with freighter, we made it in about three hours, one hour faster than going to st. Pete

Friday, 4/10: we pulled the hook at sunrise and headed for the anchorage at Otter Key, off Big Sarasota Pass. This is a spectacular anchorage with beautiful homes on Lido Key on one side and a mangrove key on the other side. It offers excellent protection and is rarely crowded. We first anchored there in 2004 and try to do so whenever passing through Sarasota.

Saturday, 4/11: after a quiet night, we left at sunrise and headed for Cape Haze. We left early enough that there was no boat traffic in the Sarasota area and we got through Venice by mid-morning, with light traffic.

After about five hours on the water and five miles from the last bridge we need to pass through, we were told that that bridge had been closed for the last two days. If that was still the case, our only option would be to anchor near the bridge and wait. Fortunately, the repairs had been completed, perhaps only temporarily. It groaned when operating, didn't open completely, and one span didn't go down all the way at first.

The last hour of the passage through the Englewood area was a nightmare with small boats and jet skis everywhere with no concern for speed or wake size.

Anyway, we made great time overall and are anchored at Cape Haze. Because of predicted showers and thunderstorms, we don't know how long we'll stay. It is still a great spot and the reception of the Masters on CBS is excellent. Why leave?