It has been a week from our return to St. Pete and here is how our last days have gone.
We have been here in Sarasota, Marina Jacks mooring field for a few days and are now planning to make our move back to St. Petersburg in the morning. I have been reviewing the tides and we should make our move to get under the Ringling bridge by 7:00am to make the mid-tide. However, after reviewing the weather this morning, the weather indicated a stormy Gulf moving into the area. However, reviewing the future days, the weather is not getting any better, for several days.
We decided to leave immediately, just before 6am (not yet light out). With Linda at the helm, I took position on the bow and pointed out the ICW markers with our new spot light, which worked out great. As we followed the markers and our old track, the sun started to rise. It was a dreary morning and the storms were moving South to North, same direction we were moving. I kept an eye on the weather and we were staying a bit ahead of the weather, but not by much.
The weather caught up with us as we approached the shallow area just south of the Cortes Bridge. We slowed a bit and let the storm move past us. After hailing the Bridge Master, he indicated he would monitor us and open on time. We timed it perfectly as well as the next Anna Maria bridge.
We were now in Tampa Bay and the weather was clearing.
Now approaching the outer markers of the Harborage Marina Linda called on the radio and she reached Shawn. He indicated he would be ready to assist and that we would have a port tie-up. We docked without any incident. It was very pleasant to be at home port and great to see others welcome us home.
Our plan was to rent a car and bring our first load of extra supplies home. We would then bring our car back from home and return the rental car.
As we loaded the rental car we realized just how much we needed to clean and bring home.
We arrived home with a full carload of supplies, dirty laundry and such. Being home I went to start our cars and found both had dead batteries. This was not a surprise as the cars had been stored since March 1st. I was prepared with a charger, however, that did not correct the issue permanently. However, new batteries did fix the issue. It was nice to have batteries that were still under some warranty.
Batteries changed our second trip home was also a full car. As many trips bring supplies to the boat means that many trips returning items no longer needed on the boat.
Both Linda and I had a wonderful time in the Bahamas and we now look forward to getting our boat back to normal. There are supplies and a few repairs and changes we will make for future trips.
I would like to thank all the people who have helped us get ready, as well as the people who have supported us with our plans and our home in Kissimmee.
We could not have gone on our trip without all of their help!
Thank you.