Monday the 23rd, we got up, fueled up, paid up and left the Sea Hag Marina with our No-See-Ums screens still down. They worked well but we didn't push it since as soon as we docked the little buggers were after us. We left the screens down all the way out to the marker in the Gulf 2.7 miles from shore.

Winds were light from the South all morning and finally switched to the SW about 2 pm so we got a sail boost for the last 10 miles to Cedar Key. It was a 48 mile day but the seas were calm so it was just a relaxing motorboat ride. We anchored off the municipal boat ramp and put down the screens. After a quick shower, wewere off to dinner ashore. Our dinner at the Rusty Rim was OK and that is about all you can say about the town.

Tuesday was another long day as we sailed south to Anclote Key near Tarpon Springs. We anchored off the key and got up Wednesday and motored into Tarpon Springs which is up the Anclote River. We docked at the Tarpon Springs Landing which was OK. Good dock, great location and nothing else for it. Hiked a mile and back to get groceries and then went shopping in Tarpon Springs. It was like being back in Greece with much of the same gifts available--mostly from China. Had a great big Greek dinner and waddled back to the boat.

Thursday the 26th we motored 14 miles to Caladise State Park to enjoy the beach. Best beach in the USA in 2008. Nothing real great in 2011. Liked the panhandle beaches better. However we did get some shells to bring home.

Friday we motor-sailed down Clearwater Beach and went through Pass-a-grill (North Pass) and into Boca Ceiga Bay. We anchored on the Tampa Bay side of the North end of the Sunshine Skyway for an early stop and restfull evening.

Saturday we motored up to St Petersburg Municpal Marina and docked for the night. At the marina we met Jeff Green who we last saw last year at Green Turtle Key in the Bahamas. He and his Catalina 30 are homesteading here while he decides if this the place to stay. We also went to the new Salvadore Dali Museum. It is fantastic if you are a Dali fan. They have all the 90 pieces of the museum on display this year. Hard to believe how good he was and how crazy. Dali's quote was " What is the difference between Dali and a madman? I am not Mad!"

Off to dinner downtown with Jeff and then tomorrow we sail toward Sarasota's Mote Marine.