Well we met up with Bob & Gail on Thursday evening after spending a quiet day in Venice and around the boat. We had a fine dinner at the Crows Nest and good conversation with our friends from home. Of Friday Dede'd birthday we had a nice breakfast at Dunkin Donuts while we did three loads of laundry across the street! However the better part of the day was spent having a nice lunch at TJ Carneys and then biking around the entire Venice Island and hitting the beach for an hour. After showering back at the boat the day was coming to an end so we headed to downtown venice for a final walkabout. Dinner consistent of cappuccino and Trimasu (sp). WE examined all the decorated porpoises/dolphins and Dede posed with the one she liked best!! See photo, Then back to boat to get ready for underway in the morning. Dede had a nice birthday with hearing from all the grandchildren. Arron even face-booked and blew out the candle on Dede's cupcake (or so he thinks he blew it out) Saturday May 4th (today) we got underway and sailed/motored down through the ICW on a well marked channel. There is little room off to the side to wander in Lemon Bay or the land cuts. We did intend to stop at Palm Island Marina but opted to anchor out in front of Don Pedro State Park. There is a nice deep hole off the park with a good bit of shelter from the east and west wind. Of course we have a 20 kt north wind so the shelter is not all of that good but the bay water is narrow and nit much fetch so its relatively flat but breezy. Dropped the hook in 8' of water with 40' of chain! That should hold us with God's blessing. Tomorrow the girl -Nicole -that Dede got her paddle board from has offered to give her a lesson at the park. If the wind dies that may happen If the wind is blowing 20 knots I doubt she will be paddling around so we will dingy.
Stay tuned.