Day 20 - Wednesday, 1-30-08 - Clearwater to Bradenton Beach

The winds were unfavorable, so we elected to stay inside instead of going outside for the run to Longboat Key. Unfortunately, we had to pass through ten (that's right, ten) bascule bridges. Jean took pictures of all them, sometimes multiple pictures. All were double bascule or twin double bascule bridges, which are moveable bridges having two (or four) spans which separate in the middle and are hinged at the edges of the opening. It was a lot of bridges to go through, requiring waiting time at each one. This slowed down our progress enough that we could not make it to Longboat Key before dark. It was one bridge too far away. So, we decided to go into Bradenton Beach for the evening.

The Bradenton Beach Marina is located on the ICW, but is only three blocks from the beach, so after securing the boat we headed for the beach. Jean forgot her sandwich bag for sand collection, so she had to collect it in her beverage container, which she took to dinner and carried back to the boat. We had dinner at the Beach House, a lovely restaurant right on the beach, and watched a stunning sunset from our patio table. It was truly a memorable evening.

The guys are really getting bummed out by all this motoring and are hoping to go outside and sail tomorrow on our way to Boca Grande. The weather reports look favorable, so they should have a great day to follow our great evening. (JGR)

ps Yes that's Jean in her photographers perch on the bow of the boat- a picture of her taking a picture!