LOOP Report 11/28/2004

Tierra Verde Resort Marina, Florida. (sent from back in Ontario)

Nov. 28, 2004

Pat and I discovered this more affordable monthly rate Marina about 25 miles south of Clearwater that had a space if we came down Tuesday. Found it in one of the many guide books we have on board. It was the fact it had a pool and jacuzzie plus internet in the hotel/resort part of the complex that got us moving.

Let’s back up to Clearwater first.

Pat, David, Susan and I had a visit and dinner with Jim and Pat Tucker in Clearwater at a great restaurant called the Beachcomber the night before David and Susan would get on a plane and head back to home base.

On Sunday evening we had a Pizza with Gord and Heidi from “Single Minded” who just happened to dock next to us. Had a good rehash of our gulf experience.

The next day we rented a car fom Enterprise, they came and picked us up at the marina which made it easy for us. We wanted to go and double check this new marina idea and see the beach coast. It is of course just one huge home or resort hotel after another and all candy wrapped with boats and docks that seem to go on forever.

Walked into this very exposed to the gulf and bay winds marina called Tierra Verde Marina The dock guy says we don’t have a reservation here nor do they have a slip 92. I keep insisting, don’t know why , cause I now did not want to leave a boat here for a month. Then he decides to tell me that I should talk to the Tierra Verde “Resort” Marina next door. Thank , you know who, this turned out to be in a protected harbour with all the services we could ever need.

Monday after sightseeing by car we were back on the boat and Gord asked if we like Sushi as they needed a fix of Japanese. They picked on the right couple as that is what we do whenever we get the chance. Again the choice of restaurant and the food was very, very good.

So.. turned in the car next morning but not before stopping at West Marine again to pick up a few things. Yesterday we got our new Garmin chart software for southern Florida. Said goodby to our neighbours and pat and I slid out of our slip at 1:00 PM and headed down the ICW small and big craft route taking a lot longer than we thought as we had to get 7 low bridges to open for us. We are 22 Feet high with mast and all the bridges are 21-25 feet dead center. Not worth the chance! Would not be a nice sound and would make for a bad day. They were quick to open but everywhere are slow ”no wake” zones so we pulled in finally at 4:30 PM having gone down the coast approximately 25 miles. One good 10 minutes of dolphins, mom and little one leaping along side. Took many pictures and not one caught them in flight…maybe next time we’ll get shutter lucky.

Fuelled up the tanks and maneuvered into our tight little slip. Got some help from another boater tying up. Turns out there are a few live aboards here and they appear to be experienced in sailing southern Florida.

Up early at 7:30 AM and washed down the salt and then went to the pool. It’s a big cool pool with a hot Jacuzzi also. Can see thinking of staying here longer, it’s such a nice a resort.

Have rented a car for 3:30 PM so we can enjoy an invitation to American Thanksgiving with the Tuckers at their RV site Thursday afternoon. Will sightsee some more on Friday and can drop off car at airport on Saturday, no charge with a three day rental.

Got the car and took the VHF’s in for a bench test, not transmitting well. Stopped off at a little pub on the water for a pina colada and the weather changed with rain starting. But Pat got her laundry done this AM so things are good and right.

Had a terrific Thanksgiving dinner at the Tuckers KOA RV site with a crowd of over 100.Their RV machine makes for very comfortable living in Florida. Had a good visit.

Got the boat all tied up secure at the dock for the next month and other boaters are keeping watch. We’re invited back for a New Years Eve Dock Party! They tell us it’s giant Margarita’s and fresh seafood cooked in big pots and lot’s of music. So our stories and trip will pick up again on Dec.31st.

We have arrived by Jetsgo in Toronto but the plane was over one hour late. Seems so strange what took almost three months to traverse took only three hours back. I guess you could now say we are getting close to being half way on this journey.


Double trouble Loopers…Ted and Pat