The Big Bend to Tampa Bay

We decided to do the Big Bend of Florida due to the great calm weather window we have had this past week. We landed at the Steinhatchee Marina at Deadman Bay – it’s a new marina with floating docks. The people were very nice, the marina was great, and they had the best ship-store/fishing store we’ve experienced on the loop so far. The next day we traveled 59 miles to Cedar Key and anchored right outside of its cute town. This area had a bunch of dolphins feeding when we arrived….that was cool. We had the most beautiful sunset and sunrise at this location (see pictures below). We then traveled to Tarpon Springs and spent one night there at Mar Marina. We walked to town and had dinner at Rusty Bellies….which was one of the best dinners I have had on the trip. There are a lot of shops and restaurants in Tarpon Springs, it’s a cute town. Many loopers make the overnight crossing directly to Tarpon Springs (from Carrabelle) which is about 162 miles. By doing the big bend, we traveled about 205 miles. We are glad we did this as we got to see the small Florida towns on the bend. The disadvantage was we had to dodge crab pots along the way….which makes driving a lot more stressful! From Tarpon we traveled to Clearwater Beach Marina and stayed for 3 nights. We loved this spot and there were many loopers staying there as well. A lot of restaurants, shops, and a beautiful beach just a block away. Sister-in-law Ardis visited for a night. It was great to see some family. Robin got Ardis to go parasailing, which she has never done before. We had a blast! We attended mass at St. Brendan’s Sunday morning (just a 1 mile walk from the marina) and then headed further south. We are now anchored near St. Petersburg, about to cross Tampa Bay to Bradenton. Good friends Pete & Kim Schmitz are wintering in their RV near Palmetto and we’ll be getting together with them later today. We plan to keep the boat in Bradenton for a month and drive home for Christmas…can’t wait to see family, friends, and the pups! We have really enjoyed boating in Florida, the weather is wonderful and the waters and scenery are beautiful. I can honestly say I’m not missing the snow…..but John can’t wait to get on his snowmobile!