Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Making the Rounds


Since Dee Dee successful navigated her first overnight crossing the crew has been making the rounds at a variety of marinas as we initiate our tour of the Florida west coast. First, they spent several days relaxing at the Clearwater Beach Marina. While they weren't allowed on the beach, they were able to walk on the sidewalk nearby. They loved taking long walks each day and meeting the people coming off the beach.


When we left Clearwater we made a short hop to Marker 1 Marina in Dunedin (pronounced, "Done Eden" - I didn't know).  Dylan took up his usual post on the flybridge helping the captain pull away from the dock. While Dee Dee settled into her favorite spot in her crate. Will I ever reclaim that salon space? Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to put the old bed comforter in there when I bought a new one...

We spent several days enjoying Dunedin and the beautiful sunsets.

We then left for Gulfport Municipal Marina. The town of Gulfport has a real funky feel and some very interesting shops and restaurants. There's a neat park with trails throughout where the crew walked and enjoyed (OK, barked at) the wildlife. Dylan continued his wildlife search for dolphins when we took off for St Petersburg.

He hadn't seen any in days and was getting a bit lonely. We're guessing it was because the water outside the ICW was too shallow for them to swim in. But on the way to St Pete a few did appear much to Dylan's delight.

St Petersburg is a lovely small city with so much to do. The kids are really enjoying the many walkways and parks along the water. We've been taking in some of the restaurants. Maybe too many as Dee Dee showed her displeasure by destroying the downtown map.


Too bad for her, they had plenty more at the St Pete Municipal Marina office. We plan on spending a few days taking in the sites, meeting with some boating friends, and enjoying the sunsets. Oh, and going on lots of dog walks. Gotta keep the crew happy!


5 comments:

Brigadier said...

We're really enjoying your posts. My wife and I own a 7 acre farm and are considering selling it all and buying a boat. The drawback was our 2 big dogs but after reading your post on ActiveCaptain, problem solved. Do we have to own a boat to join ActiveCaptain? We're doing our research and learning all we can until the day comes when we shove off. Thanks, Jim & Beryl

MV Red Head said...

Jim & Beryl,

No, you do not have to own a boat to start dreaming with ActiveCaptain! Select Register in the upper right. Then you should check out eBoatCards.com. You sign in with your ActiveCaptain account as a Dreamer. There's a Pets Onboard group you should check out:
http://www.eboatcards.com/pets-onboard/

Dylan and Dee Dee would be happy to help show your future crew the ropes!!

Unknown said...

The kids look more and more alike as Dee Dee grows up. In particular in the photo, down to even the raised left eyebrow in this shot.

MV Red Head said...

I have to admit that I am having problems telling them apart at a glance. I'm frequently scolding the wrong one. Reminds me of my childhood...

Larry said...

Yes, I remember cruising the west coast of Florida, and I specifically remember seeing birds standing in the water up to their "knees" mere feet outside the marked channel. Crazy!