10/28/23 - 11/10/23
357 Miles
After almost a month we reunited in Panama City, FL to start what we are calling Leg 3 of the Great Loop Adventure which entails crossing the Gulf of Mexico and scooting down the West Coast of Florida to Fort Myers. I met up with Walt at the Point South Marina at Bay Point, unfortunately I didn't get any photos, believe me this is a fabulous stop if you are exploring the Florida Panhandle. The marina is some distance from Panama City Beach and "the strip" so its on the quieter side which we liked very much. After one night we pushed off for Apalachicola or better known as "Oyster Town" for its abundant oyster production in the estuary. We stayed at Scipio Creek Marina located walking distance from their cute town. Scipio Creek was the ideal location for us to stay the night before we made the Gulf of Mexico crossing. The marina has a great local bar/restaurant, while there we had the pleasure of life music by what appeared to be a beloved local playing classic rock cover songs. The mood was lively, the food was excellent and the staff at the marina and restaurant were great.
A sailboat on a mooring hidden in the reeds
At dusk the same sailboat takes on a new look with the dramatic light changing
Wall of buoys at Scipio Creek Marina
Apalachicola has a lovely little downtown, they had a store perfect for us!
All ready for our passage tomorrow.
Dolphins lead the way as we traveled out the inlet to the great Gulf!
It took is 9 hours to cross the Gulf of Mexico from Apalachicola to Tarpon Springs. Initially we were in 3-4 feet waves with relatively close intervals, after a few hours they settled down allowing us a pretty quiet ride! As you can see, there is not a lot to look at for those 9 hours.
Tarpon Springs, "Sponge Capital of the World" is where we landed. The story is told that during the end of the 19th century the abundant sponges in the Tarpon City waters attracted Greek divers to cultivate the booming industry. The sponges are no longer in the area but the rich history now provides an attraction to this area. What we loved is the amazing Greek culture, food and bakeries this little town has to offer. We stayed at the Tarpon Springs City Marina, the ideal location with modest amenities and the nicest staff ever. We would recommend a stop for one night, if nothing else you have to visit for the food alone!!
Sponges are literally everywhere ... on boats, on the docks, stacked high on every corner of the waterway.
One of many sponge shops.
Sponges and more sponges
Ask any local, they all have their favorite Greek bakery in Tarpon Springs and there are many. I was recommended National Bakery as it was claimed to be the oldest.
Valerie gave me a full behind the scenes tour of the authentic equipment brought over from Greece in the early 1900s, the very same equipment still used today!
The very adorable Valerie in front of one of the original ovens, aged at 80 -100 years old!
Fried Green Tomatoes specialty for an appetizer for dinner our one night in Tarpon Springs, not sure its a Greek specialty regardless very tasty!
Saint Petersburg nicknamed "The Sunshine City" absolutely held up to its claim. We were having perfect weather and an abundant of dolphins leading our way. We stayed at the City Marina, another ideal location located in the center of the city with easy access to the many walking paths which lead to museums and area attractions. We especially loved visiting the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art and The Salvador Dali Museum. Walt was thrilled when we learned the J70s World Sailing Championships were happening while we were in town. It was fun to see the crews from virtually all across the world!
We can always count on the dolphins to play with us!
Saint Petersburg skyline
The architecture marvel of Olnetopia, a must see at the Pier. Coming in after a long day on the race course.
You can't take the sailor out of him.
Salvador Dali Museum
Night at the marina
Sarasota was the most recommended destination for the Florida west coast, with Marina Jack a must stay. Marina Jack, a Suntek property is full of great amenities, close to lots of restaurants, walking trails and a short Uber ride to the famed Ringling Museum and Ringling estate Ca' d'Zan.
Super yachts and little guys like us are well care for at Marina Jack
Located in the artsy Burns Court district, Owen's Fish Camp is worth a visit.
With no reservations you have to take your chances and either be prepared to wait or get lucky. We went early and got lucky getting in right away. Owen's Fish Camp is old Florida vibe serving up southern classics. We highly recommend a visit. Ca' d'Zan entrance, estate to John and Mable Ringling. A tribute to the roaring 20s style and wealth abundance the Ringling Bros organization enjoyed.
We couldn't believe it only took 2 years to construct this massive property, in the early 1920s no less!
The beautiful grounds of Ca' d'Zan on the waterfront south of downtown Sarasota.
The Ringling Bros were from Wisconsin, John Ringling named the railcar he conducted circus business for his home state.
Quick selfie during the tour!
Ca' d'Zan post tour on the rolling back patio.
Venice was a quiet stop after 2 bigger cities. It was pretty windy so we took the intercoastal from Sarasota to Venice. Arriving on a Saturday we were able to catch the weekly Farmer's Market and an Arts Festival. We stayed at the Crow's Nest Marina because of a recommendation to eat at the restaurant and its proximity to the Venice inlet and jetty, perfect for west coast sunset viewings.
A VERY windy spot. I wish I had a video of us getting into this slip!
Venice Farmer's Market, we seem to always find a Wisconsin connection for Walt.
Venice Beach Inlet Jetty
Waiting for the sunset
The Venice Inlet and Jetty is a full party at sunset
As the sun set we cruised over to the Crow's Nest for dinner, great food and service.
Florida's West Coast Sunset
Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island was absolutely our favorite stop. The Boca Grande Marina is perfect! Excellent marina staff, great location, tucked in from the Gulf Coast wind, incredible amenities and Gasparilla Island is old world Florida at its best!
Boca Grande Marina.
Miles and miles of beaches a close walk from the marina.
Miles and miles of bike paths, we rented bikes in town and off we went.
Walt perfecting his selfie skills while riding a bike!
Life is truly better with ice cream! The Pink Pony consistency has a line out the door for those of us wanting ice cream on a hot Florida day!
Gasparilla Inn, since 1913 servicing up old fashion Floridian hospitality.
Included in the esteemed US Historic Hotel and Inn Association, the Gasparilla Inn feels like a step back in time with its elegance and impeccable service.
Night fall at Boca Grande Marina
Captiva Island was hit hard by 2022 Hurricane Ian. Unfortunately the rebuilding effort is taking longer than expected. We were shocked to see the devastation left behind by Ian. The South Seas Plantation Marina was fully up and running, but had NO amenities other than the beach which is gorgeous however, one should be fully prepared to have limited expectations.
South Seas Plantation Marina
Great biking on the island.
Perfecting my own selfie skills while biking!
Thankfully Boops Ice Cream Shop endured no damage from Ian!
With the holidays coming up Captiva and Santa are ready!
A beautiful sunset backdrop on Captiva beach
Fort Myers our final destination for this leg. A few nights at the Marina at Edison Ford then off to get the boat pulled out at Owl Creek for maintenance while we take a break for the holidays.
The Marina at Edison Ford is a newly re-opened marina and with Pinchers on property a great stop.
Coast is off to Owl Creek Marina and Shipyard for some TLC
Coast prepped and ready to be hulled for service.
Next up, home for the holidays! See you all in 2024!
3,507 Miles to date since August 1.
All our best from the vessel COAST, Captain Walt and first mate Aimee.
Wishing you a joyful holidays and peace filled New Year!
