2/21/07 - We awoke in the early hours to get a jump on the day but as we were leaving got grounded (briefly). Fortunately with a sandy bottom we were able to wiggle ourselves of
f. Our passageway crossed the Tampa Bay main approach channel for commercial vessels and we were hoping to get through early. Still, we found ourselves playing chicken with a massive tanker upon his approach – he won. The best part watching this tanker stream by was the dolphins’ flying out of the water as they played in the bow wave. Those dolphins do know how to have fun! We skirted the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for a few miles then cut westward towards more narrow channels and condos. Five miles in we discovered the only short bridge we needed to be opened would be out of commission until 3pm. The gods must be shinning on Tom today, so we backtracked to first next gulf opening. As we entered the channel to the gulf a US
Custom Boat pulled up along side and ‘checked us out’, but then took off as quickly as they appeared. Guess we don’t look TOO suspicious. The winds were at our back for the most part so the passage was relatively smooth. Without having to worry about our depth it was very enjoyable. We opted to skip by Clearwater and headed straight for Anclote Key, just west of Tarpon Springs. I’ve seen my first lighthouse this trip located on the key, which is also a nature preserve. I did get a little green during the last hour or so of our gulf journey, but it passed quickly once we anchored for the night tucked in behind the key.
f. Our passageway crossed the Tampa Bay main approach channel for commercial vessels and we were hoping to get through early. Still, we found ourselves playing chicken with a massive tanker upon his approach – he won. The best part watching this tanker stream by was the dolphins’ flying out of the water as they played in the bow wave. Those dolphins do know how to have fun! We skirted the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for a few miles then cut westward towards more narrow channels and condos. Five miles in we discovered the only short bridge we needed to be opened would be out of commission until 3pm. The gods must be shinning on Tom today, so we backtracked to first next gulf opening. As we entered the channel to the gulf a US
Custom Boat pulled up along side and ‘checked us out’, but then took off as quickly as they appeared. Guess we don’t look TOO suspicious. The winds were at our back for the most part so the passage was relatively smooth. Without having to worry about our depth it was very enjoyable. We opted to skip by Clearwater and headed straight for Anclote Key, just west of Tarpon Springs. I’ve seen my first lighthouse this trip located on the key, which is also a nature preserve. I did get a little green during the last hour or so of our gulf journey, but it passed quickly once we anchored for the night tucked in behind the key.
1 comment:
Mom, The picture of you on the bow is great!
Love you both!
Amanda
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