On To Clearwater

We ran a few more errands before we had to turn in the car then took leisurely showers before finally shoving off from the Field Club.  I might as well admit that I made a mess of our backing out.  Nothing was ruined but my ego was severely damaged.  I could do a fair job with Sanctuary but Blue Moon is so different.  Lots of learning and practising in my future.  I can bring her alongside a dock but backing is still eluding me.  From there we motored up to the Manatee River.  We wanted an early start the next day so we decided to anchor rather than go up to the Bradenton YC.  We really like the club but this is still a delivery trip and we need to push on.  We were joined in the anchorage by several other boats.  One was a large ketch full of partiers.  They had a great time judging by the laughing.  Since they were quiet (or passed out) by the time we went to bed, no problem.  David showed me how to use the windlass to raise anchor and I was successful so my ego was a bit restored.  It was a dull, dreary morning so the sunshine causeway bridge did not live up to its name.  Things cleared by mid-day but not enough to make seeing water depths easy on our approach to the Clearwater YC.  We bumped once but didn't stick.  There was no room at the club so we have anchored off a ways.  I spent a while talking with a nice, knowledgeable, and most of all patient person at the Island Time office.  He helped me figure out the correct settings to make the now functioning bullet work.  If I can keep from boogering it up, I'll have wifi whenever I can hit a hotspot.  Currently I'm hitting on the club's signal.  With a router on board, I've been able to work on the computer and David has used our new tablet.  This really is easy to get used to!!  The boat also has a whole-boat inverter so when we're generating enough power with the engine or wind or solar, we have powered outlets.  We plan to replace the aging solar panels eventually which will make cruising even simpler.  We plan to leave early tomorrow (high tide to avoid bumps on the way out) and head to the panhandle.  The winds will be too light for much sailing but we will be able to motor.  The mizzen should help keep the boat comfortable.  Here's hoping so anyway.  We're not sure where we'll land so keep checking!

I love this beach house.  Not sure why, just do.  You'll see it in previous posts.

Spring break on an island in the channel.  Looked like fun.

The pair were feeding the babies in the nest.  Very cool to see.  They must be used to boaters since they basically ignored us.

Pink is a favorite color down here.  Must have inspired that Aerosmith song.

Katy and Ric from our club passed us on their way down to the Morgan Invasion at Davis YC.  They have been working on their Morgan 38 for a long time so it was great to see them enjoying the fruits of their labors.