SOLITUDE: The Sunshine State

Sorry to all of our followers. We have been enjoying fishing, the sun, and sightseeing in Florida so we have not spent much time at the computer or even sorting our pictures.

We had a very successful crossing of the Gulf of Mexico from Carabelle, Florida to the Clearwater area. It took two very long days and the first day we left at 4:00 a.m. It was scary in the dark looking for the lighted markers, but it was necessary for us to get to a safe place the first day prior to sundown.

Here is the sunrise on the morning of the first day out on the Gulf.

So here are some of the pictures as we got into the more populated areas of Florida. They are from the area around the town of Gulfport. We spent several days in the area resting and relaxing after the Gulf crossing.

We then decided to go across Tampa Bay and go into the St. Petersburg area. We anchored right in the North Yacht Basin in the heart of St. Petersburg.

Here is one of the LARGE yachts leaving as we entered the anchorage. This boat was not at anchor but leaving the marina in the background.

Nice place to sit and no charge when you anchor (except for a $5 fee to tie up the dinghy)

Here is a view from the pier at St. Petersburg. We walked the pier and visited the aquarium which is at the end of the pier, it was small but a nice change of pace. The view from the pier was outstanding!

This is the view looking back at St. Pete from the end of the pier. There is a observation deck at the top which is where we took this shot.

Of course you know Marilyn has to have some pictures of the birds. This pelican could have cared less that we were so close. I think he was waiting to see if a fisherman would loose his catch.