We were all up early but fog held us at the dock until 9:45 when the sun worked its magic. Here’s a picture of the A.M. Captains Meeting as we plan our strategy. Today’s ride on the GIWW has some narrow channels interspersed with long bays and lots of bridges. It takes us along Siesta Key, Venice and into Lemon Bay.
We had hoped to go to Gasparilla Island and tour the island on rented golf carts with Jim and Sandy on Footloose. However, due to the later start, the average speed of only 7mph due to no wake zones and bridges, we had to stay flexible and decide upon a destination under way. We need a clearance of 19.6’ with lowered antennas and Footloose and Rose’s Pick need slightly more room for comfort. Of the 8 bridges, we needed opening for 4 of them. Here’s a picture of Rose’s Pick going through the Blackburn (swing) Bridge.
This was Sunday on the water and like any marine community; EVERYBODY is out, tooling around and enjoying the day. It did get congested out there compared to the usual alone time we have had on the GIWW. Here’s a picture of Rose’s Pick at Circus (bascule) Bridge—that’s the real name and it was an apt description. We were waked a number of times by fast cruisers that do not apparently know the meaning of slow and no wake. Towboat US boats were out helping stranded boaters and they also were being waked by these big boys.
We realized that we could not make Gasparilla Island and called ahead to Palm Island Marina to get docks for the 3 Looper boats for the night. Marina staff was very helpful. The best part of the evening was taking a dip in the pool and Captains Meeting in the hot tub. That’s a good ending.
We had hoped to go to Gasparilla Island and tour the island on rented golf carts with Jim and Sandy on Footloose. However, due to the later start, the average speed of only 7mph due to no wake zones and bridges, we had to stay flexible and decide upon a destination under way. We need a clearance of 19.6’ with lowered antennas and Footloose and Rose’s Pick need slightly more room for comfort. Of the 8 bridges, we needed opening for 4 of them. Here’s a picture of Rose’s Pick going through the Blackburn (swing) Bridge.
This was Sunday on the water and like any marine community; EVERYBODY is out, tooling around and enjoying the day. It did get congested out there compared to the usual alone time we have had on the GIWW. Here’s a picture of Rose’s Pick at Circus (bascule) Bridge—that’s the real name and it was an apt description. We were waked a number of times by fast cruisers that do not apparently know the meaning of slow and no wake. Towboat US boats were out helping stranded boaters and they also were being waked by these big boys.
We realized that we could not make Gasparilla Island and called ahead to Palm Island Marina to get docks for the 3 Looper boats for the night. Marina staff was very helpful. The best part of the evening was taking a dip in the pool and Captains Meeting in the hot tub. That’s a good ending.
