Friday, Feb 24

Last night we said good bye to her previous owners, Bob and Elaine Ebaugh as they came to say their  goodbyes to their Mar Azul. We are ready to head out in the morning.

Sat, Feb 25

Captain Bryan taking us out of the slip with an immediate and tight right turn. 

We weren't ready to do it! 

Within about 3 minutes of leaving the slip, we had to go under a low fixed bridge AND 

the water level is low, so that made for perfect timing of the tide to leave. 

Phew! We had about 1' foot clearance on top and 2 1/2" water depth. 

Bruce and I are on side watch as the bridge opening is TIGHT.

Our maiden voyage shot!

Looks like I have adopted the "boat life" look. 

OMG! My hair is permanently up!

Captain Bruce and 1st mate Bella at the upper helm.

So, on our 1st day, we left St Petersburg at 10 AM, cruised through Tampa Bay south through the ICW into Sarasota, where we stopped about 3:30, traveling 31 miles at 6 mph. It was our 1st day to anchor and after scouting out a couple of locations, we anchored but had a bit of trouble with the anchor and swivel but made a 2nd attempt and success! We thought about going into town as we are very close but had bought 3 fresh snappers yesterday for our dinner tonight. And tonight is our 1st afternoon of relaxing a bit. It's been a long week of moving in, maintenance etc... and not having dinner until very late. So now, it is 5:15 and happy hour on the aft deck. 

Anchorage at Ringling Causeway Bridge at sunset.

Life is good