Egmont Key

Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. During the 19th century, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. The Key is located at the entrance of Tampa Bay. The west side of the island is in the Gulf of Mexico. It is not a recomended anchorage in bad weather.

Not many folks here this day, just the guys who run the Pilot boats. The channnel just north of the island is the major shipping lane for Tampa.

First Light

The water was a bit nippy, 64 degreess!

Searching for that special shell.

It's back breaking work...

Now that is a nice one....and the shell looks good too!

Our neighbor. You can just make out the Skyway bridge in the distance. It's about 7 miles from Egmont key.

Morning at Egmont.



Sarasota to Bradenton Florida

We left Marina Jack and headed north across Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Sound and out into Tampa Bay where we turned east and up the Manatee River to Twin Dolphins Marina in Bradenton, FL

Passing under the Ringling Bridge and into Sarasota Bay

Below is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge spanning Tampa Bay, Florida, with a cable-stayed main span, and a length of 29040 feet exactly 5.5 miles! We were about 6 miles from the bridge when this was taken.

We turned east and headed up the Manatee River about 5 miles and enterd the Twin Dolphins Marina, another wonderful facility.

The First Mate enjoying some liquid refreshment!

Outdoor dining looking west down the Manatee River

The restaurant and bar made for a very happy Captain

Not too much to do in Bradenton...unless you're a criminal.  I'm thinking of opening a franchise in Washington.

Venice and Don Pedro State Park

Since arriving in Sarasota the weather has been a little uncooperative for boating.  Sunny and warm, but windy.

Some of the many draw bridges we had to pass under on our way.

Finally a break and we headed for Venice, Fl. We stayed at the Crow's Nest Marina and Restaurant.

A top notch restaurant upstairs and a great pub downstairs.....imagine our luck!

Lots of lovely waterfront homes here.

We were just a few steps away from the jetty leading out to the Gulf. It was pretty rough out there this day, 4 to 5 foot waves. Too much for us.

Waiting for the big one.

Peg-a-loo.

More treasure!!

Two days later we were off to Don Pedro State Park. The weather turned foggy.

As you can see from the chart, finding a way into the park was a little tricky. I called the folks at SeaTow for some local knowledge and they directed me in. A tight squeeze through the mangroves with 3 ft. of depth!

We had the place to ourselves.

...except for the locals.

The first mate organizing the lines.

Don Pedro is one of many parks in Florida that are remote and accessible only by boat.

On this day we had the beach to ourselves.

Shells by the millions.

Shelling is hard work...getting the sand out from between your toes is even harder!

Marina Jack at Sarasota, FL

Marina Jack (red boat icon) Sarasota, FL

As you can see, Marina Jack is quite a bit different then the last marina we stayed, it's a very modern city. Sarasota is known as the cultural capital of Florida. Lots of art gallerys, shops and restaurants. The opera house is 2 blocks away.

The marina facility is great...3 restaurants!

more to come...

Parting shots from Snook Bight Marina

We had a wonderful time at Snook Bight. The  Restaurant was top notch.

The views were fantastic.

and the food was great.

A 35' Albin coming in for the night.

Great sunrises and sunsets...

Taking First Light out of the water.

The biggest forklift I've ever seen!

Giving her a shower.

On to Sarasota......