Dunedin to Ft Meyers

Nice Sunset

We had such a great time in Dunedin, but alas, it was time to move on.

Don Ce Sar  (or CeSar)

Our first anchorage was called Don Ce Sar.  The name was derived from a huge hotel/entertainment complex that was built in the mid 1920's.  Click for link to Don Ce Sar It is still there and it was impressive.  The anchorage was down three narrow channels, with shallow sides, and a couple of shoaling areas, throw in crab pots,  an island, and a bridge with several gaps to navigate.... it was no problem, only one small rub on the keel ;~).  We motored very slowly, but we ended up in a cool anchorage.  The winds were steady 15 MPH, but the anchor held fine.

A favorite, Pelicans resting in the trees.
One would think that the branches
couldnot hold this much weight.
There were many many more
Pelicans all around the back.

The island housed a rookery(?) for the several hundred pelicans in the area.  They sit in the trees just like a chick-a-dee would.  They were fun to watch, just like when they are diving into the water to get their meal.  I took Daisy for a long walk on the huge beaches of St Petersburg, she was a running fool!!

Opps.

On our way to Sarasota, we heard of a 32FT Catamaran that was in distress.  We joined about 5 other boats in helping this guy and his two mates to right his boat.  We did nothing, as we could not do anything that was already tried.  We exited after being told it was okay to depart.  after we departed, all the fire/rescue/marine authorities were storming to them.  The vessel that first responded, was detained for aver two hours to do paperwork (they seemed pissed on the radio).

The second night we stayed  on a mooring ball  at Marina Jacks in Sarasota.  We were on ball #1. That was great as it was easy to take Daisy to shore.  Later, Vicki, Daisy and I went to shore for a walk in the park and the marina areas.  What a great place.  We were a bit tired, so we went for a beer at a Tiki Bar.  Beer was cold, so we had another and a burger....  Life sure is good at times, and this was one of those times !


The next evening was went to Englewood Anchorage.  We later learned that there are three of them.  Poor planning on our part, as we could not get Daisy to shore easily.  But sometimes things work out. As we (Vicki, Daisy, and me) were exploring the area via dingy, to find a place for Daisy to do her business, Vicki wanted some Ice Cream.  We stopped at a small shack that looked like a ice cream stand, but alas, it was a boat rental office.  We finally asked them where to take daisy, when they offered their boat launch site, at night, and after signing wavier papers (seriously!).


While at Englewood, we witnessed first hand a serious problem in Florida with derelict boats. There were four at this single anchorage.  The basic premise, is that homeless, and unemployed or minimally employed people purchase  a (typically) old beat-up sail boat and use it as their domicile.  They place it anywhere.  They dispose their wastes near the vessel, among other less pleasing  efforts.  This issue is not new but it is serious.  The Florida water authorities are gathering information as to how to solve the issue.  I have taken two surveys on the issue (as a transient).  I support the concept cleaning up this issue for all water lovers.  We also saw this issue in Alabama.  Two  inebriated guys were making their way to their derelict boat, and barely made it into their boat.  I was told by locals that they have had drownings of these folks. Sad.

Daisy Chasing Coconuts

Good Girl!

She loved this activity

We went over to a small island
This cut was shallow, but later
filled in via the rising tide.

Having fun at Pelican Bay

The final evening we anchored at Pelican Bay State Park.  We were told that this was a great place, and it was nice.  Dogs are not allowed on designated beaches in the state parks.  We still had three to choose from.  All three were shell sand, and it was fun to walk the beaches, Daisy was a wild woman.  She had a funny time retrieving coconuts from the water.  She could not get her teeth to 'grab' the coconut and chased it around a few times, then she got the technique.  We waded from an island to a peninsula, had that portion all to our selves.

SHARK!!!!  (baby)

We witnessed a small shark being caught. It sure fought.  The people fishing were really excited.

Thanks for peeking in on our blog...... sorry we have been slacking.