Skyway Bridge in Sight

Trip Day:	263	Latitude:	27°42.53' N	Locks Today:	0
Miles Today:	35	Longitude:	082°41.07'W	Locks Total:	108
Total Miles:	5,778	Location:	Skyway Bridge Causeway

What appeared to be a sailing class entertained us as we left the marina. Watching the developing shoreline, passing under the bridges to the beach causeways we marveled at the scenery.  Although it was becoming familiar territory, we were seeing it through the eyes of the traveler with fresh views of the stunning beauty of this coast.

  And all the while the porpoise and the sea birds welcomed us as we motor-sailed down the channel.For the first time in a very long time we had to wait for bridges that only opened at scheduled times—one wait was for twenty

minutes—but we couldn’t complain too much since nature kept us entertained.

  

 Only forty miles from home .  .  . bittersweet.

 

 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5th

Trip Day:	262	Latitude:	28°00.80' N	Locks Today:	0
Miles Today:	17	Longitude:	082°47.59'W	Locks Total:	108
Total Miles:	5,743	Location:	Dunedin, FL – Municipal Marina

It was a lazy morning opportunity waiting for our friend, Sandy, to  arrive to sail with us from Tarpon Springs to Dunedin.  Sandy was a frequent visitor to our home back in the 70s when we lived in Dunedin.  He was Ron’s hero back in the day when he lived about his 25’ sailboat, living the dream.  So it was good to visit with Sandy and give him the opportunity to be behind the wheel again while the memories flowed and we reminisced about the good ole days as we passed Anclote Key headed south. 

Once secured along the wall at the Dunedin Marina, which is where we slipped our smaller sailboat when the kids were little, we went ashore for lunch.  We were very impressed with the downtown area which was vibrant with businesses and restaurants.  It was obvious the local Chamber of Commerce has managed to stay current and  attract tourists and the locals as well to the downtown district. 

 

The “Rails to Trails” bike route ran along side the train depot on Main Street. Dunedin is still the wonderful community we fondly remember. 

With the help of Sandy’s  sister, he retrieved his car from Tarpon Springs and then played tourist guide for us.  First stop, our old house on Valencia Drive, just one house off the waterway along Edgewater Drive.  The neighborhood was still well maintained and the house appeared to be in good shape.  We always loved that house and could still picture the kids climbing the big oak in the backyard.

We enjoyed our trip down memory lane; Dunedin was a good fit for us. 

Early evening our niece, Theresa, who lives in Dunedin came to the marina and was welcomed aboard.  The girls were off to dinner leaving the boys to find their own spot to eat.  Theresa and I caught up on family news, kids away at college news, the boat trip escapades and promises to stay in touch.  Another great day with family and friends!