Day 245: - Tarpon Springs to Madeira Beach, FL
Day 245: Tuesday, December 27th: This morning we got underway from Anclote Isles Marina about 10:00am. As we cleared the docks, Bill spotted his dreamboat!
As we passed another marina downstream of ours, Ruth's cell phone rang. It was our friends from Panama City, Greg and Carl Vernon, whose dock we stayed at for several days. They were standing on the dock we just passed! They said they were visiting the area and spotted us!
We turned south in calm seas under a gloriously clear sky, and made our first attempt at a self-portrait. This is how we look much of our cruise time:
The area between Tarpon Springs and Tampa Bay, or even further south, is very densely developed with many low drawbridges. This one was just high enough for us to clear without it opening:
The more modern bridges are much higher and less ugly. This is the bridge from the mainland to Clearwater Beach:
It was an exact replica of Columbus' ship, Nina!
It is hard to believe that dozens of people crossed the uncharted Atlantic Ocean on an identical boat!
As we left the marina area, this tour boat was headed in the narrow channel:
Here is a good example of what developers have done in the area:
Other property on the inland side is pretty impressive also. This is a "single family dwelling", one of many throughout this area. This whole area is such a contrast to the total lack of development along the Tenn-Tom Waterway:
In other places along the way there are canals dug back into the land. The houses sit on the land spits between the canals, and the residents then have "waterfront" property and a dock for their boat:
The next bridge was about 4" too low for us to clear safely, so we had to request an opening. Some of these bridges are "restricted," meaning they only open at given times, like every 20 minutes:
The so-called "bascule" bridges have huge gears that turn to make them rise. We always hope that machinery has been meticulously maintained:
As it approached, we couldn't figure out if this "pirate ship" was a tourist attraction or a private boat:
This angle displays its flags better; we decided it was a tour boat:
We haven't seen this before. This MacDonald's has its own dock for boating customers:
We never left the marina property. Supper aboard was relaxing and very good.
Position tonight: N27 48.230 W082 47.707
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