11/22/2010 TAMPA BAY

MONDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

ANOTHER MORNING WITH THE SUN COMING OUT TO PLAY

Getting the rental car this morning involved just a 30 minute walk and then we were rewarded with a little red Chevy. Today’s goal centered around finding replacement carpeting for the unloved off-white stuff that now covers the floors in Quest. After unsuccessfully checking out the local Lowe's carpet department, we did stumble upon a place that could accommodate our needs. Once we made our choice, the installer (Otha) said he would be at Quest to do the measurements so the order could be placed.

On our way back to the Quest we stopped at, yet another, West Marine to nose our way through its now familiar merchandise. Meager purchase paid for, we exited the store only to hear the awful sound of two motorcycles hitting and to see the drivers flying off. Dan ran to assist and I asked the West Marine manager to call 911. The guy really suffered no injuries but the lady on the other bike was out cold and had an obvious head injury. As she regained consciousness, we struggled to keep her down but she was groggily setting up when the fire truck and EMTs arrived. Both bikes were together and, it appears, the guy went to turn and the gal wasn’t paying attention and bumped his back tire. Neither rider had a helmet on and the girl is luck to be alive, I hope. Riders, wear helmets!!!!!!

Our ride back to Quest was a sober one as we counted our blessings.

This was not our only contact with the Tampa Fire Department today. Fortunately, our next encounter was benign and we enjoyed watching them maneuver their Fire Rescue Boat into the marina slip and tie up. Now we have the police boat and the fire boat in residence here at the marina. Guess we are in good hands.

TAMPA FIRE RESCUE BOAT

Tomorrow we are off to Vermont and will resume our life on Quest when we return. I will give a brief recap of our trip home when we return. We wish everyone a great Thanksgiving Holiday filled with loved ones, friends and lots of turkey.

BTW: New carpet next week!!!!!!

11/21/2010 TAMPA BAY

SUNDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

Larry from Tampa Water Taxi Co. (888-665-8687 and www.tampawatershuttle.com) arrived to shuttle us to the Marriott Hotel for a possible rental car pick up. Didn’t quite work out as we hoped as no cars were available until tomorrow morning but we had a great day seeing Tampa.

We strode Tampa’s River Walk, coming to the Tampa Bay Arena and home to the Lightening hockey team. This unlikely contender won the Stanley Cup in 2004. The 70” lightening sculpture was created by Borofsky and is not only a tribute to the team but also recognized Tampa’s title as the city that receives more lightening than any other city in the United States.

TAMPA'S RIVER WALK

LIGHTENING SCULPTURE AT ENTRANCE TO TAMPA BAY ARENA

The tallest building in Tampa, officially known as 100 North Tampa, reigns over the city with its pewter tinted glass and Spanish granite. What a beauty!

100 NORTH TAMPA

We were drawn by the minaret domes peeking over the tree tops so set off to explore the story of their heritage. What we found was the University of Tampa. The site was originally built by southern Florida railroad baron, Henry Plant, and was a resort destination in the 1880s. Never a huge success, it was sold then in 1930 it became part of the University of Tampa. What kid wouldn’t love this campus setting?

WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA

TOWERING PEAKS TWEEKING OUR INTEREST

MAGNIFICIENT DOORWAYS BECKON US TO ENTER

THE WINDOWS IN THIS ROUND BUILDING HAVE ROUNDED GLASS

After still more walking we decided to take advantage of Tampa’s historic street cars. Back to the Marriott Hotel where the line starts and off we go, headed to historic Ybro City (pronounced EE-borh). Founded in 1880 by cigar manufactures, this city was home to immigrants from Cuba, Spain and Italy that rolled millions of cigar each year for the next 50 years. Hard times during the depression and WW II led to the decline of this once thriving community. Interests in the importance of historic preservation and redevelopment have begun to bring this area back to life and it is emerging as night club and entertainment extension to Tampa.

ONE OF TAMPA'S HISTORIC STREETCARS



Image by State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr

CIGAR MAKERS IN YEARS GONE BY

After riding the streetcar as far back towards our destination as possible, we ended up hiking the rest of the way back to our marina home on Davis island. With weary feet, Dan stopped at the marina office to watch the end of the NASCAR race and I collapsed back on Quest.

We were happy to spend the evening onboard with our feet up watching the world pass by. Cruise ships sailed out, Sunday boaters cruised on by and the vigilant Police Boat was ever on the prowl.

11/20/2010 ST. PETE TO TAMPA BAY'S MARJORIE PARK MARINA

SATURDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 21 NM

Surprise, Surprise! We looked out the windows and found this poor sail boat broke loose from its mooring, grounded and up against the seawall after the night’s rough waters and tidal change. Sucks to be him! There didn’t appear to be anyone on the boat and no attempts were being made to rectify the situation by the time we pulled out around 11:30. Oops!

NOT A PRETTY SIGHT

While motoring out of Vinoy Bay and across the Greater Tampa Bay we skirted around a Saturday sailboat race. As we began entering the Hillsborough Bay that leads you to Tampa we passed huge tankers, cargo
ships and tugs.

SATURDAY SAILBOAT RACES

JUST STAY OUT OF MY WAY!

EMPTY AND HEADING BACK OUT TO SEA

WE ARE ONCE AGAIN SEEING TUG BOATS, NOT TOW BOATS

The lovely Tampa skyline welcomed us as we approached our home for the next couple of weeks, Marjorie Park Marina on Davis Island.  Dan, the weekend dock master, gave us a hand with the ropes and we nuzzled into our slip then secured all the ropes and fenders. We are right on the channel but it is a “No Wake Zone” and should be fairly calm. That said, n cocky, unsuspecting little boater went zipping by only to be chased down and apprehended by the Marine Police. They mean business here!

TAMPA SKYLINE

JOHNNY ON THE SPOT!!!



HOMES ON HARBOR ISLAND JUST ACROSS FROM OUR DOCK

  We had a great view of downtown Tampa and Harbor Island just across from us. The canal front homes, lined up shoulder to shoulder on neighboring Harbor Island, present an enticing view for our enjoyment.

MARJORIE PARK MARINA OFFICE

Just before sunset we watched this Carnival Cruise Ship working her way out to the Greater Tampa Bay from her mooring at the cruise ship terminal just the other side of Harbor Island. We could hear the passengers cheering in celebration of their departure and anticipation of the fun to come.

CARNIVAL CRUISERS READY TO PARTY

Dan made arrangements for Larry and his pontoon boat, water taxi to pick us up at 6:45 and take us to That’s Amore on Harbor Island. The short ride was enchanting with the twinkling lights on the big buildings in Downtown Tampa. We passed the lit up convention center, slipped under a low bridge and pulled right up to the restaurant. Opting to dine outside, we were able to watch the street’s activity and enjoy the Tampa lights. Our dinner was delicious, the recommended wine was super and the service was attentive and cheerful. The owners of this italian restaurant, Nicola and Kelly Zervas, are there to greet you. Nicola even entertains the guests with his crooning and piano playing. Any of you Loopers out there that end up here, give it a try.


Image by bwhistler via Flickr AERIAL VIEW OF TAMPA AT NIGHT

11/19/2010 A DAY IN ST. PETERSBURG

FRIDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

After watching the sun peek up over The Pier we dinked to shore and set out in search of a barber shop for Dan. Meandering around the city, we found just the right place for Dan. The barber lady had been cutting hair at this location for 31 years and did a real good job. Before Dan left she encouraged us to visit the Princess Martha just next door.

THE PRINCESS MARTHA

The Princess Martha, once a grand hotel, has housed the likes of Babe Ruth and Al Capone. This redbrick, neo-classical structure on First Ave. North was constructed in 1924 during the Florida Boom Era. It is now a senior living community that has retained the grace and charm of the original grand hotel.

THE ELEGANT ENTRY HALL AT THE PRINCESS MARTHA

Continuing on our walk we discovered the Mirror Lake Shuffle Board Club, purported to be the world’s largest. What do you think? Only in Florida!

WORLD'S LARGEST SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB

JUST A FEW OF THE COURTS



Image via Wikipedia

FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM



Next we hopped onto the St. Petersburg Trolley and took a quick tour of the town. We glimpsed the Florida Holocaust Museum, the beautiful round St. Mary’s Church, the Dali’ Museum (we explored this on a college visit a few years ago), University of Southern Florida, the open air U.S. Post Office, darling little Albert Whitted Airport with their new terminal, Al Lang Stadium, the Museum of Fine Arts and ended up at the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

Image via Wikipedia

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

The Museum of History held a wealth of information. We were entertained by exhibits on the hurricanes, early settlers, baseball in St. Petersburg, the effects of the war and the first official airline flight.

ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY

ONE OF THE SUNSHINE CITY'S FAMOUS GREEN BENCHES

It seems that a Mr. Tony Jannus began the airline industry by flying the first passenger between St. Petersburg and Tampa on 1914 in a Benoist XVI flying boat. And the rest, folks, is history.

BENOIST XIV FLYING BOAT BETWEEN TAMPA AND ST. PETE

The museum current featured collection is Jam Session, America’s Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World. I had no idea how much influence these traveling musicians had on history and to what extent they helped bridge the gaps between agitated countries. Entertainers such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck paved the way for peaceful talks between music loving leaders. Though music trends have changed over the years, this practice still exists.

Image by wwwebber via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

LOUIS ARMSTRONG

 After returning to Quest we took the dingy out into the Bay and tootled around a bit. We struck out around The Pier, stuck our nose into other marina areas, passed by the U.S. Coast Guard facility, saw the nearly finished new Dali’ Museum and motored by the huge marine science and research facility.

THE PIER

THE NEW DALI' MUSEUM, OPENING IN THE NEW YEAR

Arriving back on Quest just before sunset, we scurried to get gussied up then made our way to the Vinoy’s beautiful veranda for a relaxed cocktail and some great people watching. I think I really like this life!

SUNSETTING OVER ST. PETE

Image by ZarrSadus via Flickr

VINOY'S VERANDA

11/18/2010 FRENCHY'S IN CLEARWATER TO VANOY BASIN ANCHORAGE IN ST. PETERSBURG

THURSDAY


TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 33 NM


We ended our illicit night’s stay at Frenchy’s dock with little ado and no fanfare. With the gulls interrupted their morning primping to squawk a shrill adieu, we exited through the narrow maze and found our way into the ICW channel and then for St. Petersburg.

MORNING GROOMING

Today was filled with bridges. We passed under 10 of them with six of them opening for our passage. Most of them opened on request and we had to wait only a short time for those that had a set opening schedule.

PARK BOULEVARD BRIDGE

The dolphins were again joyous companions. They are so funny when they sidle up to the boat, tilt their body so they can see you then begin their performance. If you happen not to be watching at the side of the boat, they will slap their bodies on the water until you come out to watch and then periodically glance up to make sure you are still there.

FRISKY DOLPHIN

It is an eclectic mixture along here with some of the abodes really old school and some of the homes too, too dreamy. I loved the contrast of the old verses the new. Talk about a retirement haven!

THESE ARE BOTH REALLY OLD SCHOOL APARTMENTS IN FLORIDA

THESE ARE A LITTLE NEWER BUT STILL KIND OF OUTDATED

OK, HERE WE ARE WITH SOME OF TODAY'S SNAPPY NEWER BUILDING

OK, how many American Legion Halls do you know that command a view like this one. This is really big time!

AMERICAN LEGION HALL RIGHT ON THE WATER

This working man was out picking up his crab pots in order to keep all of us hungry folks happy. There were a lot of crabbers and commercial fishing boats making their runs.

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK

We continue to see gulls, cormorants and herons by the dozens with a few ospreys thrown in now too.

THE TYPICAL CORMORANT STANCE

NESTING HERON HIGH IN THE TREE TOP

After passing under our last bridge of the day we gazed out on the beautiful Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Now there’s a beauty!

SUNSHINE SKYWAY BRIDGE

Rounding the curve at Point Pinellas we began seeing St. Petersburg landmarks in the distance. The famous inverted triangle alerts you to the St. Petersburg Pier where you can find restaurants, shops and a small aquarium.

ST. PETERSBURG SKYLINE

THE PIER'S UNIQUE STRUCTURE

Dan expertly pulled into the Vinoy Basin and dropped anchor for the night. While visiting Eckerd College with Steven a few years back, we stayed in the pink Renaissance Vinoy Resort and fell in love with St. Petersburg.

THE RENAISSANCE VINOY HOTEL

A call from Jimmy alerted us that he had managed to clear up his schedule and was joining us on the Quest for the evening.  When he arrived, Dan picked him up in the dink and we quickly pulled up anchor and headed out into the Tampa Bay to watch the evening’s sunset. When we got far enough out we enjoyed the quiet solitude that accompanied the spectacular day’s end just bobbing around in the bay.  Darkness crept in on us then we motored back to our little Vinoy Basin and dropped anchor for the night.  After a little dinner on the boat and some more stimulating conversations, Dan ferried Jim back to shore.  It was so good to just hang out for an evening with an old friend!

JUST A SHORT "DINK" RIDE AWAY

JUST HANGING OUT

THE SINKING SUN

'NIGHT ALL

SKY LIT UP BEHIND ST. PETERSBURG