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