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<\/a><\/p>\nDeparting Bradenton FL we crossed Tampa Bay and made a short passage to St Petersburg.<\/p>\n
St Petersburg skyline framed by Magnolia bow pulpit.<\/p>\n We anchored in Vinoy Basin which is a wonderful mooring field as long as the wind is NOT from the east\u2026.from the east, well its like anchoring inside a Maytag during the agitation cycle!<\/p>\n Out friend Ty & Suzanne came down from The Villages. They are the ones responsible for taking us for out first boat ride. The full story is detailed here: http:\/\/a2baker.com\/magnoliablog\/?p=2295<\/a>\u00a0They have always been there to offer help and they even provided refuge during hurricane Irma. Thank you again and always Ty & Suzanne!<\/p>\n A wonderful shot of Magnolia taken by a fellow boater.<\/p>\n Our friend John and his brother Marty use to keep their sailboat Escapade in the slip next to Magnolia-M in Galesville, MD. Since our departure both brothers have relocated to FL along with Escapade. It was a great night hanging with John and there family friend Pat on exile from her iced over home in Illinois!<\/p>\n You may not see them, but those were the best BLTs I have eaten anywhere anytime. Fabulous! (Tiki St Pete Beach)<\/p>\n We have been members of the Seven Sea Cruising Association for a number of years, but have not been able to attend a GAM in a couple. Lucky for us\u00a0 there was one scheduled in St Pete.<\/p>\n We always appreciate a little weather lesson from our weather guru Chris Parker. He was recently promoted to Chief Forecaster!<\/p>\n We planned an easy several day passage to CayoCosta State Park to celebrate Valentines Day.<\/p>\n Departing St Pete and heading down Tampa Bay we approach the beautiful Sunset Skyway Bridge. We always take a moment though to consider the terrible tragedy that occurred here in 1980! (http:\/\/www.fox13news.com\/wtvt-archive\/1980-sunshine-skyway-bridge-tragedy<\/a>)<\/p>\n And now to out nuisance hour\u2026that is the Tom Adams bridge\u2026that is down\u2026as in broken down\u2026as in for several days.\u00a0 Lucky for us our mast now folds down with just a little bit of effort. We dropped the hook, lowered the mast and were able to safely past underneath the next morning.<\/p>\n The Admiral stated she wanted 2 NON-workdays at the beach which being a wise Captain I ensured she received!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our friends on Amici arrived the night before we departed so were able to get in a brief visit and celebratory happy hour.<\/p>\n Our next stop was to Sanibel Island. We had never been there before and our friends from Acadia so that was more than enough reason for a stop by.<\/p>\n Our friends Tim & Diane rolled out the welcome mat and even shared Dianes Birthday celebration. A swell time had by all!<\/p>\n Next stop Cape Coral for some dress shopping\u2026.yup, dress shopping!<\/p>\n Our ships photographer, Michele Watson took this photo during their most recent visit . Departing Bradenton FL we crossed Tampa Bay and made a short passage to St Petersburg. St Petersburg skyline framed by Magnolia bow pulpit. We anchored in … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"