November 9, 2003

We left Lakewood Yacht Club for St Petersburg and parts east.

With John McBride and Roy and Carol Defee as crew. We caught several nice Mahi Mahi and actually sailed for a while.
November 15, 2003
After two days at sea we pulled into Port Fourshon LA to buy fuel and a case of fuel filters. From there it was on toward St Pete. After more fuel problems and high winds especially entering Mobile Bay, we anchored in Ingram Bayou pictured at right. A welcomed site. We had a super dinner watched the Dolphins play and just enjoyed the sunset with a little Rum and Tonic. That is apparently the official drink of cruisers - so we did and will do as the cruisers do.
From Ingram Bayou we headed down the ICW to Pensacola. Some of the pretiest water we have seen so far and certainly nothing like the ICW we were used to between Galveston and Port A.
November 17, 2003

We arrived in St Petersburg and took a slip at the Vinoy-Renaissnace Resort Marina. We spent two wonderful months there making final preparations for the cruise. St Petersburg is one of the most cruiser friendly places we have found, everything was within a short bicycle ride and Christmas in the park and around the harbor was fanatastic. Although we left all lights and decorations at home Rita was able coax the girls into bringing the lights with them from Texas - thus the decorated boat.
We met some great new friends while in St. Pete and the staff at the Vinoy - Marina were incredible.
While in St Pete we visited Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. The Pelicans at Clearwater were almost like pets at feeding time.