schedule added more time to the trip. Interesting sites and beautiful homes. Arrived in downtown Sarasota at 5:30. Good thing we didn’t have to go under the Ringling Bridge, north of the anchorage. They had a malfunction that stopped both boat and auto traffic for several hours just in time for rush -
hour. We were only a short dinghy ride to a lovely park with, what looked like, an outdoor bar with live music. Wayne wanted burgers on the boat. Never went ashore what could have been an interesting, fun evening turned out to not be a pleasant night at all. Shame, I’ve heard all his stories about cruising, stopping here & there to explore new areas, meeting people. I was looking forward to that. Tuesday, March 19th Anchor up at 8am cruised the ICW & went “outside” through Longboat Pass. Looked like a really nice area and, like Matanzas Pass, had a public park
& lovely beach on either side of the pass. This is a picture of a shrimp boat taken through our binoculars. Neat, huh? Back “in” through John’s Pass 
on Treasure Island. Another quaint area with open area bars, restaurants and shops but only enjoyed looking at them through the binoculars. Arrived at Elaine’s at 
3:00 & rafted next to HALLELUJAH (a 44' DeFever-we love them). It was good to see George & Elaine again & felt very welcomed. The fuel truck delivered 288.7 gallons at $1.10/gal totaling $339.80.
3:00 & rafted next to HALLELUJAH (a 44' DeFever-we love them). It was good to see George & Elaine again & felt very welcomed. The fuel truck delivered 288.7 gallons at $1.10/gal totaling $339.80. 
Chatted, toured her stunning home then had a delicious steak dinner. Wednesday, March 20th The boys quickly became engrossed in boat talk & computers. George’s new lap top/note book arrived so they spent most of the day exchanging ideas & programs. Elaine and I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond. My mission was to get a lightweight comforter & duvet. Managed to get those things 
plus a decorative pillow & new place mats. Took Elaine to Bennegan’s for snack and Margaritas. Couldn’t wait to see how the new bedding looked. Takes time to adjust to change. Wayne was noncommittal about the bed but liked the place mats. Boys were still wrapped up with the damn computer. Playing phone tag with my friend, Jack. Need to know what to do about meeting him this weekend in Terre Verdi where his boat is docked. Lexie may also visit for the weekend while there. Forgot to put something out for dinner so we went to Caddy’s, an open bar & restaurant right on the beach. Terrible service (actually no service-left $.40 tip) and food just so-so but great live oldies music and wonderful company made for a pleasant evening. Anxious to try the new comforter. As luck would have it, it was the warmest night we had since leaving & no breeze so we were too hot. For some reason, Wayne couldn’t sleep and was up several hours. Had salon lights on which shine in the cabin, worked on computer & flushed the toilet, all of which woke me up several times. Guess he ‘forgot’ he wasn’t alone. (Remember the “Gods” from the Bahamas trip?* *Theerrre Baaaack!) Wayne always says, “don’t expect too much-you’ll be disappointed”. It’s so negative & I hate it, but he’s apparently oh-so right. Thursday, March 21st. I was wide-awake at 7am with severe back pain. It was overcast, hazy,
damp & cool. I took a long walk to the beach with camera in hand. Took some ‘artsy’ pictures. Returned, took Molly for a long walk. He was still sound asleep. I tip toed around, worked on my pictures and he finally rallied at 10:00. Quiet, uneventful, and restful day. “Boys” are still playing with the blasted computer! Elaine’s daughter-in-law visited with her very tiny Yorkie named Lexie. She 
wanted her to play with another small dog. They had 5 adults mesmerized by their antics. They tore around all over the house, slip-sliding on the tile floors. It was hilarious. Phone tag continues with
Jack. He was in New York, now home. Called Lexie (not the dog) and let her know where we were. Pork dinner and lively conversation. Bed at midnight. Comforter was a great ‘comfort’ as it turned cold and windy. 
Friday, March 22nd Wayne up before 7am & now I’m wide awake too. Long pants and jacket weather, cold and steady north wind. Downloaded pictures and caught up on the log. Wayne and George out to copy the Map Tech manual. Finally reached Jack then called his marina. No vacancies yet but $1.75/foot/night. Maybe we’ll just anchor out south of Shell Key. Said good byes to George & Elaine and left at 2pm.
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