Arrival in Bradenton/Tampa.....
Ananda
Ron Welch
Thu 30 Dec 2010 17:38
After a thirty mile or so weave through more of the west coast crab pot mine fields we entered Tampa Bay carefully crossing the shallows between Egmont Key and Mullet Key (5 and 1/2 ft) in warm weather with partly sunny skies. Cutting directly across the bay (a couple of hours) we sailed into the mouth of the Manatee River, turned at marker 22 and arrived at Twin Dolphin Marina, giving one short blast of the air horn we tied up at the fuel dock and were met by our dear friend Lyle. We topped of the tank and pulled into a familiar slip on dock C. A home coming for Ananda and her crew.(This is the marina where she was purchased and became part of the family) Within the next few hours we were reaquatinted with all the friendly familiar folks we had left behind in May, and met some new friends. Hot showers in their lovely facilities and a wonderful meal at the harbor restaurant finished out an incredible day and without the alarm set, we drifted off to sleep smiling and content the "shake-down cruise" is complete.
Sent from Sharon