Longboat Key, Florida

Monday November 26th we arrived into The Moorings at Longboat Key Club.  Our plans were to spend the week here.  It is a beautiful resort with several golf courses, a large tennis facility, and multiple restaurants.  Their marina is on Sarasota Bay with easy access from the Intracoastal Waterway.  On Monday, the day we arrived, there was thick fog.  I hate fog.  We could not see the marina entrance until we were right in front of it.  Thank goodness for electronics and radar.  There was a nice breeze on Monday and we thought that the fog would eventually lift; however it remained foggy all day. 

Tuesday the fog lifted and you could see around the marina

Over the course of the week Keith and I biked around some of the property and I was able to get in some kayaking.

Pengi enjoying Sarasota Bay.  He was a bit warm in his Christmas scarf.

Downtown Sarasota in the back round

We kayaked along the mangroves.  The view is certainly different than the North Channel in Canada

Pengi in the Mangroves

Good friend Pete Ferrara has his boat "Endless Summer" here in Longboat for the winter.  Captain Pete came from Orlando to spend a few days and Pete and Keith played golf on two days. The weather was a bit chilly on their golf days, but I think they still had a good time.

View over the golf course that was alongside the marina

We had two wonderful meals with Captain Pete.  "The Dry Dock" for dinner on Tuesday evening and "Shore" on Wednesday evening.  These were definitely treats and we thank Captain Pete for picking these spots and setting everything up.

There was some routine engine maintenance we had done while in Longboat.  As all those who own boats know, mechanics on your boat often is a source of frustration; and this was no exception.  The work was completed however and all is well with Southern Style.

Saturday December 8th Keith and I went to the beach side of the resort.  We walked the beach and had lunch at the pool.

View looking up the beach and back at the resort's beach area

Looking unsuccessfully for shark teeth.  I will find one eventually.

We had a great time while in Longboat.  I could have stayed longer, but it was time to keep moving on.  Sunday December 9th we will do chores as the weather is supposed to be rainy.  Then Monday we are off toward Venice, Cabbage Key and the Cayo Costa State Park there.  We plan to anchor for two days at the state park.  Pengi and I are excited and hoping for good weather to kayak.