On to Burnt Store Marina

Monday, 18 March 2013

Omission, before I talk about today, I forgot to include a couple of items from Sunday.  Our route took us through Tampa Bay.

Approaching the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge



Under we go!

The Coast Guard was broadcasting that a moving security zone would be in place beginning at 1600 hours while a cruise ship moved out to sea from the Tampa Cruise Ship terminal so we were in quite a hurry to get out of the way before we were shut down for a couple of hours.  We were successful.  Now, back to today.

Under way again, today headed to Burnt Store Marina, located in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. About 58 miles by water, we traveled through the Venice Florida area. Many, many, many high dollar homes and condo developments along the waterway and recreational boat traffic is increasing with many boats piloted by not so skilled or courteous skippers.  The first thing we encountered after getting underway was the U.S. Corps of Engineers Dredge Murdock. I hailed him on the radio to coordinate passing instructions and he advised me that the channel was 100 feet wide and he was using the right hand 50 feet of it, so I should pass close alongside.  It is quite a vessel!

It is dredging sand up from underneath itself and depositing it in the interior of the ship.   The channel clearly needed it since we showed only 4 feet of water.

Soon after passing through the Venice area, we received a severe thunderstorm alert warning of "deadly air to sea lightning" so we headed to the nearest marina to park next to something taller than us.  We found the Palm Island Marina and called them for tie up instructions. They were most helpful.  This marina is located in Englewood, Florida and must have been the favorite place for lunch and extended lunches on this coast.  It was packed.  After a hour, it quit lightning and the rain had eased up so we got under way once again.

This was the last obstacle blocking our access to Charlotte Harbor.

It opens on the half hour and hour, so after a 9 minute wait we were through.

We arrived at the Burnt Store Marina about 1800 hours and were met by Beth's brother Dave and his friend Patt.  Once secured, we moved to the marina lounge for celebratory stuff.