Captain Aedan was in his element today crossing Tampa Bay at 15+ knots with lots of spray. Very exciting that the engine is going well - fingers crossed. Finally Nana got a great snap of the Dolphin along the way. Families everywhere frolicking along side IE. Arrived at the beautiful SPYC where we can stay for three nights which means we will be here for Lighting of the Yachts and the boat parade. We are very thankful to John the Dockmaster. A beautiful walk along the Pier with dinner reservations for 7pm.
A very stern looking Nandad! The inside of the club is beautifully decorated.
December 7th Friday Nana and Nandad decided to take the Providencetown ferry to Tampa - it did seem a little odd but obviously the ferry comes to St Pete’s for the winter months. It was a great day for a trip across the Tampa Bay. The busiest pier I have every seen with so many barges and tugs. Lots of construction going on in the city so they have made the trolley ride downtown free. It also seemed strange as the ferry dropped you at the Aquarium and many security persons made sure you did not linger at the museum. We spent the day visiting the Henry Plant Museum which is at the Tampa University and used to be called The Tampa Bay Hotel - a very luxurious hotel for the wealthy which took three years to build at a cost of 3 million in 1891. It operated as a hotel for forty years. We had a great lunch at the University Campus which was delicious. A quite evening on the boat with a nice dinner onboard. Lots of sounds from the city where celebrations were taking place for first Friday.
Saturday Dec 8th. Well the early bird catches the worm here at St Pete’s. Before 8am the City Trail is busy with bikers, walkers,& runners. The town swimming pool is jam packed with some regatta taking place. People are working out at the outdoor gym in the park, the tennis courts are full and players are getting ready to play volleyball. After breakfast onboard Nana and Nandad set out for the Chihuly Museum on Central St has a spectacular selection of his glass work and a wonderful video of his ongoing accomplishments around the world. We attend a glass blowing exhibition at the Morean Arts Center which was fascinating- a very complicated and skilled art.
After a wonderful lunch at 400 Beach Club we hopped on the looper which took us on a very fast loop around the city. Once again IE took part in the Lighting of the fleet - thanks to a donation from John - joined in the cocktail hour at the dock and admired the boats that went to a lot of effort to decorate their boats. Nana and Nandad will need to be better prepared for next year. Great dinner at the bar at SPYC where the jazz group were getting ready to entertain.
Sunday December 9th a very cold, stormy, rainy day so IE will stay at SPYC one more day and head to Clearwater tomorrow. A decision was made to head to indoor activities so a visit to the MFA where we heard a wonderful chorus group and admired their fabulous art displays. After a trip to the Sundial AMC to watch A Star is Born - a box of tissues would definitely help for the end of this movie. Lots of popcorn, soda, and M&M’s left little room for dinner. Oh the advantage of being right downtown.
looks like you are having a great time. We are jealous. Have fun
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