This morning we received a ride from the marina’s concierge van to the John and Mabel Ringling Art Museum and Estate in Sarasota, FL. It was expensive but quite impressive, well worth the admission price. The miniature circus lay out was huge. It took the creator over 50 years to put together, and it was very impressive. The home that John and Mabel lived in was also quite elaborate and impressive. John Ringling had also created a museum for art work that he had purchased over the years, he had some of the most impressive sculptures and works of art in the world.
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| Grandpa's new friend |
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| Minature figures at the Ringling Musume |
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| Grandma's new friends |
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| Mabel Ringling's Rose Garden |
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| Banyan trees. |
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| Ca' d'Zan Mansion Ringling's private home |
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| Ringling's Art Museum |
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| Owen checking out his feet? |
Saturday
We packed a small picnic lunch got down the bikes and headed over to Lido beach and St. Armands Circle. It was a nice ride and we had lunch on the beautiful white sand beach. We then went through the shopping district, it was very upscale so not a lot that was within our price range. Oh well, we will have to wait until we find and outlet mall. This island was planned by John Ringling and was laid out with all the streets before the depression set in. It wasn’t fully developed until after the war. It was quite busy with lots of fine dining restaurants in addition to all of the shops.
After we got back we launched the dinghy, poked around the marina, had a nice chat with Ken & Pat on 20 Bucks, another Looper who we had dinner with on Thanksgiving. We then went to tour some of the canals close to the marina. The homes in this area are very impressive.
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| Lido Beach |
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| V Day statue in Sarasota |
Sunday
We left Marina Jack before 8:00 am and went through Old Sarasota Pass, which was interesting to say the least. At one point a sign indicated that you should only be going through this area if you have
“ Local Knowledge” meaning that if you had not been their before with some one from the area, you should not be there now. Oh well, some one was looking out for us, plus it was low tide and you could pretty much see where you did not want to be. So we made it through safely, for this time.. We ran outside in predicted 0 – 2 footers which are much tamer than the Lake Michigan waves we are used to. More of a gentle roll. There were a lot of crab pots but very easy to dodge with minimal waves plus we had daylight. It was a very nice run and we appreciated it even more once we went inside on the intercoastal and were subjected to lots of wakes from other power boats on the intercoastal, we concluded the large number of boats was due to the fact that it was a sunny Saturday.
We decide to pass on another big marina and spent the night at Cabbage Key. It is a resort dating back to the 1930’s The restaurant has thousands of dollar bills pasted to the walls and ceilings Some estimates are as high as $50,000 dollars worth. The story is that years ago fishermen would leave a dollar bill in exchange for a COLD beer on their safe return. We climbed an old water tower that had a great view of the area, took a hike on a nature trail and then took the dinghy out to explore a neighboring island. After a great dinner at the marina restaurant it was early to bed ( no cable TV).
“ Local Knowledge” meaning that if you had not been their before with some one from the area, you should not be there now. Oh well, some one was looking out for us, plus it was low tide and you could pretty much see where you did not want to be. So we made it through safely, for this time.. We ran outside in predicted 0 – 2 footers which are much tamer than the Lake Michigan waves we are used to. More of a gentle roll. There were a lot of crab pots but very easy to dodge with minimal waves plus we had daylight. It was a very nice run and we appreciated it even more once we went inside on the intercoastal and were subjected to lots of wakes from other power boats on the intercoastal, we concluded the large number of boats was due to the fact that it was a sunny Saturday.
We decide to pass on another big marina and spent the night at Cabbage Key. It is a resort dating back to the 1930’s The restaurant has thousands of dollar bills pasted to the walls and ceilings Some estimates are as high as $50,000 dollars worth. The story is that years ago fishermen would leave a dollar bill in exchange for a COLD beer on their safe return. We climbed an old water tower that had a great view of the area, took a hike on a nature trail and then took the dinghy out to explore a neighboring island. After a great dinner at the marina restaurant it was early to bed ( no cable TV).
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| Passport at Cabbage Key |
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| Too bad all those dollars were pasted to the ceiling very well. |
Monday
We had thought that we would try to stay on Sanibel Island today, but they did not have any room so we headed to Legacy Marina in Ft. Meyers and after a fairly short day arrived at about 2 PM. We encountered a lot of boats along the intercoastal today. Cannot imagine how busy it is on a summer weekend day. Most of them do not know what their wake does to a slow trawler like ours. Especially the big Sea Ray that passed us and knocked every thing about in the cabin. They say that you are responsible for your wake but I’m not sure if most care about that. Any way we are happy to be here. Another Looper, Bob and Linda from Erika Lin stopped by in their dinghy as were washing all the salt off the boat. Took a little walk and watched a lovely sunset before dinner. The windows are still open at 9 pm and it is Jan. 9th, what could be bad.
Hope the New Year is off to a great start for you all. On a personal note as Paul Harvey would say John and I would like to send out a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Christy who has her ?? birthday on January 10th, wish we could be home to help you celebrate and sure hope that it is a happy one.
Love you all,
Mary and John
( Mom and Dad)
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