It was kind of comical when we were pulling into the marina, because no one could be reached on the radio. Our depth sounding alarms were going off and the soul voice we hailed was a fellow cruiser on his boat. He ran into the office to see if there was any dockhands available, because we had no idea where we were to berth the Summer Wind. Came out with three hands, all available, just had no radio on to hear our calls as they were having their morning coffee. Needless to say the first slip they assigned the boat was a small finger pier. Would have made getting on/off the boat an interesting feat, not only that the depth sounders were screaming and this wasn't completely low tide,, INTERESTING! So the Captain demanded to be put in another slip, which they did and very apologetically.
After getting the Summer Wind settled, we walked up to the office and lo and behold found another Heritage East for sale. No we weren't looking to trade our grand gal, we love her too much. The captain came out and talked with us for a bit, he unfortunately is selling his boat due to health reasons.It was very interesting because this boat was a year younger then Dick's and there was a great conversation on comparing boats.
Dick was very excited about showing me Dunedin, so later in the afternoon, after the chores were complete we picked up our rental car that he reserved for 2 days. Took a ride to find Strachan's homemade ice cream store. Still there and thriving. We know why, YUMMMMM!!!! Then drove around the area and found the restaurant Dick had a ball in. The Ozona Pig is frequented by "bikers" and when Dick was here by himself a few years back he ate dinner at the bar with many bikers. They were impressed with him to be living and traveling on this "big" boat by himself. Anyway we didn't go in but meandered over to Lucky Dill's which is the greatest NY deli. Walked out of there stuffed. Dessert was free but believe it or not we had to box it and take it back to the Summer Wind.
Day 2 we went to Tarpon Springs which is a nice little village of mostly Greek people. They still sponge dive off the coast and bring them back hanging on the boats to dry out. Every shop is selling sponges of all different shapes and sizes. Of course, you can't leave Tarpon Springs without an authentic Greek dinner. So in we went starting with a nice Greek wine and all different kinds of dips. Our entrees consisted of stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, gyros,,etc. Couldn't convince Elle to try the Octopus. Maybe another time. Again walked out with a doggy bag.
Before we returned the rental car we drove onto "Honeymoon" Island and walked the beach for a couple of hours shelling. Elle needs a bigger boat to carry all the shells she has collected.
Couldn't leave yet because, of course, Mother Nature wanted her turn. On the last day, Dick had his hair trimmed. While he was sitting in the chair I (Elle) met a very interesting gal, her name was Betty. Betty turned to me and said oh my your husband has very lovely hair, it looks nice and thick. Of course she was very right and I told her it was very soft as well. She then proceeded to open a hairdressing magazine and next thing she shows me a picture of a gal who is supposed to be show casing the hairstyle unfortunately her dress was barely there and opened almost to her navel and the cleavage was definitely altered. She then said to me, 'tell me the haircut is the first thing you notice, I don't know who they are trying to appeal.' I couldn't help but laugh. Let me tell you Betty is 92, impeccably coiffed even to be going to a salon and a true southern gal, however she said in her age, she's learned to speak her mind. She then said to me, that women wouldn't appreciate it if their men gave them glass instead of a very fine diamond, so why should a woman give a man silicone instead of her natural beauty. She was a wise woman and a true Georgia peach to get to know.
So one more day before we were to go to St. Petersburg, but that is another story.
The next morning we left for Clearwater. The winds were high and the trip was kind of rocky, but got there unscathed and thank all the (5) guys on the dock at the city marina for their help. Got a round of applause for not banging into anything as I maneuvered in. Not sure if I would have been able to get in to the slip without it. Note the boats in the clip below. That was one of the calmer days, can you imagine how much rockin and rollin occurred during the heavier winds. For the first 3 hours we couldn't get off the Summer Wind because the wind was holding us off the small finger pier. The tall boat in the background is the Summer Wind. 
Stayed in Clearwater 3 days, one of which we were picked up by Billy and Barbara Hajko and taken to their house for a lovely dinner. Amazingly I (Dick) have known them for almost 30 years and we are still friends LOLOL.
Sarasota is adorned with many statues, Greek gods,art deco, and statues representing times in history. You don't have to go to an art museum to appreciate them.
Sarasota brought back many memories for Dick for his in-laws lived on Lido Key. We took the trolley to St. Armand's circle where we walked and window shopped and ,of course, stopped for an ice cream, YUMMMM!!!! Also did a little walking on Lido beach where Dick shared stories.
