Crossing Our Wake -- Part A

Days 206 |  Madiera Beach to Palmetto  |  5.7 Hours  |  29 Miles  

Shortly after 8:00 we cast off from Miss Utah and held station as Chris raised and washed their anchor before getting underway. We led the way south down the GICW and into to some very skinny water. The posted signs, our depth gauge, and the visible sandbars all reinforced the fact that there was not much water to spare.

As our day progressed, things began looking up. The bridges opened promptly upon request. Large Christmas trees and palm trees were frequent sights along the shore. The Treasure Island Bridge was notable for its ornate columns.

The Corey Causeway Bridge was being worked on and only the East-side span opened. This made for an interesting trip through as we had to hug the left fender instead of our usual track right down the center. We exited into Tampa Bay and got our first look at the majestic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Miss Utah veered off to the east as we said our goodbyes, passed under the approach to the bridge, and headed to Marjorie Park Marina in Tampa. We continued to parallel the bridge, crossed the mouth of Tampa Bay, and entered the Manatee River.

At this point the dolphins joined us and put on quite a show with their high-flying acrobatics. As we neared Riviera Dunes Marina we heard a familiar voice on the radio -- that of Debbie on Bucket List. We came into the marina, tied up, and were pleasantly surprised to find she and Ron docked just behind us. We had met them in Norfolk last May and traveled with them many times along the way. They crossed their wake (completed the Loop) a few weeks ago. We were able to peel off a few layers of Cold Gear and enjoy the sunshine for a couple of hours.

Today was actually a big day as Barry and Crossroads technically crossed their wake. Riviera Dunes was the home to Crossroads, then known as Penguin Crossing, when we purchased her back on June 23, 2016. We celebrated him crossing his wake with some nice Prosecco as the sun set on the day.

We will officially claim our Gold Looper burgee when we return to Virginia in late spring, for that is when I will have completed the whole circuit. Back in 2016, Barry cut across Lake Okeechobee to the east coast. After Christmas we will head all the way down the west coast to the Keys and then over to the Bahamas. These new destinations should keep him interested.