Days 96-98 – 1/6-8/2024

Starting location: St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, St. Petersburg, FL

Weather: mid 50s am, mid 70s pm, torrential rain overnight to mostly sunny by evening – Saturday 1/6. Mid 50s am, mid 60s pm, light rain to partial sun – Sunday 1/7. Mid 50s am, mid 60s pm – Monday 1/8

Ending location: Tampa Convention Center Transient Docks, Tampa, FL

Statute miles: Approximately 22

General summary: Motored East back to the ICW from Caladesi Island, then South through protected waters, and then turned North in somewhat choppy waters to St. Petersburg, arriving in afternoon. Tied up in municipal marina and walked about downtown. Lots of chic stores and restaurants. No chains – all local, we’re told. Grassy waterfront parks. Torrential rain overnight, nearly to the point of swamping the boat, then cleared by late morning. Checked out Saturday market (farm produce, crafts, food) and had fish tacos from a food truck. 😋 Then walked to the Salvador Dali museum. This museum asserts they have the largest collection of his works in the world. Even the building’s design is intended to reflect his style. Docent-led tour really added to the experience. There is a thriving arts district here and many more art museums. Did more walks and re-provisioning on Sunday. Left Monday when winds died down enough to enter Tampa Bay safely.

Boater information: St. Petersburg Marina is in the heart of downtown. Easy walk to restaurants, shopping, groceries, Dali museum and many other art museums. Fixed piers. Has power, water, gas, pump out, laundry, showers, bathroom. Facilities are on the older side, but clean. Music from restaurants and riverfront venues was deafening Friday and Saturday nights until the wee hours. Stopped Sunday by 10pm.