Day 104 – 1/14/24

Starting location: Anchorage behind spit at Desoto Point, East side of Tampa Bay on Manatee River, FL

Weather: High 40s am, low 60s pm, overcast.

Ending location: Mooring ball at Marina Jacks, Sarasota, FL. Approximately MM 73 on GICW.

Statute miles: Approximately 15

General summary: Somewhat choppy night, as wind had shifted a bit to our exposed East, but anchor held well. Did another walk on shore in the morning at DeSoto Point, then pulled up anchor and started motoring to Sarasota. Pretty bad chop for about a mile as we went back into Tampa Bay, but this resolved as soon as we turned back into the ICW. Followed the channel to Sarasota, which was occasionally pretty shallow (saw 3.5 feet) but we never touched bottom. Much better in Sarasota Bay. Had made a reservation for a mooring buoy with Marina Jacks. They have a huge area outside the marina with mooring balls for up to 100 boats of various sizes. Tied up at fuel dock first and got gas & water, then moved to mooring bouy #25. We were fortunate to get one near shore, both for the distance to dinghy to land and for distance from boat wake. We had heard that could be bad and weren’t too bothered by it in that location. Another Looper couple we have run into on several stops saw us coming in an radioed us. Agreed to meet for dinner at a local hot spot, Owen’s Fish Camp. Place had tons of character. It was already packed when we got there at 5. Although it was a bit chilly, there was room in their back patio so we sat there. Cocoa was allowed to join! Limited menu outside but got beer, lobster rolls, bbq shrimp. Had boiled peanuts as an appetizer for the first time – really tasty.

Dinghied back to boat in the dark and had a quiet and restful night.

Boater information: Marina Jacks has a very well appointed marina – gas, power, water, showers, laundry. There is a gift shop. Walk to all you need. The large mooring field is the first we’ve seen on our loop. 100 mooring balls, for boats of various lengths. About 1/3 the price of a slip. You can use the showers and laundry in the marina building, though it is a fairly long dinghy ride there and the dinghy dock was packed. There is a small beach area where you can land a dinghy close by and walk on a paved riverfront area. Have to tie off to a rock or mangrove branch.