The Pace of a Turtle

We left SCYC in Fort Myers three weeks ago. Perhaps you have noticed this trip has been VERY different from past journeys, as we SLOWED down the pace, traveling relatively short distances and often stopping for three days at a time, rather than the typical one or two day visit. It is amazing to enjoy the pace of a turtle. Fun fact – Capt. Rick named the boat engines Myrtle and J.D. Turtle. Like my brother Sam‘s tractors, John Deere is strong and steady.

Here’s a throwback photo I took on our 2019 Bahama cruise with Tonto’s Reward.

The three musketeers were reunited in Saint Petersburg, FL. Check out this night shot! Yes, a similar photo is in Gail’s blog. It was a beautiful evening.

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club house dates back to 1917.

Notice the figurehead at the entryway – to me it’s a little creepy. For Finny: that’s the female carving that could be found at the bow of a wooden sailing vessel; it was common in the 18th and 19th centuries. This club is going to demolish and replace the clubhouse, will they keep the old girl?

Say Hello, Dalí

St. Pete’s is home to an exquisite museum. I loved it, but it’s okay if you are not so keen on his art.

Salvadore Dalí (1904-1989), a Spanish surrealist artist, was incredibly prolific with his original works. We can thank Reynolds and Eleanor Morse for their obsession with his works, dating back to 1942. In the early 70’s, Dalí cut the ribbon on their original museum, displayed in Beachwood, Ohio. With approval from Dalí, the extensive collection moved to Clearwater Florida in 1982, a very good year for Mija.

The Florida collection includes 96 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings, 1,300 graphics, photographs, sculptures, and objets d’art, plus an extensive archival library.

I have always loved this piece! Right, Zach!?!

For me, his early work was surprising.

Clearwater Yacht Club

Saying goodbye to the Turkes in St. Pete’s, our next port was Clearwater, yet another club under renovation.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo, live music and good food!

Look Past Commodore Greg, Double popcorn – this club has two machines, upstairs and down!!

Throughout the downtown area we found dolphin statues.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

While the boys hung out poolside, Gail and I explored the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), the primary organization for sea turtle rescue, rehab, and release in the Clearwater, FL area.

Since 2010, the CMA has rescued over 1,600 sea turtles. Florida’s sea turtle nesting season generally runs from March 1 through October 31.

Fun stuff for Heather and Maaaack – If you want to know more about the strength and resilience of a turtle, check out Turtle Odyssey (2018), a 45-minute Australian documentary, narrated by Russell Crowe – now that’s a delightful Aussie voice! The film, shown at the CMA, tracks the movements of a green sea turtle named Bunji; it was estimated, over the span of 25 years, she produced more than 1,000 baby turtles. No birth control for sure.

More fun exhibits at CMA included these neon Glofish Tetra.

A massive Kraken for Caryl

and a little columbian red tailed boa for all you snake haters, you know who you are!

We now pause with sad news from our boating friends Tim and Tracy Harris – 2022 NP 45 Pilothouse, M/V Golden Ours,

and Jeffrey and Dr. Patty North – 2023 NP 49 Euro, M/V Lady North.

Both couples have decided it is time to let someone new enjoy their beautiful North Pacific yachts. Parting is such sweet sorrow. If you are in the market for a boat check this link – they are both GREAT trawlers.

Celebrating Milestones: May 7, Ray and Caryl’s anniversary; May 8, Danielle Ginsburg hit the big 40!; May 11, Michele May Jackson.

Sunday, May 11 is Mother’s Day. Tyler, are you making breakfast for your mom? W know you know how! :-) Flowers for Morgan and Gibby.

Our next post will include Carlouel Yacht Club – for those of you counting Florida Council Clubs that equals 11 so far!! Then on to Tarpon Springs to find some sponges. Thinking of you Jim and Susan :-)