The Clearwater Harbor Marina is pretty basic, but well kept, with floating docks and gated security. They discourage live-aboards, so we met only a few people who came down to work on their boats or take them out for a day cruise. The resident pelicans, egrets, and herons proved to be a bit of nuisance with their poor toilet habits.
We got a car from Enterpise and enjoyed some time with daughter Melisa and family who live in St. Petersburg, which was about 30-45 minutes away, depending on traffic. She introduced us to shuffleboard at a real nice facility in old St. Pete that must of had over 50 courts.
For New Years Eve we joined Melisa, her husband Ernesto, and grandson Aslan on their sailboat for wine and take-out sushi while at anchor in Tampa Bay just offshore of downtown St. Pete. They held a fireworks show around 8 pm that was real special from the water.
Angie's youngest daughter, Sara, came to visit during her break from school. We had too many boat projects to complete so we never had time to go for a cruise. We found out one of our A/C units needed replaced, bought new rugs, and arranged for maintenance while we're away. But we enjoyed being together and found a few fun things to do. The Clearwater Aquarium was only a few minutes away.
As was the Clearwater Beach, with miles of soft white sand and mild rolling waves. Parts were crowded, but plenty of open stretches as well. Several good restaurants nearby.
A fog rolled in later one day giving the place a surreal feeling.
We left Clearwater on Jan 6 and flew home to Durango. Besides catching up on various home/work chores, we will go on a 2 week sailing vacation with friends to Guadaloupe later in the month. We plan to return to Happy Daze in March to continue our loop journey.
