Offshore to Sarasota

Our fuel filters were NOT clogged! The fuel pump is fine...the fuel looks good...the injectors are all fine...but there was a clump of "something" in the fuel line, between the tank and the Racor filter, partially blocking the fuel. The port engine was working fine so we connected the port fuel line onto the starboard engine, and it ran just fine, with full power! We used an air compressor to "blow out" the starboard line...and we even heard a small "thump" as a small mass landed in the small portable fuel tank. Problem solved! We will not let our main tank get below half-full before transferring fuel, and will see about getting the tank cleaned out.

Tuesday, November 13th, was the twins'...Will and Caroline's...sixth birthday. And with all systems go, we went out the Clearwater Pass, heading to their home on Siesta Key, in Sarasota. We have done the ICW in that stretch many times, and since the small waves and wind would be behind us, we had a great cruise down the coast. We came in through Longboat Pass and headed to Sarasota Bay, cruising 16-17 knots the entire time!
                                     

                                

When we passed this dock on Jewfish Key, we reminisced about the very first night we spent totally on our own, on Snow Cat, at this dock, before the house was built. It belongs to a friend of Jeff's...and he was so kind to let us stay there and get used to all the new systems on the boat, back in Dec. 2005. We've come a long way since then......

Another pirate ship....

 Downtown Sarasota

The Ringling Bridge over Sarasota Bay

Another sunset just as we were approaching Siesta Key

Will beat Caroline blowing out the candles! Friday is the big, family party!

We left Florida last April....and I'm still wondering why Don needs all these reading glasses within three square feet of each other????? There are more in the stateroom!