Loop Complete, Now Gold Loopers

Dunedin to St Petersburg

We put on our best green T-shirts to join in the St Patrick's Day celebrations but there was not a flute, pipe, fiddle or any Irish dancing to be seen. There were some green lights but the music was doof doof pumping stuff & very loud & just some wobbling around for dancing so we had an ice cream instead. The three days we spent there were windy with choppy waters & decreasing temperatures. One day the forecast was for thunder storms, lightning, waterspouts, & hail out in the gulf. The night before we left we had a good night at “Frenchy's Outpost” restaurant just a short walk down the road– very busy, colourful, good food & good live music. We have noticed that in the south the people seem willing to spend the time of day with strangers – Colin often wanders off in the marina and disappears for over an hour. My simple greeting of “mornin' “ is often replied to with something like “well you all have a good day now young lady”& I'm 20 yards away before the greeting is complete. But I like the young lady bit.

The next morning we headed for St Petersburgh where we would cross our wake & complete the loop. Despite a poor weather forecast we had an easy, windless, calm day cruising along the ICWW on the west coast of Florida and once again we noted the proliferation of pink & peach palaces & pads that are typical of Florida. (Did you like that alliteration?) We arrived at St Petersburgh Yacht Marina about 1.30pm where our friends & brokers Shar & Bob had arranged a slip for us & a temporary membership card. It is very pleasant, upmarket with all facilities & three restaurants. We had lunch & champagne there to celebrate our completion of the Loop.

WE HAD COMPLETED THE LOOP -

on 20^th March 2016 after leaving here 14^th May 2015.

Vital statistics are Statute miles completed 5324 (nautical miles 4630.).

Passing through 115 locks and under 380+ bridges.

Engine Hrs 682 Hrs

Diesel used 1668 gallons aprox 2.44 galls per hour including generator use.

Av price per gallon, about $2.50 or $4170.00 for trip. Less than $1.00 per mile.

Done in two parts – approx 7 months for the first part & just under a month for the second.

St Petersburgh is a lovely city – beautiful buildings, great museums including The Dali art museum that we saw last time. There are many squares enhanced with sculpture, art works & lights at night, waterfront parks & a huge variety of eating places. Everything is within walking distance of the marina.