Crow's Nest Marina, Venice, Florida

Looked like this houseboat had just sunk

These men are putting down crab pots

We have moved on, after sitting for over a month in Bradenton. We loved Bradenton, could easily have stayed longer, but there are other places to see and things to do. We left early this morning in sunshine, temperture was cool but quite pleasant. We came out of the Manetee River into the Gulf Intra-Coastal Waterway, through Anna Maria Sound, Sarasota Bay, Little Sarasota Bay and on to the Venice Inlet and Crow's Nest Marina. There are several bridges along that route, 4 had to be opened for us. As we travelled, the whole route was lined with beautiful homes, many of which had docks either along the ICW or in canals up beside the houses, with their boats either tied up or often up on lifts. The route was also lined with crab pots, most outside of the channel but a few strayed into our narrow channel. We just had to watch closely. People have asked us what a crab pot is; it is a cage which is put on the bottom to catch the crabs, with a rope up to a float so that the owner can find his cage. All we can see on the top is the float; the risk is that our props will get caught up with the rope to the cage itself.
It was a very nice trip. Arrived here about 2:30, got docked then went for a walk along a pier out on the breakwater. Met two couples from Canada (they asked if I would take their picture and we started talking), then walked into town. There is a storm predicted for tomorrow afternoon or evening, so we will tour some more in the am, then come back to be ready for the storm. Got together with Nancy and Eddie for supper; I cooked a pot roast in the slow cooker as we travelled today, that works quite well.