Publish Date: Sunday, January 10, 2010
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Coordinates: 27° 20.036′ N 82° 32.814′ W
As I write this blog at 6:30 pm on Sunday, it’s a chilly 38 degrees outside, with a crisp breeze bringing the wind chill to 31. “Not bad for Boulder, Colorado,” you might say. Of course, the twist here is… we’re in Florida. Our hometown of Boulder is actually 43 degrees at this very moment. 🙂 Apparently our quirky weather magic has followed us into the new year, and to Sarasota, where they have been experiencing temperatures 20 degrees below normal for 8 out of the 10 days we’ve been here. Another hard freeze is expected tonight, and I am fully prepared for the fine citizens of Sarasota to escort us out of the marina soon so their normal balmy temperatures can return.
Island Park which separates Marina Jack's from the ICW
Three@Sea and her crew are comfortably snuggled in at Marina Jack’s, located in the heart of Sarasota, which will be our home for the next four months. The west coast of Florida is affectionately referred to as the Sun Coast due to its 361 days of sunshine a year. Sun? Yes. Warm temperatures? We’ll see. In the spirit of full disclosure I should also point out that they’ve also had almost twice their average rainfall since we’ve been here. Hmmm…
I’ve been to Sarasota once before, about three years ago when I took a woman’s only boating course for a week from the talented team at Sea Sense. At the time, Dave and I were still discussing the dream of buying a boat and setting out on this adventure. We thought it would be a good idea for me to get some experience piloting and navigating a boat since I didn’t grow up around them. Better to make sure I really liked it before we did something crazy like sell our house. 🙂 Yesterday, I saw a Sea Sense boat go by the marina, and couldn’t help but smile at all that had transpired since my first attempted docking with their boat. Life has an interesting way of closing loops.
I’m excited to discover the riches this area has to offer over the next few months. There seems to be an endless list of barrier islands to explore, history to uncover, beaches to walk upon, museums to scout, shells to be collected, and cultural events to attend. I feel blessed indeed, to be standing at the beginning of a new year filled with health, love, joy, hope, and the promise of discovery. I wish for you and your family a new year filled with your dreams coming true.
Kathryn,
You are so right. Your order of importance is right on. Health always comes first. As we grow older and see our parents deteriorate and incounter an increasing number of health issues, you realize how precious and important health is.
Happy New Year.
P.S. When do you plan on continuing your journey around the world?
Happy New Year John and thanks for the note. We hope to leave December of this year (2010) from Dry Tortugas National Park heading towards Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Hi Folks,
Yes Sarasota is a great place to spend some time. When Mom and Dad were living there I apent many weeks and weekends enjoying the wonderful sights and sounds. Be sure and get to the Ringling Museum and tour the home that the Ringling’s built on the bay. Perhaps we can do that tour together someday. I am sure that the weather will turn for the better soon, enjoy your stay.
I will attest to the weather weirdness; we have lived here for 10 years, and this is the FIRST time I have EVER worn long underwear in my house! So guess what! – I am a 15 minute drive from where you are floating!! Need a ride anywhere? Hope to see you a couple times while you are here. We are leaving to go skiing this weekend but will be back next Tuesday. Remember – they are calling for 70’s by the weekend. Anne and the boys….
hope it warms up
I think the warm is headed your way – it is actually going to be above freezing tonight in Sugar Land for the first time in 4 days! So you can’t be far behind!
Hey Guys,
I was on one of the sailboats you guys took pics of Christmas day in Key West. I’ve looked around your website and haven’t found the pictures. Are they posted somewhere? It looks like you are having a great adventure! Have fun and safe travels.
Cheers,
Jesse Combs
Hello Three@Sea, we are still in the Virgin’s and the weather here was off as-well. We thought it was following us, but now we are relived since we are not the only ones that are puzzled by the latest weather.
In any case: We wish you all the best for the coming year and are looking forward to seeing you sometime this summer in the Chesapeake Bay.
You can follow us here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/my-ekhaya/
Ayla, I still think of your cookies !!!!
See you soon Stephan
As a true Sarasotan, I welcome you and feel that you bring more light and beauty than bad weather. I am thrilled to have met the ladies aboard and will soon meet the captain and carriage. peace and love in all your travels, cynthia