The last couple weeks of November were spent in the charming little town of Dunedin.  The marina is a close walk to downtown, where there are numerous shops and restaurants.  There is a wonderful Farmer's Market downtown on Friday and Saturday.  We took our bike in for a tune-up and bought another used bike so we both could enjoy the great Pinellas Trail bike path which goes right through town.  The bike path goes for miles and while we explored a good part of it, we never did get from one end to the other.  We figured out the local bus routes (barely) and had Thanksgiving dinner at Bob Evan's...not as good as homemade, but it was just the two of us.

The month of December was busy.   With our boat safely docked at the Dunedin Municipal Marina, we spent a week in Ocala with routine doctor and dentist appointments.  Got reacquainted with Ticket (our  horse) who is spending time at Ann and Tim's great farm.  Had a great time visiting with friends catching up.  We then flew up to Illinois for the holidays.

Our border collie, Kali, is staying with my Mom, Betty and son, Steven for which I am eternally grateful as I'm not sure how we could easily get her on and off the boat without a winch!   When we first got to Mom's, I think I got a little bit of a cold shoulder, but she quickly warmed up.  She looks great.

Linda (sister) flew in from Highlands Ranch, Co for Christmas, so all 3 girls were home.  Other sister, Lorraine lives just north of Mom.  It was great spending time with family and friends.  Of course, we ate alot...especially Mom's xmas cookies!

Drove our car back to Florida.  Great to have wheels, but it might be a pain getting it moved along with the boat.

There was a great art festival in Dunedin with a multitude of artists...paintings, sculptures, jewelry and food vendors.  Didn't buy anything, but sure was great window shopping.  Would certainly recommend staying here.
,On Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 we left Dunedin and motored about 50 miles south to the Riviera Dunes Marina in Palmetto, Fl which is on the Manatee River north of Bradenton.  There are two pools, restaurant and bar, private shower facilities and laundry machines.  Hurray!  On Friday, we attended a boater get-together on the dock.  Bring a dish to pass and your own drink.  Met a lot of nice folks and in general everyone is very friendly and helpful.  There are a lot of people who live on their boat permanently in the marina.   We rented a car from Enterprise to drive back to Dunedin to pick up our car.  Should have invested in Enterprise before this adventure!

We had a great visit with Ann and Tim (friends from Ocala).  They stayed on the boat with us for two nights.  We drove out to Anna Maria Island, walked the beach, had dinner and watched the sunset.  Didn't have time for cards so they have to come back.  We have a continuing rivalry playing Casino.

Plans are to enjoy the marina and catch up on some boat work (maybe) and move a little further south to Englewood, Fl in February - not sure of exact date.  We will stay there thru the end of Feb and perhaps the beginning of March.  Diane is working the Florida Reining Horse Show in Tampa the last week of Feb. so are tethered to the west side of Florida til then.  Good friends Dave and Caroline, are down in Englewood for 3 months and we had lunch with them yesterday.  Hope to spend more time with them while there.

Total miles traveled...2211.8