As we recover from our Gulf Crossing (we are just too old for all-nighters!), we head to a better location for refueling. The dock is along the waterway so minimal maneuvers are required. We selected Holiday Inn and Marina at Indian Rocks Beach as our next destination. Who knew there was such a thing? This is a mini vacation and we are staying for 5 days. The slip we are assigned is usually inhabited by folks who live there year-round but they have taken their boat on a trip making it available for transients like us. We have access to all hotel amenities and we are walking distance to many restaurants and stores.

The folks in the slip next to us are very friendly and invite us over to chat (docktale time). She works remote daily from their boat with a beautiful view of the intracoastal. He is a boat Captain and accepts charters. They spoke of a recent burial at sea charter. While we were there, his Mom celebrated her 92^nd birthday and he took her and a small group out for a boat ride.

There are several fishing boats along our dock and the birds all know it. Catch of the day is processed on the dock and the birds are there to “help”. They are quite large and brazen.

The Gulf beach is nearby and we take advantage with a long walk.

Alan says I am a shark because I can’t sit still and even when driving I like to keep moving. So here is a photo of me with my kin.

Damage from hurricanes is still visible. Many places are still renovating. As a result, many marinas are no longer in business or they no longer offer some services (fuel, water, pump-out). The Holiday Inn Marina does NOT have pump-out. While we are there, we learn what living with a full dark water tank is like.

Luckily a rest room is not too far from our boat but a flight of stairs is required. We promise each other that if either of us has to go overnight, we wake the other and go as a team. Moving on and off the boat is never simple and there is always a risk of falling. Add the instability of being half awake and it seems to be inviting trouble to go it alone.