Thursday, February 28 we were so glad to leave the dock in Venice that I let our a big HOOT!  With the wind coming from the NW continuing all night the rollers kept coming in the inlet.  A poor choice on our part, lesson learned.  We rocked and rolled, then lurched forward and back hitting the pilings, not a good night for sleeping.
  It was a slow motor up to the Sarasota Bay and then Tampa Bay into the Manatee River to Bradenton.  There were interesting things to see along the way but also many Manatee Zones that require traveling at idle speed the the mammals protection.
  We are at the Twin Dolphins Marina next to the Route 41 bridge. (a BOAT US cooperative) This marina came highly recommended by a friend and also a  fellow cruiser.  The best "resort" we have been too on the trip.  The code protected slips have floating piers protected by a sea wall, cable TV, internet at the boat, printer for our use in the office.  Heated pool and hot tub, two gas grills, laundry, 8 individual bathrooms/showers and a bag of free ice each day.  We also were given a $20 certificate to Pier 22 Restaurant and a 1/2 price coupon to the museum.  Unfortunately the cold windy weather (47 this AM) has not been advantageous for pool use.  The printer came in handy because our BOAT US card expired on the 28 and we had to print out an email.
  Our long time friends Don Townsend and Ramona Lomboy have helped to make our stay enjoyable.  We went out with them for sandwiches and music one evening, they had us to watch the NASCAR race and a delicious dinner, Ramona introduced me to the slots, and best of all the use of a car for several days.
  This allowed us access to the Chris Craft Plant where we stopped and asked for a tour.  Two hours later we came away impressed, informed and  purchased a mat for the boat.  Boy does it make the boat look snappy!  Next stop was the marine surplus warehouse up the road.  All Dave bought was a new zinc.  Of course there was the obligatory grocery shopping.
  Another day we drove to Anna Maria Island.  The traffic was horrendous, the wind on the beach was blustery and the shelling unimpressive.  We had been on the island a number of years ago with a much more satisfying experience.  The new Desoto Park was very enlightening.   Today we rode bikes on the River Walk and across the Route 41 bridge to the marina across the river.
  Tomorrow is to be warmer and we will ride out bikes to a Pirates baseball game.  This is on the cheap because it is a farm team.  Hopefully we will have a chance to use the pool later in the afternoon.