We hauled out yesterday and headed south this morning on I75 to our winter home for the next two months, arriving at Plantation Yacht Harbor about 2 pm. A cute little boat was in the slip we had last year, so it looks like we have a new view this winter.
It was a beautiful day in Punta Gorda today...
Got Buddy in the water today after spending 4 nights with good friends in Venice. Even though we are in the middle of the first real cold front to hit this area this winter, we took a 30 mile cruise with our friends aboard. With the sun out and the cockpit enclosure up we enjoyed the afternoon in comfort. We motored back to Venice, docking at the Marker 4 for dinner. After thanking our hosts for five super days, we cast off to anchor off the ICW by Venice Yacht Club. It's forecast to get to 35 tonight, but our Cozy Cabin Heater with the Ecofan on top is keeping us comfy.
We're in Venice prepping Buddy for launch on Monday. We decided to get off of I65 early last evening as it appeared every snowbird in the world was heading south. After almost being rear ended by someone behind us as he drove onto the shoulder to avoid hitting us, we baled out and headed the nearest Holiday Inn...
After a slight delay and one busted knuckle from replacing both batteries in the truck, Buddy is headed south. First launch - Venice, FL. :-D
A recap of our cruise... After launching in Picton, we headed to Waupoos for a rendezvous with the crew of Grey Hound... As usual, we had to climb Mount Goofy...
From there we spent a night in Parrotts Bay. Then it was off to Beaurivage Island in the Canadian National Park where it poured rain for about 15 hours... In spite of the rain, it was a beautiful spot. The next night we were back in civilization at Kingston.
From there we headed to Downey and Hambly Islands for a night on the hook with the Grey Hound anchored beside us. There we waited out squall warnings that never materialized. We then headed to Clayton, NY for a night and a tour of the Antique Boat Museum. 
The next day we headed east and did the Castle tour. We did not feel inclined to get off the boat... A-Bay was the next stop to watch the Pirate Days celebration. Fortunately we fueled and docked at Rogers Marina across from the Village Dock... 
Our next stop was Gananoque for a night and bicycle tour of the town.
Camelot Island is a popular spot offering moorings and docks and good hiking.
This was one of many quaint private islands in the area...
Our last night was in Picton, getting together with friends Lynn
Except for rain flaps at the deck level of the new side curtains, packing provisions for 2 weeks, and a couple of other odds and ends, Buddy is ready to hit the road. We'll remove the cockpit enclosure prior to leaving for points East on Weds. The trailering bra we made last fall is on for the haul.
