GLORY DAYS ON THE GREAT LOOP: R&R IN VENICE

DAY 188-198 AT VENICE

We have been to Venice several times, but it is different being there in a boat. Marker 4 Marina is an excellent facility, unfortunately, they lost their permits due to some political issues and had to curtail their amenities. They had no permanent water system, no pump out, and no fuel. We did have use of the restaurant rest rooms and showers, and had a very pleasant stay. The location, just across the ICW from the town is excellent, and we took advantage of it by walking or biking over the bridge on several occasions. Lydia & John Russo acted as harbor hosts and took us shopping when we needed to provision. We also spent a day with them at SPANISH POINT, an historical peninsula in Little Sarasota Bay where they documented the history of the native Americans who inhabited there some 7,000 years ago.

We planned to stay a Marker 4 Marina for a week, but when it came time to leave the weather forecast called for wind gusting to 28K. Since we planned to anchor in Pelican Bay, off Cayo Costa State Park, we decided to wait for a calmer day. So, on Jan. 28 we extended our reservation for another week (based on the marina’s rate it was cheaper to pay for a whole week than for 3 days).