Where is Meandering Joy?

Meandering Joy is nestled in a slip at the Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club.  Isla Del Sol is a 350-acre island community surrounded by the waters of Boca Ciega Bay at the south end of St Petersburg, Florida. Isla Del Sol it’s just two minutes from I-275, 30 minutes from  Tampa International Airport and 90 minutes form Disney World. 

We discovered this marina and club while taking Lainey to college in August.  She attends Eckerd College which is less than 2 miles away.  That might seem like we are too close to her, however, she dictates how little or how much we visit.  If she needs a break from studying or some home cooked food, she knows where to find us--otherwise, we are off exploring the area.  

The club is adjacent to a beautiful golf course and home to 9 clay tennis courts.  We haven't yet tried the golf, but we have enjoyed several tennis matches.  The island is just a short drive to St. Pete Beach or Pass-a-Grille Beach. 

Of course they would have a resident pirate just waiting for me.

It's been a long time since I have seen these around town

Joy

A Rainbow over Boca Ciega Bay

The wind was howling here in St. Petersburg earlier this week.  Riding down the road at 25mph isn't very fast, but when the wind blows on the water 25mph is brutal.  The dock was shaking and moving from one end to the other.  Boats had to be secured and re-secured.  I had to be very careful walking down the dock not to bet hit by the spray from waves crashing into the sea wall.  I glanced out and saw a spectacular rainbow.  

The rainbow is one of nature's sermons.  It speaks to me of  God's sovereignty over nature by His ability to create the rainbow  (see Genesis 9:11-17).  It speaks of the perfection of God with the creation of this perfect and magnificent rainbow. And it speaks to the promises of God to His people with a visible reminder of God's covenant with man.  Being out near the water during the howling wind is a stark reminder of the power of God and my lack of power.  

Joy

Egmont Key & Turtles

Accessible only by private boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history.  The Fort DeSoto Ferry crosses the Egmont Channel to take visitors to this island.  

The lighthouse on Egmont Key is visible from Fort DeSoto Park.  Lieutenant Napoleon Coste reported a need for nagivational aid on Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay in 1837, but it was not until 1845after Florida had become a state that Congress was petitioned to build a light house.  In 1847 Congress granted $10,000.    It was not until 1848 that Shesrrod Edwards, the first keeper, activated the light at the Egmont Key Lighthouse.  

Fort Dade (sister to Fort DeSoto) was  built in 1898 about the time of the Spanish American War remained open until 1923.  It saw little action and served mostly as a Seminole prison.  At one time there were 300 residents at Fort Dade, but today there are no residents of Egmont Key.

Ferry taking visitors to the island

Turtle Tracks

Turtles are everywhere around Egmont Key.  We had fun feeding them.  The ranger told us that they trap racoons and opossum to protect the turtles from danger.  We were stunned at the friendliness of the turtles.  

Joy

Saturday in St. Petersburg

Janey and Bill came to visit us for a few days last week.  We decided to take this opportunity to tour downtown St. Petersburg.  We planned to visit the Farmer's Market on the downtown park but mistakenly ended up at a Christmas Bazaar. 

Across the street from the bazaar is the St. Pete Chess Club and the Lawn Bowling Club.  Interesting...

We finally found the farmer's market with the help of our GPS.

Ran into ECSAR--the Eckerd College Search & Rescue Squad.  These guys were gracious to let me take their picture.  

Delicious Pineapple

Barbeque in a Tuxedo

 Bill & Janey

When we got back to the boat we found Piper and Jack waiting for us

Fun Day in St. Pete!

Joy