Day 173 & 174: Waiting out Weather in Sarasota

Day 173: January7: The early morning wind was slight and did not bother us much since it was coming from the north. Summer Fling and we picked up anchor around 11:00 and pulled out of the small cove between Otter Key and Lido Key, somewhat north of Siesta Key. We back tracked about 3 miles and headed for the Sarasota Bay Mooring Field, managed by Marina Jacks. Expecting Tuesday's storm to blow 30 to 35 knots, we decided to grab a mooring rather than risk dragging anchor in a cove somewhere. The mooring field is pretty reasonable; it cost us $144.45 for the 3 nights with complete access to marina amenities! 

Mona and Frank dinghied to shore to spend the afternoon with some friends who have a condo in the area. John and I dinghied in a bit later. It's always fun to cruise around the harbors and gawk at the huge yachts. Imagine cruising in such luxury; a captain and crew taking care of everything including hauling anchors, encased in mud. I, for one, choose the hard life of a very capable first mate. 😆😉😆

It turned out to be a gorgeous day; perfect for exploring the Bayfront and downtown area. South and North Gulfstream Avenues were closed off to accommodate an art show and sale. Booth after booth filled with paintings, jewelry, sculptures and more lined the street. We joined the many people strolling by, admiring the outstanding talent.  Like every other tourist, we had to snap a shot of the 25 foot tall Unconditional Surrender statue, a copy of the iconic 1945 V-J Day in Times Square photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt. The 7-ton bronze statute, lauded as a celebration of the end of WWII, is one in a series created by Seward Johnson. It was relocated to its present spot in 2021 to accommodate the Florida Department of Transportation planned construction of a roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue. In total there are five such statues; they are located in Normandy, San Diego, Pearl Harbor, New Jersey and Sarasota.

Sarasota has a rich history, the earliest known mention of the area was identified on a 1763 sheepskin Spanish map with the word "Zarazote" written on the site of present day Sarasota. We found its Scottish roots interesting. On December 23, 1885, a number of Scottish families came ashore to settle land they had purchased in a new country. Instead of finding the established town they had been promised, they met wilderness and hardship. Terribly disappointed, many returned to Scotland. The remaining pioneers, along with American settlers, subdivided the town of Sarasota on July 27, 1886. 

Dinner onboard, a little TV, the Ringley Causeway lit up in blue and goodnight Sarasota!

Day 174: January 8: It was an overcast but pretty calm day. Mona and Frank decided to get a dock space rather than stay on the mooring tonight and tomorrow during stormy weather. The harbor flattened out by the afternoon, making a dinghy ride to shore completely comfortable. 

We headed in about 3:30 to join Mona and Frank for dinner at the very popular Owen's Fish Camp. The 1/2 mile walk took us through a back street in the middle of a funky neighborhood. The street was lined with adorable, brightly colored cottages that reminded me of Puerto Rico, art galleries and an art house movie theater. 

Located in the heart of Burns Court, off the beat and path from downtown Sarasota, Owen's Fish Camp, a Sarasota cottage, was built in 1923 by businessman Owen Burns. Burns, originally from Maryland, arrived in Sarasota, a fisherman's paradise, in 1910. At the time, fish camps dominated the city which was located on waters teeming with all manner of seafood; fish, clams, oysters, crabs and scallops. Being an avid fisherman, as well as a businessman and visionary, Burns saw Sarasota as a winter haven for "snowbirds". Within a few weeks he had purchased 75 percent of today's city limits and collaborated with like-minded progressives who saw Sarasota as a resort town.

When you approach the restaurant, you are intrigued by its funky appearance. The first thing you notice is Tate, the official Fish Camp ambassador sitting in his favorite spot, just waiting for you to take his picture. Tate sits under a majestic banyan tree. Over 100 years old, it was given to Owen Burns by none other than Thomas Edison. 

Today Owen's Fish Camp remains one of the area's most popular restaurants, serving fresh seafood, southern cuisine and a great craft beer and wine selection. We enjoyed fish tacos, fresh sautéed grouper and fried oysters!

After dinner we strolled back onto Main Street. Dusk was approaching, a signal for street lights to turn on; their soft glow illuminated the well maintained brick-lined streets of downtown. Mona and Frank were heading to a sports bar to watch the Michigan vs. Washington College Football Playoff National Championship game. Avid fans, they would not miss the matchup for anything. We, on the other hand, dinghied back to our boat where we planned on watching the game, except not on a bar stool, but from a supine position on a couch.