Valentine's Trip Remembering Sandra to Boca Grande (#94)

We left from Long Boat Key to Boca Grande at first light to see this amazing sunrise.

The day was special because it was Valentine's day and we were traveling through the area where we spread Sandra's (Ted's mother) ashes by kayak in November 2013.

Sandra loved to kayak in this region when she lived in Bradenton. She had wanted to take us kayaking with her, but we had never been able to join her. In November of 2013, we traveled through this area for a special day with family and her friends.

I remember crossing the ICW by Kayak for Sandra. Such a different experience almost 12 years later with the Sparkling Star. At that time, we could have never imagined owning a boat and doing this trip.

We passed by the Casey Key Fish House where her friends took us in 2013 because it was one of Sandra's favorite restaurants after kayaking. Sandra has been both an inspiration and constant companion on this trip. When Laura had her first lightning bolt moment when sitting on the Sparkling Star the first time five hours after first learning about the Great Loop, she felt Sandra's presence. As non-boat owners taking on this crazy adventure seemed nuts. But it has been an adventure of a lifetime that we will always treasure. Quite by accident, but seemingly on purpose, we traveled through her waters on Valentine's day.

We followed our friends on Strummin' Along.

And shared pictures from each angle through our bridge openings.

We were positioned at the end of the dock at Boca Grande. We had originally wanted 4 days, but were happy with only one. As we neared Boca Grande, we started coughing from the Red Tide.

Laura went for a walk and when arrived in a store coughed, and the store manager said "Red Tide".

Later in the evening on the other side of the island, we were able to get walk-up table at the Pink Elephant for our Valentine's Dinner with Strummin'Along.

Stay: 1 Night

Boca Grande Marina

Pros: Short walk to town, restaurants, and small grocery, Nice staff

Cons: Red tide, not protected so bumpy evening, Florida expensive

3 Stars