T&T: Suggested Florida Itinerary

[Ken Bloomfield]

Hello fellow trawler owners.  Brenda and I will take off on our Great 
Loop adventure early this Oct.  We will be in Florida and across the 
Carrabelle to Clearwater crossing by the 1'st of Dec 2009, and we are 
looking for a suggestion on an itinerary for the winter prior to heading 
on up the AICW in the spring. 

Here are a few criteria:

   1. We would like to visit the Keys, but don't think we can afford to
      stay there to long.
   2. We have a Persian cat who can't take much heat, so we run the A/C
      a LOT.  This means not too long at anchor or mooring ball in any
      area where the cabin temp requires A/C to keep to about < 74 deg. F.
   3. We are running a 50 foot Marine Trader with 5 foot draft.
   4. We would like to economize by getting fairly long stays at marinas
      to get the price/day down to reasonable limits, but don't want to
      do this to the exclusion of visiting interesting places.  
   5. Low cost marina recommendations are especially welcome.

We would appreciate all input regarding where to stay and for how long 
to get a good "sampling" of Florida.  We have all the Skipper Bob 
guides, and lots of cruise guides, but would welcome first hand 
knowledge greatly.

Thanks in advance'
Ken Bloomfield
M/V Tellico Lady
AGCLA #3529
MTOA #2062
Maryville, TN