Dolphin sighting

[alsantini]

Yesterday, I was at the boat and finished up what I wanted to do.  So I decided to explore the Intercoastal North of Casey Key, Florida, where Petit Chat is moored.  Did not know whether sailing would work and I figured the diesel needed a good long run, so I fired up the iron genoa and pulled out into the Intercoastal and headed North, went through the swing bridge at Blackburn Point Road and entered Little Sarasota Bay which is large but really shallow on either side of the IC.  I ran at about 2200 rpm (6+ mph) until I was approaching Stickney Point Rd and Siesta Key.  I had been motoring for almost 2 hours and turned around heading South back toward my mooring.

As I approached the swing bridge, a group of dolphins surrounded me and played around the boat.  One surfaced next to me and sprayed me with blow hole water (snot??).  I called in for a bridge opening on Ch 09 and was told "about 5 min Captain".  I maintained my position until the bridge swung open.  The bridge tender came over the radio and said, "Captains, let the sailboat come through first since he is being escorted by 5 -6 dolphins"  His announcement also went out over speakers.  As I went through the opening, I realized that quite a few people were taking pics of the dolphins in front of Petit Chat.  I would love to get my hands on one of those pics.  Made my day.  Does not get any better:  70 degrees, clear and sunny with a side of dolphins.  Cool!  Sail On,  AL

[fried fish]

Lovely image.
Fred

[kickingbug1]

   thanks for sharing al.  hey we are going to get a heat wave  45 degrees

[crazycarl]

I never get tired of seeing them. They often swim up our creek. Their feeding frenzy is quite a sight.

[Vectordirector]

Sounds like fun. Never tire of seeing them. I've had them chase my Corsair when doing 10kts sailing on Charlotte Harbor.

I've been told that the bait fish that they love are deep in the warmer water during this cold spell.  I'm sure they were looking for some food, many of the tourists/fisherman feed them. 

They are smart creatures and learn that they can train humans to feed them. 

"So long and thanks for all the fish!"  Douglas Adams, a great dolphin watcher and author.

Stay warm all. 

Vectordirector