Bradenton to Sarasota
We had another relatively easy day, only 28 NM. The weather was beautiful, seas calm, and the temps pushed 80 degrees. The scenery was beautiful; with more porpoise escorts, waterfowl, and the green waters over white sandy bottoms.
Our last look northward at the Sunshine Skyway bridge as we turned and sailed our vessel southward. 
These guys reminded me of Heckyl and Jeckyl, my favorite cartoon characters, as a kid. 
Sunny warm days and clear Gulf water…ahhh.
We arrived mid-afternoon in Sarasota. For the first time on our adventure, we decided to stay on a mooring ball. In this beautiful basin, there are approximately 100 mooring balls.
Sarasota basin. Our pretty (to us) boat on the mooring ball.
We see the skyline of Sarasota and probably 60-70 boats. The mooring balls give you a piece of mind that anchoring does not give, plus there are no worries about the swing of the rode affecting other boats, which could result in bumping another boat.
We took the dinghy to the marina office, paid our rent for the night, and then walked the streets like we do in every other town we visit. After walking 3-4 miles, we rode the dinghy back to the boat, stopping by Vitamin Sea for a short visit before dinner on the boat.
The bridge to St Armand Island 
I got a peaceful, easy feeling, and I know it won’t let me down.