ssloop: Longboat Key-Ft Myers Beach

First we need to apologize to our dolphin friends. Last trip, we bragged them up so much and this time we have taken them for granted. Shame on us. They have been constant companions since arriving in Florida. At times, we don't even notice them until we hear a slap in our wake as they jump in the air and land on their back. This never fails to distract the first mate from her assigned duties. Love them!

Tuesday we traveled south on the ICW 45 miles to Stump Pass near Englewood. Here we pulled off the ICW behind a small island and dropped the hook, jumped in the dinghy and took off on a mission. Our mission was to find our way through a channel, down a backwater canal leading to a spot where Steve's friend and customer Kim Wagner is building a home. Kim met us at the end of the canal which is a short walk from his construction sight. It was fun seeing the house under construction and learning about the Florida/hurricane building requirements. We had been experiencing fog on and off throughout the day but by the time we pulled out of Kim's canal, the fog had set in again - thick! We navigated by iPad to find our way back to the mothership. Through the thick fog we traveled 2 miles to Royal Palm Marina for the evening. (Due to shallow waters, we had to enter late in the afternoon to catch high tide). The marina sent Bob out in a 16ft skiff to lead us in because their channel markers had been destroyed by hurricane Irma. As we were following him in through the dense fog, we realized by watching our chart plotter that he was missing the channel and had to guide him by radio back into the channel. Crazy stuff! That evening Larry (who works with Sheli at Ironwood Golf Course) and his wife Carole picked us up and took us to their favorite local pizza place. The food and fellowship were grand.

Wednesday morning we departed by 8am to again catch high tide out of the marina. We traveled 18 miles and anchored in a small protected channel near Boca Grande. In the afternoon we dinghyed across to town. While the first mate was happy walking and shopping, the captain became concerned about the status of the PV2 as the winds were picking up so shopping was cut short. It was a windy, rocky night.

Thursday's destination was Ft Myers Beach. After traveling 15 miles, we pulled into the marina at South Seas Resort on the north end of Captiva Island. We enjoyed lunch with Steve's cousin Ross Hoezee and his wife Thea who were vacationing there with their kids and grandkids. Fun!
We continued another 15 miles to Salty Sam's Marina in Ft Myers Beach which was our home for the next 7 days. During our week stay, we enjoyed time with Steve's uncle & aunt, Ken & Joyce Sterk, friends from Byron Center, Todd & Star, and friends from Keenan Marina, Gary & Lori. Thanks to Gary & Lori for loaning us their car for a provisioning run!

Florida's winter weather this year continues to challenge us with cooler temps and high winds, but still enjoy every day and are thankful to be here.