ssloop: Bimini-Fort Myers Beach

With mixed emotions we left Bimini on Monday, February 24. Our month in the Bahamas was magical yet challenging. The sun shone, the temps were hot and the waters were amazing but the winds were a constant factor. Our decision to cross back to Miami was driven by a lull in the winds. Monday waves were predicted to be 2-3 feet with the rest of the week building to 10-14 feet. So off we went. Our crossing was rolly but comfortable. We crossed directly to Miami where we spent the night on anchor.

Tuesday we took a slip at Prime Marina in Coconut Grove where we were able to stock up on provisions which were pretty much depleted during our stay in the Bahamas. That night we enjoyed Taco Tuesday at our new favorite haunt - Sandbar Sports Grill. Best tacos ever! Wednesday morning we traveled 40 miles and anchored near Key Largo under Hwy 1, a 65ft interstate bridge. Captain "Think a Lot" new we would swing when the tide changed at 1am...so we set our alarm clock for 1:30am. Good thing, because the PV2 had swung to within 4ft of a massive concrete bridge footing. We tightened our stern line, went back to bed and tried to sleep.

Thursday we headed to Islamorada where we anchored out in Snake Creek for 3 nights. Once again the winds limited our exploring options but we made the best of it and still were able to dinghy to Hog Heaven for fabulous smoked pork & brisket. The sun continued to shine, so as long as we dodged the winds, we were fine.

On Tuesday, we pulled the hook early and began our long cruise up to Florida's west coast. We traveled 120 miles on the Gulf of Mexico to Marco Island where we anchored out for 2 nights. Our exciting discovery was a Winn Dixie grocery store with a dinghy dock! Awesome!!!! Saturday we took the dinghy to Goodland, a quaint fishing village located in the southeast corner of Marco Island. So cute. Yummy lunch.

Next stop, Fort Myers Beach. We spent 2 nights at Moss Marina and 3 nights at Salty Sam's Marina. Our friends Paul & Cindy joined us on Saturday and spent 3 nights with us. We had fun anchoring out 2 of the nights - one night near Captiva Island and one night near St James City. On Tuesday we dropped our friends off back at Fort Myers Beach in order for them to catch their flight back to Michigan.