ssloop: Longboat Key-Punta Gorda

First, a few updates: In October we sold the original Pura Vida back in Grand Haven. It was with mixed emotions that we said goodbye to the boat, but we will always have amazing memories of the adventures she took us on. We decided it was time to bring Pura Vida dos back to Michigan. Our plans were to bring her back via the East Coast and thus completing our 2nd Loop. But as we have all learned living through COVID, plans change constantly. Due to COVID, there is still uncertainty when the Erie Canal will open this spring/summer and if/when the Canadian boarders will open to allow US boaters. Because of these major possible obstacles, we decided to "tap the brakes" and give this some more thought. Decision is .......on to Plan B!

Plan B (in pencil of course) is to bring PV2 back to Michigan this spring via the inland rivers (Looping backwards). With this in mind, rather than crossing Lake Okeechobee and turning north, we were able to spend a couple weeks enjoying the Gulf side of Florida.

So, upon returning to Florida, we enjoyed some time at Longboat Key Club where we left PV2 in December. Feb 3 we left Longboat Key and headed south again. Working our way down we spent nights anchored at Englewood, Gasparilla and St James City. From there we took a slip at Salty Sam's Marina in Ft Myers Beach for 3 nights. We had a great time seeing lots of friends. We were there over Superbowl and enjoyed a cookout with some friends from our home marina who were renting a house in the area. Great food, drinks, friends and even a little football.

Tuesday morning, yup, we set a course north once more. We spent a night anchored out near Cayo Costa, and 2 nights anchored at Peekins Ranch Cove. Temps back home in Michigan were in the single digits so we took full advantage of soaking up our 80 degree days. On Friday we took a slip at Fisherman's Village Marina in Punta Gorda and flew home on Saturday. Next up....moving up the Gulf Coast and watching for a weather window to cross the Gulf.