Thursday, December 12, 2013

Gulf of Mexico - Ft. Myers to The Keys



We left Ft. Myers Yacht Basin Marina on Sunday 12/7 head to the Keys. We were with three other boat: Kaye & Al- Knot Home, Marsha & Joe – Morning Star, Donna & Terry – Meridian.







Gulf of Mexico – CALM SEAS!




The Dolphins played in our wake as we cruise the Gulf.

The seas were calm so we were able to go past our destination of Naples to Marco Island. Two of us anchored out and two went into the marina. We got there just in time for the Christmas Boat parade which came right by where we were anchored. We were able to dingy in for a nice dinner at the Tiki Hut Restaurant.









The next day took us way out into the Gulf past Cape Ramono to miss the shoals. On this day we anchored at Lulu Lulu Key in the Ten Thousand Islands. This was a perfect anchor. Swim suits on, dingy down, we celebrated happy hour on our own private beach. Marsha load their dog into her dingy and we towed them to shore. BEAUTIFUL view.











Early out of our private beach haven we charted a course for Middle Cape. The Gulf had other plans for us. The water was rough and we changed our course to Shark River. Our day went from 50 NM to 38 NM.  Knot Home ran point and picked the perfect spot. We tucked in safe from the rough seas. When we entered an Otter greeted us. We saw him several more times but never got a picture.

Shark River is deep inside the Florida Everglades which meant no cell phone or internet access. A good nights sleep and ready for the Keys the next day.






KNOT HOME, MERIDIAN, & MORNING STAR our traveling buddies.


Tuesday 12/10/13 we had three route plans and we would select one depending on the weather.  Since we had no internet or cell reception we were unable to get a good report other than our NOAA radio. Which by the way NOAA is one we rely on the most.

As we exited our shelter hole we discovered a calm Gulf. GREAT NEWS! About 8 NM out Morning Star said goodbye as they headed to Marathon Key. Knot Home went ahead to run point. Twelve Stones and Morning Star set a course and headed to our next stop Islamorado, Fl.

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