02/02/2012, Boca Grande
We just had three days at anchor in Pelican Bay off the Cayo Costa State park. This is a highly recommended anchorage. First night we shared the hood with 11 other boats. Last night the number grew to 27. There was plenty of space. Another Canadian trawler dropped hook next to us. On our way to take Miss B for her business we dinked by to introduce ourselves and were invited aboard for a cocktail. We took B ashore then returned for the drink. The boat was registered in Halifax but in fact Abdre and Olga were from Gananoque, which is a 25 minute drive from Kingston. Olga is a knitter so we shared knitting experiences while he boys talked engines and power requirements.
During our stay we walked the beach, collected shells and saw amazing birds. We had a private picnic and have really enjoyed this area and it will be on our radar for another season. We could easily swing about on the hook for a week or two in this spot.
We left the anchorage around 10:30 and made a short hop to Boca Grande where we are in a very nice marina and we are re-united with Last Dance. The word on the street is that we just missed hob knobbing with former President and Laura Bush. This apparently is their winter retreat. Last week the place was crawling with secret service. I am not disappointed that I missed him. We toured the island with a golf cart, and it was fun zipping to the historical sites that included a light house. The photo has the Gulf of Mexico behind us.
We are traveling to Sarasota tomorrow and we are booked into Marina Jack for the weekend. Jane and I have googled A Good Yarn there and hope it will be near the marina.
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Comments [3]
01/30/2012, Cabbage Key Anchorage
We seemed to have solved the Spot problem. It is now working correctly.
We are currently anchored opposite Cabbage Key Island behind Useppa Island protected from the wind, after a 3 hour trip from F.M. Beach where we had spent the night at Salty Sam's Marina, to repenish our water & top up the batteries. It started out as a smooth ride into the Gulf but after 20 mins the wind picked up & so did the waves, right on our beam.
The marina at Cabbage Key is right opposite us & at the present time only has 2 boats???? They have no garbage & no water, & apparently dont like pets, so I guess we will have to be careful with our water.. Tomorrow we are going to try & tuck into Pelican Bay a 2 mile trip up, it's very protected & part of the Lacosta Island State park. It has hiking trails & a bus that goes from the Rangers station to the beach!! Miss B. can get off but is not allowed on the beach. May be here for a few days if it turns out to be nice. We then plan to cross Charlotte Harbour & cruise up the Gasperilla Sound for a week, before turn around & heading for the boatyard.
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01/29/2012, Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
Turkish Bed socks complete
After 3 nights on a mooring ball we are going into Salty Sams Marina in Fort Meyers Beach to join Last Dance. We are invited for breakfast. Jane has made fresh Cinnamon buns.
Being in a slip will allow us to do laundry, and have power. We purchased fresh shrimp at yesterdays Farmers Market so Shrimp on top of salad is the fare for dinner tonight. Tomorrow we will make a run for Cabbage Key, a quaint place we have heard great things about.
Bridget will enjoy seeing land for a day. She adapts very well but you can tell even when a dog gets stir crazy.
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01/28/2012, Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
Alive and Well
Internet has been sketchy so sine we are connected I'll do a brief update. We traveled from Ft. Myers to Ft. Myers Beach, about a 20 mile run, it was in open water of the Gulf of Mexico. We rocked and rolled about for 1 hour, occasionally things going air born, things that were not secured, like a shelf of deodorant, etc in the aft bathroom was strewn around. Close Knit handled very well in these conditions, so well that we have confidence that a Bahamas crossing will now be on our radar. We have had discussions about a gulf stream crossing, (especially since the world renowned Captain Pete offered his valuable services !!!!!!) but with this experience being akin to what that would be like we think if we pick the right weather window a crossing could possibly be less rolly than the Gulf. And yes we hate go fast boats.. We walked the beach yesterday and it's a nice beach. It wasn't so crowded yesterday since it was overcast but still very warm. Today we are going to take the trolley to West Marine and to do some other shopping. Al took apart the boat lantern that came with the boat, cleaned it and it needs a new wick and fuel. I also need to buy a new kayak paddle since mine was lost on the crossing. I guess it was not secured enough. Bummer. I'll likely look for a lighter graphite style so I don't get arm fatigue.
Lots of knitting has been happening, I've switched things up a bit and am working on a welted cuffed pair if fingerless mitts.
Will post more & pics when we get a better signal. In the mean time our plans are to bust out of here on Monday & cruise Sanibel Island while we slowly make our way to Port Charlotte Boat Yard where CK will spend the remainder of the year. We are going to have the top shrink wrapped as we still have a couple of sometimes leaks in the fly bridge, depending where the wind comes from.
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01/25/2012, Fort Myers, Florida
Last evening we walked the town and had supper outside at a French Cafe. I enjoyed ham crepes,and we finished the walk off with Italian ice cream.
We had planned to shove off this morning to cruise over to Fort Myers Beach area, but I have been a bit under the weather and I was up and down all last night so neither of us had a good sleep. We have decided to have a down and quiet day. If I can get some energy going I'll do some light cleaning and of course knitting always perks me up.
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01/24/2012, Fort Myers Florida
Another job off the list. We have wanted to nest Tink in between the dinghy and transom since the new Weaver davits were installed. I think TINK looks rather comfortable in her new storage spot. This will make it easier for me to deploy her when I want to go for a ride. I am anticipating some nice anchorages as we cruise around in Fort Meyers beaches, Sanibel and Captiva islands as we make our way to Charlotte Harbour for the haul out.
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