Thursday, February 25, 2010
In The Florida Keys
After spending the night in Lower Matecumbe Bight, we motored a few short miles to Islamorada with "Zephia", where we would be meeting Barry & Susan on "Swan" (friends from last year that we visited in Mattapoisett, MA), and Dick and Anne on "Grey Hound". And we didn't plan it; but 10 minutes after we arrived in comes Lynton & Carol on "Incognito II", friends from Lake Ontario! Partytime! After Happy Hour on "Kismet", the gang went to shore for fish sandwiches at the "Lorelei" and some dancing. Sunday was spent doing the overdue laundry; great laundromat within a short walk, and getting a few groceries at The Trading Post Grocery. We "pegged the fun meter" again on Sunday night with elegant snacks & drinks aboard "Kismet" - no need to cook that night. Monday was spent onboard, with rain most of the day. In anticipation of some nasty weather coming later in the week, all the boats, minus Incognito II, traveled 20 miles to Tarpon Basin on the Florida Bay side on Tuesday. The wind was supposed to blow hard from the NW on Wednesday night/Thursday and this spot provides the best protection in the area. It was also a good spot to see Jay & Ildy, friends that we met cruising up on Long Island Sound and in Georgetown MD earlier this year. After cruising for 4 years, they now live in the Key Largo area. Within an hour of dropping the hook, Jay & Ildy sped over for a visit in their high speed fishing boat. Tuesday was a beautiful day with flat water, temps in the 70s, and sunshine. The water is very clear here, we can actually see the bottom! Jim even donned his wet suit, and jumped in the water to scrub the bottom and check the zinc, etc. As promised, the cold front brought rain, fortunately no severe thunderstorms, and WIND on Wednesday evening and all night. It was consistently blowing in the 30s. Little sleep was had last night, between watching that our anchor held, and watching all the other boats as well, to make sure that they didn't drag. I was very happy when sunrise came! Jim is catching up on some sleep this a.m.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
There Are Sharks in Little Shark River!
We have been on the move south for a week now - arrived in the Keys yesterday afternoon and anchored in Lower Matecumbe Bight in 6'5" of water for the night. To recap the past week.......we left Useppa Island on 2/13 and had a great downwind sail inside Pine Island Sound to Fort Myers Beach. We picked up a ball there and stayed one night. Talked with Pam & Steve on "Zephia", a 36' Cape Dory, and decided to buddy up with them for the trip south. On Sunday, 2/14, we both sailed the 30+ miles to Marco Island. Because the wind was blowing from the south on Monday , we decided to take the inside passage through Goodland again, and out Coon Key Pass. We did the motoring trip as far as Panther Key; and threw down the hook there - very pretty spot. On 2/16, we sailed a big 10 miles ( including motoring in and out of the passes), to anchor for the night, which turned into two nights, in Russell Pass by Everglades City. This was a very protected spot for the NW winds. We stayed because we wanted to explore Everglades City. The four of us went the 3 mile dinghy trip in Zephia's dinghy. Everglades City is very cool...the Rod & Gun Club is historic and famous for its visitors; Presidents, celebs, etc. There is a hardware store and restaurants. On the way back, we towed a fellow sailor and his dinghy because of motor problems. That made the trip back much slower and wetter! On 2/18 we weighed anchor at 0700; and sailed 38 miles to the Little Shark River to anchor for the night. YES....there are sharks there, as one presented himself to us as we rowed over to "Zephia" for happy hour. On 2/19, we weighed anchor at 0700, and slowly (4-5 knots) sailed the 44 miles across Florida Bay to the Keys. We did the Yacht Channel again and saw depths as low as 5'1" just North of the Yacht Channel. But, we made it! Looked on the charts for a place to anchor since it was getter late (1700), and decided to go into Lower Matecumbe Bight for the night. Went to bed at 2000! FINALLY, the weather is getter better...we will see 70 degrees today with sunshine. It has only been in the 50s & 60s for weeks now.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Landtime
Kismet got a needed rest and a good bath at Burnt Store Marina where she resided for a week - lovely spot that had a good weekly rate! We had lots of visiting to do on land. We had a great weekend with Craig & Debbie Roser in Sarasota at their beautiful new home. Jim watched lots of TV in a comfortable recliner, I took luxurious showers, went to a crafts show on Siesta Key, and hung out with great friends! When it was time to go Cousins; Beth & Lee who were vacationing in Siesta Key, drove us back to Burnt Store Marina. We had a delicious lunch at Portabellos at the marina. It was a fun afternoon. Next day we were swept off to Bob & Laurel Webber's home in Punta Gorda to spent a couple of days. While there, we celebrated Jim's birthday with a dinner at the Webbers with friends; Elaine & Bruce (friends from Katelyn Marine in Sodus) - steaks, shrimp cocktail, baked potatoes, salad and of course, Birthday Cake! Before saying good-bye for another year, we stopped at Wal-Mart to provision, and refilled our propane tanks. We are sooooooo grateful for our dear friends. On Friday morning, just before the next low pressure system came through, we left Burnt Store. Had a great downwind sail down Charlotte Harbor (14 miles)at 6 knots! We were anchored by 0930 at Useppa Island in Pine Island Sound. The wind is very strong; around 25 knots, and the rain was heavy this afternoon as the front moved through. Looks like the worst is over, and we are looking forward to several days of sunshine; although quite cool (60s).
Thursday, February 4, 2010
More About Boca Grande
This really is a must stop for cruisers. Today we rented bicycles and explored Gasparilla Island - about a 15 mile ride (with side trips) from Boca Grande Pass to Uncle Henry's Marina. The community bike path makes biking a pleasure. After our exercise we stopped at "The Loose Caboose" for delicious. well-deserved ice cream! Tomorrow we will head up to the Burnt Store Marina for about a week, where "Kismet" will get some TLC and we will also visit friends in Sarasota and Punta Gorda.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Sun is Finally Shining
I realize that we are abit spoiled re: the weather; but this is Florida and it should be warm & sunny! The past 4 days have been cloudy, rainy, and cool. We left Fort Myers Beach to spend a week cruising Pine Island Sound; Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Boca Grande. Finally today the sun came out and it is in the 70s. We arrived in Boca Grande, Fl at about 1030, after motoring 6 miles from Useppa Island/Cabbage Key. The entrance was supposed to be fairly shallow but we thought that we would have 5 - 6 ft under the keel. "Low Water Laurie" managed to find the spot that had only 4 feet; so...Captain Jim took over, got us to deeper water, and we navigated the very narrow entrance to the anchorage area. We got to try "med mooring". After a couple of attempts we managed to drop the anchor, back down towards the mangroves, and tie lines to them! We are sitting pretty now! Boca Grande is a beautiful town; quaint &tidy, with lots of shops, restaurants, lovely homes, and a gorgeous beach. Many very fortunate people live here! Tomorrow we plan to ride bikes to explore more of Gasparilla Island.
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