A Little Loopy

Sanibel to Naples: 9.6 mph; 33.2 miles; 3:28 hours Naples to Marco Island: 8.1 mph; 15.2 miles; 1:52 hours WHAT A GREAT TRAVEL DAY! Three things happened: {1} I called ABES during the third grade team meeting and face timed with the gang; {2} I called Jess, ABES, and she put me on the screen for the fourth graders to see - it was show and tell about the Gulf of Mexico; {3} I caught three little fish. Naples: You will see some of the most beautiful houses along the Naples canal. A few homes were seriously over the top {marble exterior - not kidding} but most were large without looking huge. What I liked the most, and would love to add to the creek, was the roofed outdoor kitchen. It looked so comfortable. They included slide down hurricane doors! The prettiest houses were painted a deep gold color with blood red geraniums everywhere.  The Naples City Dock is only available for dingy use if you are using their mooring balls. We had anchored outside the channel when we learned this in...

Cayo Costa Anchorage to Fishing in the Gulf: 7.6 mph; 10.2 miles; 1:20 hours Crazy Zig Zag Fishing: 3.6 mph; 1043 yards; 0:09 hours Wherever We Were in the Gulf to Sanibel Anchorage 1: 8.1 mph; 22.7 miles; 2:47 hours Sanibel Anchorage 1 to Sanibel Anchorage 2: (mileage missing from Nebo; about 100 yards to lighthouse) Gulf Fishing: Caught a beautiful fish with blue stripes around his face and back and white stripes on his body: Snapper, Mutton - too small and tossed it back. I also caught a very cool shiny fishy with light black and white stripes the same size, maybe a Southern Kingfish and had to toss it back.  Sanibel Anchorage 1: Just past the bridge between Dixie Beach and the Sanibel Marina entrance, giving the police boats docked at the beach enough room to maneuver.  It's a great little anchorage; quick current, we took the dinghy to Sanibel Marina, had a late lunch at Gramma Dot’s Restaurant then walked a mile or so for frozen custard from The Shack - OMG - so delici...

Anna Maria to Manasota Anchorage: 7.6 mph; 48.1 miles; 6:20 hours Manasota to Boca Grande: (mileage is missing from Nebo - stopped for a pump out) Boca Grande to Cayo Costa: 6.0 mph; 5.3 miles; 0:52 hours Manasota Key: Lemon Bay: Englewood Beach Area: North of Pelican Bay {before the Beach Road bridge}: Tricky anchorage, that’s true for all of the Gulf Coast, but a steady hold. A few sailboats are here too so we knew LegaSea would be safe. Great music from Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Tiki Bar , sweet southern rock.  Side Note: The majority of boaters in Florida are single minded; they have no problem passing you within 15 feet at full speed when you are at idle … in the idle designated area. Cayo Costa: Beautiful anchorage outside a state park with a ton of boats. The park has a dock and some wall space that’s all first come first serve. It’s all DRY docking too - no water or power. The locals seem to have a routine and it was beautiful to watch. Everyone worked together - lo...

Gulfport Municipal Marina to Egmont Island: 7.0 mph; 15.7 miles; 2:14 hours Egmont Island to Bimini Bay Anchorage: 6.7 mph; 6.0 miles; 0:53 hours Egmont Island: What a clam island to visit; the southern part of the island is a bird sanctuary and off limits. There is a pier connected to a large parcel of Private Property - and off limits. We dropped anchor south of the pier but north of the restricted area and took the dinghy ashore (if you do this, pull your dingy up high). We followed signs for the Pilot’s Path/Gulf Path to the other side of the beach (the sign is also south of the pier). So glad I wore real shoes! It’s a muddy walk and gross in some areas. We also used google maps so we could figure out how to get back - not as easy as it should have been.  Out of nowhere there is a cobblestone road in the middle of the island with several plaque markers to describe “what used to be” there.  Bimini Bay Anchorage at Anna Maria Island: This anchorage is just like the one at T...

Treasure Island Anchorage to Gulfport Marina: 5.6 mph; 6.6 miles; 1:10 hours We have great friends. So much happened this week; my new found calmness made all the crazy possible. Gulfport Municipal Marina:  $12.5/ft for a week plus a Boat US Discount. Electric/water; showers/bath; coin laundry (more expensive in Florida: about $2.00 wash and .25/5 min dryer). The marina is a tight fit but very secure. Moorings are about $19/day; we were leaving the boat unattended for a week in NOLA so opted for a slip. Beautiful Gulfport: Downtown Gulfport is within walking distance from the marina. It's a funky weird place and I loved every minute. We had dinner at Pia’s the first night. We've learned that walking in early for dinner always works out - no reservations needed. If you’re planning on a group, or dinner after 6:30, you’ll need reservations. Enjoyed a big Greek dinner at the Neptune Grill with Crystal Z; followed with drinks and live music at The North End Tap House . New Orlea...

Rooker Anchorage to Clearwater BEACH Marina: 6.3 mph; 11.5 miles; 1:49 hours Clearwater to Treasure Island Anchorage: 6.7 mph; 19.5 miles; 3:06 hours Clearwater BEACH Marina:  $2.21/night; electric, water, showers, coin-operated laundry (the top dryer is weak so run it twice - the bottom dryer is fine). This city municipal marina on the beach side is the same price as its sister marina on the East side of the bridge. The cost and amenities are exactly the same. The Beach Marina has the added benefit of, you guessed it, the sugar sand beach and a hidden gem called The Bait House; a literal hole-in-the-wall establishment, tiny kitchen with big chefs, and quite possibly the best seared tuna I have ever had. The bar has wine, beer, and hard seltzers - they keep it easy. The blood orange beer is my favorite; Jim says it has a fancy name - ok. Took the Jolley Trolley to Tarpon Springs today; how Greek can you get? Visit this place and you’ll know- MY PEOPLE! I almost cried when I was...