DAYS 162-165 : Gulfport to Egmont Island - Anna Maria Island {Bimini Bay & 63rd St Anchorage}

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 Treasure Island - the middle of a community. It’s also a manatee haven so there’s that! Love those critters. Anna Maria Island has an old-family feel. It's small and quaint with community leaders holding tight to keep it that way. Very little public access to parking for the beach to keep things local. Beautiful beaches - sugar sand. Not too sure about the shelling - shelling is seasonal on some of these barrier islands.


Bimini Bay Anchorage: November 29/30: We connected with Matt Curry and took the dinghy to the 63rd street public ramp to tie up. The police and fire boats were lifted there so we were safe enough. The Curry’s have bought an investment property on a road with a name someone would shout before a great battle - JACARANDA! It is the perfect little beach house and I simply love it. Matt took us to The Porch for dinner - great food and wine selection. We visited a few dive bars and grabbed a sunset at the Sand Dollar. Before the Curry’s began to multiply, I was able to use their washer and dryer … It’s the little things you love the most.


Moved Anchorage to 63rd Street Boat Ramp” December 1: We moved the boat and anchored closer to the public ramp. We would have been happy to stay with the first anchorage but it was pretty far away; if anything happened to the dinghy engine - that’s a hell of a row. Getting into this anchorage is doable (we saw bigger boats at anchor) but it's tricky. Watch the depth finder. The back up plan would be to anchor off Keyes Marina or the Cortez Bridge and dinghy onto shore.


Ashley Hon, Kevin & Glenn join in the fun! Always too much fun with this group. So many laughs! The island has a Monkey Bus that will pick you up if you have

had too much to drink for a donation. Hilarious!


December 2: Judy & Millie show up - the fun just keeps going! Love seeing Creek Folk! Had a great visit with Judy, Ashley and Millie. Walked the beach and back to the Sand Bar for dinner and a sunset.


December 3rd: Time to head to Key West; reservations in 12 days for a month's stay - can’t wait.





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