Days 64-66 Ft. Myers to Islamorada

Welcome back - We ended up spending several more days in Ft. Myers due to the fact that we had paid in advance for a month as they would not rent for a week at a time.  As it was, we left before our month was up.  Today is Wednesday, June lst and we left Monday morning about 10:15.  Since it was Memorial Day we should have waited another day.  We got onto the boat freeway again and I have never seen so much boat traffic in my life!!  At many points you have to go at idle speed because it's so narrow and shallow and it took a lot longer than we anticipated.

 The first night we made it to Marco Island and anchored in Factory Bay which was very nice although once again we had a little trouble finding the way in.  Fortunately, we asked a sailor for help and he led us all the way to the Bay. The second day I could have done without.  The wind had picked up and since we were several miles offshore, the ride was very rough.  Then after cruising about 9 hours, we came to the Little Shark River in the Everglades.  While approaching we noticed a huge fire on shore and were concerned that it would prevent us from entering the river to anchor however,  we were able to get inside and the anchorage was beautiful.  Once inside, it reminded us of parts of the intercoastal in Alabama.  Skipper Bob warns you of the mosquitoes and let me tell you - IT'S TRUE!!  They come out in force at dusk!  We stayed inside  with the windows open (screened) and enjoyed a very quiet night except for the many Everglades sounds.  (I was glad I was inside).

Entry to Gulf

Fire on Shore near Shark River

Anchored on Little Shark River in Everglades

Beautiful Water in Keys

"Boat Freeway" out of Ft. Myers

This morning we left quite early at 6:30 and arrived at Islamorada at 2:30.  This was a much better day as we were closer to land and the water is just gorgeous.  You have to pay strict attention to the charts and GPS because there are lots of extremely shallow areas.  But we made it and are getting ready to dinghy to shore for dinner and walk around the area.  This is part of the upper keys and it's really beautiful.  Tomorrow we start heading up the east coast of Florida.