Saturday dawned warm & muggy, just like every other day has dawned since we left Legacy. Anyway we had a leisurely morning before heading 8 miles up the Marco-Naples Waterway to anchor behind one of our new favorite beaches. The entertainment provided by the other boaters is always priceless. The beach was packed and even several boats anchored. For most of the day it was a battle of the boom boxes on the beach. Rap vs Country with no clear winner. Just like back home at Dayboater Slough, when the sun starts to set the beach clears out. Mass pandemonium! This is when Sea Tow makes their money. Dead batteries from playing the radio too long. Boats getting stuck because they tried to go where there wasn't any water. When it was all over we shared the anchorage with only a handful of other boats. Sunday was more of the same but the threat of T-storms kept some away. We did take a stroll on the beach before the rain came. Sunday night we were all alone in the anchorage. Time to use the transom shower!
With the threat of afternoon thunderstorms on Monday we decided to leave early and head to Ft. Myers Beach. We continued up the Marco-Naples Waterway and only met 2 boats. Much less nerve wracking than it would have been on the week-end.
We passed this squatter guarding the red marker.
Once we arrived at the lower end of Naples Bay we made a left turn to head out Gordon Pass. It's a shame that we had to pass these run down fishing shacks before we hit open water.
Gordon Pass and open water.
We had a nice trawler speed cruise north to Ft. Myers Beach with 2' to 3' following seas which make Tourist look like a drunk as she gets pushed back and forth by the waves. Once you get close to Ft. Myers Beach you start to see the parasailers in the sky. Not for me!
Of course the main reason we stopped again at the beach was to take advantage of the cheaper fuel at Ballard's fuel dock. And since you have to dinghy in to the Matanzas Inn to pay for the mooring ball, you might as well head to the Beachside Grill for lunch. We had been told by Marv & Carol from M/V DeeLight to try the beach bread. Let me say we were not disappointed! Sorry no picture. By the time it occurred to me to take a picture of it there was only 1 piece left. I've never seen Pam eat so much, so fast!
Tuesday following a quick trip back into town we cast off and headed towards the Caloosahatchie River. Once again on our way out we came upon all forms of law enforcement boats. This time all tied to a dock. As luck had it they were just getting in their boats as we passed. Why is it that even though you aren't breaking any laws you feel guilty? Turns out the Coast Guard was hosting a meeting regarding local response methods to the gulf oil spill. Tourist passed with only friendly waves from the officials. With all the knuckleheads operating boats I never mind seeing the enforcement officers on the water.
A quiet 21 mile ride up the river found us back at Legacy Harbour. Our second home. Our trip covered 492.3 statute miles over 18 days.
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