Shark River vs. Marco Island FL

Shoreline of Little Shark River, Everglades, FL

After departing Marathon, FL we headed north to the Everglades and into the Little Shark River. This is 35 nm north and it is the first logical anchorage when heading up the west coast of Florida. SP Catspaw, Carey and Bobbi, our fleet leaders, have explored these waters many times and he is showing us the way North. Little Shark River is in the Florida Everglades and there is obviously no development and no services. You are out here on your own and you must rely on yourself and or your buddy boats. At sunset, the no-see-um bugs attacked us and we were driven below decks. With the boat buttoned up, we enjoyed a nice baked chicken dinner and fresh homemade bread. The next day, Cutter Loose and Island Spirit moved on north to Marco Island, while Catspaw waited for the arrival of our other buddy boat, CAVU, who will catch up today.

Shoreline Marco Island, FL...what a contrast 50 miles north!

Marco Island is 56 nm northwest of Little Shark River and in calm winds, we motor sailed the 9 hours to Marco, entering Capri Pass and winding our way down into the Factory Bay anchorage. By 5pm we were anchored with Cutter Loose and enjoyed a night out at THE SNOOK INN which is a very good restaurant and pub. It is interesting to compare Little Shark River/Everglades to Marco Island! These two places are only 50 miles apart, yet they are at total ends of the spectrum. South Florida is beautiful, warm, diverse and has very shallow water. It is an interesting contrast to all the other places we have sailed. It is great to be back on the move again exploring by water. Island Spirit is a great boat, and she is running well....lucky we are....

Perfect sailing day, 35 nm north to Lil Shark River

Full sails and 12 knots on a close reach, Gulf of Mexico, FL

The boat is run 100% by solar power now! The 350 watts ran....
Autopilot, computers, network, instruments, and freezer/refrigeration

Free electricity via 350 watts of solar....nice!

SP Catspaw, Carey and Bobbi, anchored in Little Shark River

Sunrise leaving Little Shark River, Everglades, FL

Computer screen showing the course to Marco Island, around the shoals

Anchored with the Rich and maybe Famous in Factory Bay, Marco Island, FL

Radeen and Hayden ... Life is good...

 

 

Eric and Patricia....our boat buddies and good friends on Cutter Loose

We will stay here a day, in Marco Island and wait for CAVU and CATSPAW to arrive and then the fleet of 4 will move up to Ft. Myers for a stay there....