Today was one of those days we all wish for, absolutely gorgeous. I got up around 4:30 this morning to chart our path to Marathon from Marco Island, a distance of 111 miles. We had very enjoyable guests last night so I didn't get it done before bed time. They were folks from Orion that we met in Midway Marina on the Tenn Tom last fall and had had correspondence from several times since but this was the first time we had seen them. Putting our path in the Garmin this morning made me feel very intimidated since it was off shore anywhere from 3 to 20 miles for most of the day then completely open water the last 20 miles. Somehow you feel a little more comfortable when you can see land even though it is too far to swim! The water was totally flat for most of the trip with a very light chop the last few miles. 
This has to be the cleanest, clearest water I have ever been in before. I have said this before but this has to be one of my favorite shots.
We traveled about 100 miles when we came to the 7 mile bridge that we needed to pass under into the Atlantic Ocean then turn port for about 3 or 4 miles to Boot Key Harbor.
In order to get to our marina we had to pass several other marinas as well as a very large mooring field. We came under the bridge a little after 5 p.m. but due to the size of this harbor, did not get to our assigned slip until 6:30 p.m.
The mooring field is very large.
After passing the mooring field we saw several condos on the starboard side.
We traveled about 100 miles when we came to the 7 mile bridge that we needed to pass under into the Atlantic Ocean then turn port for about 3 or 4 miles to Boot Key Harbor. In order to get to our marina we had to pass several other marinas as well as a very large mooring field. We came under the bridge a little after 5 p.m. but due to the size of this harbor, did not get to our assigned slip until 6:30 p.m.The mooring field is very large. After passing the mooring field we saw several condos on the starboard side. More pictures of the mooring field.
The dock master as well as our new next door neighbor met us at slip #3 and helped us with our stern in tie. Our assigned slip #51 was still occupied by a boat with some problems and couldn't leave today but we will move there tomorrow and will be here until 2/12. We plan to go back to Fort Myers the first of the week to help retrieve the Hanna van and bring it here.
Our present position is: N 24 42.619 W 81 04.916
Hey you two!! Love your photos and hope at this moment you are having a smooth passage to Marathon. Reading your blog we were surprised to see who your guests were last night. We know them and they keep their boat in Red Wing also.
ReplyDeleteFYI: According to your Latitude, if you were traveling East on Rt50, you would be on top of the hill just before Simonton Windows.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome day you had to cruise to Marathon! Excellent!
ReplyDeleteWhat time did you leave Marco? Just wondering for future reference!
Thank you again for the entertainment and great munchies. Enjoy your time in Marathon.