The Gulf Coast

After a fun week in Key West we had an "ideal" weather window.  I use the quotes because I don't mind a little swaggle and Sue would like it glass smooth - so I generally try for something in the middle.  With a forecast of 1-2 feet slow rolling waves and a light breeze aft - it was an ideal day for a very long run.  Our longest in fact - we were out to sea for over 13 hours and covered some 120 miles of open ocean about 10 - 40 miles off shore.

We started the day at 5:45 AM in the dark and navigated our way through the barrier reef out to the gulf and had a wonderful view of the sun rise at 7:30AM.

Sunrise on the Gulf of Mexico

We arrived in Naples on a calm sunny evening to see a lot of lovely homes as we wound our way into the city dock for the night.

Naples Home

Our two main highlights in Naples were the Pier and an Arts and Craft Bazaar.  The Pier has been in place since 1888, although rebuilt from time to time.  Originally in service as a fishing and shipping structure, like all things, over time it was too small and larger cities and ports centralized the commerce.  In response, it was turned into a local attraction for residents and visitors with beach access, a lunch counter and fishing.  The Naples Pier is one of the best places in Florida to catch a sunset as well - more on this next time!

Naples Pier

Naples Beach

The Bazaar was one of those fortunate surprises.  5th street is the most prestigious street in Naples with high end art and home shops along with restaurants of all kinds.  On this sunny Sunday, they closed the street and artisans from all over Florida and America congregated to show their wares.  Now for most of us in Canada we might think a nice selection of artisans might include a few painters, photographers, potters and crafts.  Let's say a few dozen might be considered a nice little showing.  If you were to see a couple of city blocks you might think yourself quite fortunate for the variety.

In Naples on this day they had 9 city blocks and I would estimate over 500 displays of all kinds.  More than the sheer volume, the quality was incredible - there were no $10 nic-nacks.  Everything was high quality, original work selling for hundreds or thousands of dollars.  Custom jewellery, clocks, hand blown glass, bronze sculptures, statues, paintings, prints, photos, potters - it just went on and on and on.

Naples Bazaar

From Naples off to Sanibel Island - a lovely little community surrounded by beaches linked by walking and biking trails.  You can see the whole island by bike, if you like, and spend time on beaches facing the coast line of Florida or the Gulf of Mexico.  We met Jim and Shannon, a lovely couple from Charleston, SC,  and shared a dinner out at The Timbers Seafood restaurant one evening.  Jim was trying to pull in a better WiFi signal on his boat and I ended up spending half a day helping to configure the marina's system to broadcast to the docks more effectively.

Sanibel Island Light House

Sanibel Sunset Over Canal

From Sanibel we went inland to cross Florida on a Intercostal Waterway that goes up the Caloosahatchee River, on to Lake Okeechobee, then the Lucie Canal en route to Stuart on the East Coast of Florida.  You only have to go a few miles inland of Stuart or Fort Myers on the Okeechobee Waterway to truly experience a "deliverance" moment.  Soon enough, you are surrounded by orange grooves, weeds, dead or decaying trees, umpteen varieties of birds and the elusive alligator.  We were more in danger of grounding in the shallow 5 foot Okeechobee Lake, than anything else.

Fort Myers Beach Fishing Fleet

WP Franklin Lock on Okeechobee Waterway - 2 foot rise!

Sunrise at Moore Haven - just about to enter the MH Lock

Lake Okeechobee dead ahead???

Lake Okeechobee I presume?!

All manner of vessels on Lucie Canal

Hanging out at the dolphin pilling waiting for Lucie Lock

This whole trip is what is called the "Little Loop" as it covers the lower 1/3 of Florida.  Sue calls it the "Florida Sampler" as you get to see both coasts, the Keys and a variety of big cities, ghost towns with open ocean to explore.  With over 1,000 km covered without incident or issue, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed the best of what Florida could offer.

Who knows were we'll go next - only time and Revi will tell.

Life is an adventure - live it large!!

Cheers!!

Scott & Sue