Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Everglades City, Fl to Marathon Key, Fl

January 26, 2016
Tuesday
Miles Traveled 96
Total Miles Traveled 2092
Days 137-139

Strong winds and rough seas kept us at Everglades City another day, but our friends Merrill, Janice and Tim picked us up for lunch, and then took us to their house to watch football. Although we have been held up in this area because of the weather, we have had a great time visiting with them.

We finally had a good weather window to leave for Marathon Key, we split the long distance cruise over two days.  This crossing is in the open waters of the Gulf without barrier islands to protect us from the wind and waves.  There was another looper boat “Corkscrew” staying at Everglades City and we planned to leave early Monday morning about 2 hours before low tide.

 Corkscrew



I took this picture before daylight Monday morning of the International Space Station flying over with the full moon.  I hope you can see it; it’s the white dot in the top center of the picture.



I’m glad we left before low tide, about half way out of the 8 mile channel to the Gulf, both “Corkscrew” and “Moni Jean” bumped the bottom in the middle of the channel, I was showing 3 feet under our boat when we bumped,  not a good way to start the cruise. 

Once in the Gulf we had a great day cruising to our anchorage at Little Shark River.  “Corkscrew” and “Moni Jean” were the only boats anchored Monday afternoon, but before dark there were eight boats at this popular anchorage.

Sunset over the Gulf at Little Shark River.




Sunrise Tuesday morning.



Our only issue both days was dodging crab traps. At one point about every quarter mile we would run into several of them. 

Weaving between two crab traps.


The culprits



Approaching the seven mile bridge at Marathon Key from the Gulf of Mexico.



This is our view of the Gulf in our slip at the marina.





4 comments:

Unknown said...

We could see the ISS in the picture. Great catch! The kids shake their head every time they see a sunset picture. "I wish our weather would change". Ha ha.

Vic.Arghs said...

I wish the picture was clearer, the ISS flyover was very bright on a clear morning. If you look close in the picture of Corkscrew, you can see the full moon reflecting in the water. It's hard to see the moon in the sky though. What a great morning!

Unknown said...

A mutual friend told me about your trip. I been reading your post. I wish you all good luck. When you get to Key West have a beer at Capt. Tony's for me.

Vic.Arghs said...

Thanks Rick! I will certainly do that. We hope all is well with you! Rick & Moni