25. 19′ 763N/081. 08′ 234W Little Shark River, FL 3/15 and 25. 51′ 504N/081. 23′ 263W Everglades City, FL 3/16
7 mile bridge at Marathon
Greetings! We’re writing this update on Wednesday, 3/16 since we had no connection with the internet last night and we had no cell service either because we were anchored out in the middle of Little Shark River.
Little Shark River
We anchored and had to put out 70 feet of chain because it was a hard bottom and not good holding. But we stayed exactly where we anchored all night; though we did get up a few times last night to check our holding. This anchorage was a very beautiful spot, with an abundance of wildlife which you can see and hear if you are quiet enough and are looking for it. We spotted a loggerhead turtle (our first) poking out of the water to get a breath of air, a mantaray, and an assortment of beautiful birds. We had a light breeze and enjoyed God’s creation, had leftovers from the night before, enjoyed a little bit of icecream still frozen… until the no see ums arrived about 4 p.m. They were so tiny they got through our screens. We sprayed each other and then we sprayed the screens and locked the doors and turned in about 7:45 p.m. This morning we departed beautiful Shark River and the no see ums at 8 a.m. We travelled across the Gulf to Everglades City which is several miles in from the Gulf through mangroves. We are docked at the Rod and Gun club which is a place which goes back to the 1840’s and has been visited by Presidents and many famous celebrities. We saw the National Park Tour boats on our way in as well as a few air boats.
Gulf of Mexico
Just as we arrived, we spotted our friends, the pelicans fighting over some fish a fisherman had thrown out to them after cleaning his catch for the day. As we were getting settled and washing the salt off the boat, we were greeted by passers by (many over the age of 75) who shared their stories about their cruising days.
boating buddy, Queen Ann's Revenge
We have had two beautiful days of cruising with with Hank and Ann aboard Queen Ann’s Revenge and have learned a lot from their years of cruising experience in this area. Off to Naples tomorrow morning.
Lesser Light 
Sounds like a wonderful voyage so far. Isn;t the wildlife amazing? Reading your blog I am reminded of the time Mike Preston and I set out on his 30 ft. Catalina from St Pete to Boca Grande and back on a 3 week excursion. I wonder if Christmas Is. on the inter-coastal owned by a family where we stopped and had lunch at their restaurante with dollar bills covering every wall from top the bottom is still in operation? We would stay 2-3 days at different locations and wake up in the a.m. and decide to mosey on or stay longer. What a life. Mike and I owned 2 homes in St Pete when we were both working in R.E.. Miss u guys..
By: Renate and Gary on 03/17/2011
at 10:10 am