1/5/16 – ?                    Sarasota, Cabbage Key and Fort Myers Beach

1/5/16                          Sarasota

Dani arrived in Tampa on 1/4/16 and we were ready to get underway. We left early the next morning and travelled back down Tampa Bay and into the Gulf Intracoastal. Today’s trip will be 56 miles, from 5 – 6 hours. Dani got a sample of some rough travel as we headed down the Bay. We actually turned around and started back to Tampa when the bay settled down and we were able to turn around again and continue on our way. Here are a couple of pictures along the way after things settled down..

Dani and Ken

 

The Intracoastal is full of shallow waters, islands and wildlife. We sighted lots of porpoise (dolphins) and actually got a picture of a pair of them.

 

The Sarasota skyline was very expansive and like other cities it appeared somewhat hazy until you get in closer.

 

We pulled into Marina Jack’s for the night. There was a wonderful little park directly across from the marina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below are some additional shots of Sarasota.

 

 

1/6/16                          Cabbage Key

We headed out early again for another 53 mile trip of 5 – 6 hours. This section of the Intracoastal is not very wide. But it certainly has some interesting sites.

Ferry being pushed by a tow boat

We got to the Boca Grande Bridge a little early, about 35 minutes, and had to idle there until it (they) opened. Below is a shot of the old and new bridge. They are in the process of decommissioning the old bridge. I don’t quite understand why they would put in a new one that is only 22 ft. high. We still needed that one to open too.

Both bridges are partially open

Coming into Cabbage Key is a very narrow and slightly shallow entry (7 feet).

 

I think this is the Island owner’s house.

Cabbage Key can be reached only by boat. It is a small key between Pine Island and Cayo Costa.  There is a water taxi that runs from Pine Island for those without boats. This is a quaint vacation island with an Inn and numerous cottages. And they have a Restaurant which serves breakfast lunch and dinner, and a bar. Most of the workers actually live on the island.

Marina

Restaurant

They also maintain their own nature walk, with identifying markers along the way. Here are a few of the sights to be found on the island.

 

1/7/16 – ?                    Fort Myers Beach

We left Cabbage Key for the last leg of Dani’s trip with Fort Myers Beach as our destination. This was a mere 31 mile trip. Below are some pictures along the way.



Sanibel Island Light

 The below shots are of the northern end of Fort Myers Beach as we approached from the Gulf side.

These boats are running up to the point to get in behind the island into the Estero Bay.

Entrance to Estero Bay

Estero Bay is a very busy port, with lots of commercial and recreational traffic. We travelled almost to the southernmost point and it became much less commercial. Here are some shots on our way down.

 

We are staying at Fish Tail Marina and you can see the condo’s on the beach in the background.

 

Dani flew home on the 9^th. She really seemed to enjoy her stay with us and we certainly enjoyed having her.

Our friends Denny and Chyrl have a place here so we will be staying here for several weeks. There is a strip mall right in front of the Marina, and it has quite a few shops and restaurants. Here are some photos we have taken and we should have more to show you later.

 

Denny and Ken by the pool

Sand Art

Beginning of Sunset

Dramatic Sunset



Another beautiful sunset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We just had new bikes delivered yesterday, so I need to get going. We try them out today.

I probably won’t post again for a few weeks, so I hope you check in then.