We have been here at Marco Island since Monday 1/22/2024. This has been a great stop with lots to see and do.

It was a short run from Naples to Marco, and the weather cooperated so we ran outside. Andy and Laura from DC were able to join us for the run down, and the day.

What a great short run filled with dolphins jumping all around the boat on the trip down.

Yes they look right at you while they are in the air.

We are not sure how they never end up in the dinghy!

We arrived at Marco Island and tied up at Rose Marina for two nights. Andy and Laura showed us the area a little and we walked to the Snook Inn for a great lunch and live music.

The shirts are for a couple of the DC guys!

Took a walk down to the area known as The Esplanade at Marco Island. It is a great area with shops and restaurants on Smokehouse Bay.

Andy and Laura stayed for dinner and then took and UBER back to Naples.

Amy and I were supposed to stay at Rose Marina for 3 nights and then move to Everglades City for two nights. Once again, all plans are soft. We decided to move over to Smokehouse Bay and anchor by the Esplanade. I then started to research the run into Everglades City from Marco. After several phone calls with local marine tow services and talking with several other boaters familiar with the area, Amy and I made the decision to stay put for three nights on anchor and drive down to Everglades City by car. We were told to only enter the river up to Everglades City on a super high tide and because we have a full moon, we will only get a partial high tide. Not enough for us to get in there.

When we arrived to set the anchor, some other friends from DC drove down from Naples to join us for lunch. We had a great lunch and really enjoyed catching up.

We have really enjoyed our time here on the hook, and even met a great couple on their loop boat Legacy.

You can see Legacy and the Esplanade in the background.

Great sunset last evening from the back deck on Legacy.

Last night’s full moon over the boat on the hook. Took this from the dinghy on our way back from a party at CJ’s while we were taking Memphis out!

The party was winding down after a couple drinks with Memphis. Memphis was the hit of the party. Everyone wants to pat her and tell us how much they miss their dogs! She had a blast.

Today, Friday 1/26/2024, was our trip down to Everglades City. Andy and Laura were kind enough to drive down and pick us up and join us for an airboat ride around the Everglades.

Captain Mitch’s Everglade Tours

Amy and Laura posing in front of a gator!

Flying through the marsh and mangroves on the airboat.

Several big ones out sunning themselves.

Lots of gators around the area.

They sure did keep a close eye on us!

Even got to hold a little one!

He did not like me, he turned quickly to get at me, but the guide was holding him tight! Lucky for my fingers.

After the airboat ride, it was time to see the famous Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City.

The exterior of the building needs a little work.

But the inside hasn’t changed for many years!

Amy inside the pub.

After the Rod and Gun Club it was time for lunch at City Seafood Restaurant. We got to enjoy both soft shell crab and stone crab. What a great lunch.

Back to the boat and one more run to the grocery store before we head south to Marathon tomorrow. We plan to leave here around 10am to let the tide come up a little. We will have approximately 100 miles to run tomorrow. Hoping for calm seas and light winds. The winds are supposed to calm down in the afternoon. We hope so.

I will post again from Marathon as we look forward to our time in the Keys! Until the next post, have a great weekend.