Before leaving Naples, we needed to
wait until the tide was high just to give the exit channel from Old Naples
Seaport to the main channel maximum depth. While we waited on the tide to
turn we walked to Wynn's Market.....
We were
considering a couple of places to stay for the next two weeks. The
mooring fields Matanzas Harbor, behind Ft. Myers Beach looked very attractive since it was only $18/day
including mobile pump-outs and nearby attractions and grocery store
availability. The other choice was Sanibel Island, just
west of Ft. Myers Beach in San Carlos Bay. After reaching the pass at San
Carlos Bay, we turned east and cruised around the northern end of Ft. Myers
Beach, under the San Carlos Blvd. Bridge and into the mooring fields to look
for a ball to tie to. The mooring fields are first come, first served,
BUT, we found out after we had already tied up to shiny # 21 mooring ball that
the Northfield was for people who owned the balls, and if there were any
available then it means that the owner was just out for a cruise and would soon
be returning. Well, the experience of hooking onto a mooring ball for the
first time was worth the disappointment of having to leave. We were able
to snag the ball on first try (Meg, being the talented and able-bodied sea person
that she is) and get secured like we had done it many times. With our new
found confidence and skills, we were directed via phone by the marina Mooringmaster,
to the south field, where it truly was first come first serve. We scanned
the field, spotted an empty ball and headed for it only to see another cruiser
pull up to it and claim it. We noticed many boats anchored to the south
of the mooring field and decided that they were waiting like buzzards for the
next empty ball and decided our chance of getting one today were slim to
none.
Since we already had reservations at
Sanibel Island Marina, we left the mooring fields and cruised across San Carlos
Bay west to Sanibel Island Marina. This marina was full too except for
one slip on the loading ramp. We pulled up, tied off and went to the
Ships Store to see about staying here for a while. There is a possibility
we can stay for more than a few days but we are still working that deal.
For now, we are here until Monday and will explore the island in the meantime.
I'm really excited about being here at Sanibel. They have bike rental and extensive bike and walking trails over the island. It's also known for great seashells. So many people collect shells here that the stance of bending over at the waist to retrieve a seashell has become known as the "Sanibel Stoop" .
That's the news and here are some views:
Route from Naples, FL to Sanibel Island BWO Mooring Fields
Wynn's Market in Naples, FL This market was just like Whole Foods with lots of
beautiful fresh produce, nice cheeses, and a great meat market BTW, thank
goodness we didn't buy many groceries, because we found out too late that Slidr
(the free electric car service in Naples) doesn't open until 10:00, so we had
to walk back to the boat with groceries. We forgot the backpack and
didn't bring our buggy.
Viridian Tied up ON the loading ramp
Fresh, hot blueberry muffins and a news paper delivered by the marina
Great way to start the day! Um, um good!
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