Busy time in Ft Myers

Hello Armchair Cruising Friends and Family,

We've been busy-- both traveling and visiting and touring in the last two weeks.

We had great overnights, one at Venice Beach (free!, where there is a dock just across the road from the beach. Then we spent a night anchoring at Pelican Bay, which is between Cayo Costa( a State Park barrier island) and Punta Blanca (an uninhabited island opposite the northern end of Pine Island). We were able to anchor with about 15 other boats, and to take the dinghy to the shore on Punta Blanca. Dinah really loves running on the beach. From there we traveled to Ft Myers.

We had originally intended to anchor in Glover Bight for a night or so, about 15 miles down river from Ft. Myers, but found that the mangroves on the shores were so thick that landing with Dinah was impossible. So we ate lunch there and then moved on to a wonderful anchorage near Marinatown marina very near the Edison Bridge. This anchorage had two other boats (we think they are pretty much permanent residents,) is very quiet and sheltered, and had a small beach area amidst the mangroves for Dinah. :) To top it off, it was a 20 min dinghy ride up the canals to Nan's aunt's home where her(Nan's) mother was staying. We stayed in the cove 3 nights, then moved to Marinatown where we found such a wonderful weekly rate that we never went back to the anchorage. We were able to have electricity AND use my aunt's car and so get around Ft Myers. Amidst the picts, you'll see some of the family, our visiting the Edison Ford Winter Estates, eating in Matlacha (pronounced Mat-la-shay,) worshiping in 2 churches, walking on the windy beaches, an afternoon cruising with Nan's cousin Kathy and husband Carlos, and then deep-sea fishing (a birthday gift for Jack from daughter Joy).

We left Ft Myers at noon today and are at the town dock in LaBelle, along the Okeechobee Waterway. We had expected something like the TN-Tom, but it is more of a river, with many houses. We came through one lock which brought us up a big 2'!! Very different from the TN-Tom locks. We passed several orange groves with trees laden with oranges.
We're watching the weather, as we have another cold front and rain coming. (Yes, we know that many of you have had/are having snow and ice. So we're not complaining!) Our next real challenge is crossing the Okeechobee, where cruisers have a choice of the direct crossing or what is known as the 'rim route'... basically the southern shore. We're leaning towards the 'rim.' Then, shortly afterward, we'll be in the Atlantic!!!

It's good to be on the move again. Watch for more installments soon!

Smooth cruising.
nan and jack

We continue to meet folks who recognize our AGLCA burgee (flag) which opens conversation about the Loop.