Ft Myers to Little Shark River 1/15/2011 - 1/18/2011

From our departure from Ft. Myers, would be taking us to Naples. We would have a great push from the current today, therefore, we were making really good time. At this speed, we would be reaching Naples around 1:00, Charlie and I decided that we could make it to Marco Island before dark. We decided to anchor in a place called “Factory Bay.” This would put us in the back yard of several great big mansions. Off to our right we noticed another boat with a “Looper” flag on it. Therefore we went to investigate to see who the were, and where they were from. This happened to be a boat that looked exactly like the MV “Stella Maris,” a 42’ Grand Banks. Her name would be the MV “Crawdad.” Oddly enough their last name would be “Crawford,” Captain Gloria, her husband Jim and their dog “Boo Boo.” We were invited on board, had a very nice chat, then we all decided that we would get up early in the morning and run to Little Shark River, located just inside the Everglades National Park.

Anchors were pulled up at 7:30, and we headed to Little Shark River. We made this run out in the Gulf of Mexico. The water was very unusual for the gulf, they were like glass! We would arrive in Little Shark River around 4:00 pm. Another new experience for us. We would “raft up” to the MV “Crawdad.” Now, what this means is that one boat would anchor, then the other would anchor in the opposite direction. The anchor chain would be let out to the point that the were side by side. Once we were side by side the two boats would be tied together. This made it great to be able to visit each other! You just stepped over onto the other boat. Jim and Gloria’s dinghy would be in a position that they would not be able to get it down, so we all hopped in our dink. The main purpose of this adventure would be to find the dog a place to relieve himself. All we could find in mud and mangroves. “Boo Boo,” he really wasn’t thrilled with this idea, so we headed back to the boats. Jim and Gloria invited us over for dinner, these always turn into pot luck type dinners. The Crawford’s made a very good shrimp scampi with spinach noodles! WOW!! In the morning we would be greeted by a not so good weather forecast. Strong storms were headed for us, along with 40mph winds. Time to untie the boats and get them separated. The rest of our stay in the Everglades would be very wet, and very windy! Time to head to Marathon!! Our new buddy boat the “Crawdad,” and the “Bama Belle,” are heading to the Florida Keys early in the morning!