Monday, February 8, 2010

February 7, Day 227 – Everglades City to Little Shark River

After a quick breakfast we departed Everglades City at 9:30. The weather forecast was for sunny skies with winds at 10-15 out of the NW. We figured we’d be okay as the wind would be at our back and push us along without a real uncomfortable ride. This proved to be pretty much the case except the waves were a little more than we expected. They started out around 2-3 feet but then increased to about 4 feet. Occasionally we surfed on 5 or 6 footers and got close to 9 knots. Towards the end, the ride was getting a little rough so we were definitely glad to get to Little Shark River, our planned anchorage for the night.

After setting the anchor, we took down the dinghy and decided to do a little exploring. Michael came with us so he could do a little fishing. We snuck into a little cove, but as we tried to exit on the other side we ran aground. Even with both Gerry and Michael rowing they couldn’t get off the sand bar so Gerry finally had to get out in the water and muck and push the dinghy into deeper water.

Back at the boat we watched the sunset, but then decided it was just too bouncy where we had anchored. We raised the anchored and moved up the river some so that we were out of the wind and waves. It was much smoother.

We had homemade Chili for dinner while we listened to the Superbowl. We had to be content with just the radio (Sirius) as we had no cell or WiFi connection. We were in a very remote area. It was quite dark outside as there was no light pollution from any cities. There were millions of stars twinkling in the sky. We hadn't seen a sky like that since leaving remote parts of Canada.


This is a picture of what the Gulf water looked like today .... very murky. It had been windy for a couple of days and this area is quite shallow so guess all the bottom stuff had been stirred up.

Approaching the entrance to Little Shark River. You can just barely make out Second Star as she enters the river.

Monk's Vineyard at anchor (we actually moved upriver a little later on)

Looking out into the Gulf (taken while out on our dinghy ride where we ran aground)

The mangroves ... they seemed to form a tunnel

It wasn't the greatest sunset, but figured it was at least worthy of a picture.

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