January 12 – 14, 2015: Fort Myers to Marco Island

Up early today and out of slip by 0715.  Our goal was to get to Marco Island before the rain was to hit later in the afternoon. (It never did arrive) it is about 33 miles to Marco.  Upon leaving the channel, we encountered 4-5 dolphin just playing and even tossing a fish around between them.  We have seen dolphin everyday on the water, some in the distance, some up close and personal , some casually swimming along and others “flying” and even jumping completely out of the water.  They are amazing and very fun to watch.  This was our first day on the gulf and the water was great, calm to 1 foot chop.  We can only hope for this great of water again.  The ride was pleasant and we recognized many landmarks and areas along the shore.  We even called some friends, (Dan, Pat, Bill) and told them to wave at us as we cruise by.  We arrived at Rose Marina ($1.60/ft./day) on Marco Island and were pleased to be docked close to Jason and his family. 

The visit at Marco was wonderful.  We spent time with the family.  Jason, April, Colton, Wyatt and Wyatt, (have to get all their names in the blog) were home on Monday and we spent time with them catching up, playing air hockey, inspecting the gardens, and enjoying listening to 3 brothers chatter.  We had visits also with many friends.  Bill Reynolds stopped by the boat, as did Bob and Fran Phinney (Lake Michigan cruising friends) and Chuck and Arlene Custer (fellow boaters and MTOA members).  We got a little taste of the island by doing some exploring on foot and by stopping at a few restaurants. (The Sandbar, Marker 8.5).  We are already looking forward to returning in March and seeing these friends again and spending even more time on the island.

Salty Sam's Marina in Fort Myers

You can rent your own pirate ship here.

If you are a Doc Ford fan this is his rum bar in Ft. Myers