We left Palmetto and took the ICW south. Winds were not cooperating, blowing out of the south, so motoring inside worked fine. It allowed us to stop as we pleased at any number of places along the way. That included Sarasota on Superbowl Sunday where there is plenty of room to anchor near the city. We dingyed in to O'Leary's Tiki bar, beached the dink & found a table with a good view of the TV. Evidently tiki bars don't make an ideal atmosphere for superbowl. That's fine, we actually got to watch the game. We jumped back in the dink at halftime and watched the second half aboard Freedom. Great game! Congrats to the Gints. We didn't really care for either team, we're looking forward to seeing the Lions there soon!
Next day we had to pass through 10 draw bridges. We refined our timing as best we could. Some bridges open on a schedule & some on demand.
Tuesday was bright and calm as we crossed Charlotte Harbor headed to Cayo Costa state park. We'd sailed here once before on a charter with Ray & Cynde and wanted to get back in our own boat. The entrance is very shallow. I timed our arrival for mid-tide rising and we had no problems at all. We spent 3 days here hangin out, doing the chores and going ashore to the state park beach. A very relaxing time. This is the first time I really felt like we're 'cruisin'. It's been more of a delivery run south to warm weather mixed in with some work.
Next stop, party central...Ft. Myers Beach. Bars, bars, bars.
Chris' nephew Tim had perfect timing, coming down from Mass to visit his girlfriend and look for work. We spent a very nice day Sunday, despite the chill & high winds, visiting with them. Got in some shopping too!
Monday we took a 2 mile dingy ride to a marina located right next to a Publix grocery store. We're starting to load up with provisions for the trip to the Bahamas. Most stuff is double the price there, so we'll stock up before crossing.
Tuesday is Valentines Day...and our 25th Anniversary. Stay tuned for a report on our exotic anniversary day!
Posted by Ed aboard S/V Freedom
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