We Are In The Boonies

Day 271  |  Everglades City to Shark Island  |  5.6 Hours  |  41 Miles  

Our morning high tide came late (or way too early). We spent our last hours at Everglades Isle Marina just waiting. I walked the property and enjoyed all the flowers, including the yellow hibiscus hedges and the deep red bougainvillea climbing up the palm tree. I eventually settled by the pool and read a bit before our 11:00 am departure. In a moment of foreshadowing of things to come, I was texting Glenda (who is in the far southeastern Bahamas) and laughing about how we were spoiled with our consistent internet connection.

We wanted to see as much water as possible in the low spots we encountered coming in. It might sound insignificant, but 1.9 feet is a whole lot better than .9 feet. Departure occurred as scheduled and we headed back out towards the Gulf of Mexico, tracing our inbound track past the 55 channel markers with Miss Utah following right behind us. Pelicans seemed to occupy every piling. The 3-5 knot breeze generated only ripples on the water. Our wake accounted for the only true movement.

Most channel markers were occupied -- whether with a permanent resident or assorted transient waterfowl. Once we reached Indian Key Pass and open water, we moved up to the flybridge and set a course to Little Shark River. Then, all of a sudden, the dreaded "No Service" message came across our phones. We had not anticipated it happening this early in the day and were caught a little off guard. Crossroads was indeed in the Boonies as we traveled south along Everglades National Park. The resident gators have a difficult time texting with their short forelimbs, so no need for cell towers.

The water was flat, glassy at times. We did, however, have plenty of crabpots to dip and dodge, keeping us alert while without internet. A new variation on the float was spotted where the sphere was cut in half and reassembled. Interesting and distinctive, but it seems like a lot of work.

As we neared Little Shark River the two crews discussed places to drop the hook. It was agreed that we would stay out in the Gulf of Mexico since there were minimal wind and waves. Also, if we stayed out of the rivers, maybe the dreaded swarms of mosquitos wouldn't find us. Miss Utah pulled in front of us and, being the larger boat, set her anchor. As we have done on several occasions, we then pulled along their starboard side and rafted up for the evening. We had a quiet little spot and were only buzzed by a few pelicans.

As the sun dropped low, we climbed over the rails and joined them for appys and a perfect view of the evening light show from their port side. (Still no green flash.) The boys grilled and we shared a nice dinner before starting to wind down and calling it a night by 8:30.

 We're excited to be off to Marathon in the morning and to get our internet and phone service back.