Southbound to Fort Myers Beach

Day 265  |  Pelican Bay to Fort Myers Beach  |  4.5 Hours  |  30 Miles  

A cold front moved through Pelican Bay overnight, producing a noticeably stiffer breeze and chillier temperatures this morning. We followed our three previous tracks through this anchorage and were confident that, although we left at low tide, there would be plenty of water beneath us. Watermen were out tending their crab pots ... and drawing the interest of a flock of pelicans looking for breakfast. Several dolphin bobbed up and down around us. We passed the entrance to Cabbage Key, well known among cruisers for their dock-and-dine burgers. We'll save a trip there for our next visit. The passing front also brought in more clouds that made for great scenery that encompassed a multitude of colors -- blue-green water, tan shoals, vibrant green mangrove forests, deep blue sky, and white clouds.

Three dolphin settled into formation just ahead of our bow and escorted us for several minutes. Pelicans entertained by either soaring high and diving straight down into the water or gliding along inches above the surface. Before we knew it, we had made it down to the southern tip of Sanibel Island as marked by the lighthouse. Our heading was adjusted to the east toward Fort Myers Beach. A lone bald eagle occupied the perch on top of the Manatee Zone sign. We transited a section of the intracoastal channel know as the "Miserable Mile." It is a narrow no-wake zone that shallows quickly just beyond the markers. At our slow trawler speed, we were not too put out. The dozens of go-fast boats lined up on their way to the Gulf thought otherwise.

This pelican seemed perfectly happy watching the parade of boats go by. Fort Myers Beach rose on the horizon and the channel took us to within 20 yards of the folks enjoying the beach. The fishing fleet was docked along the entrance to Matanzas Harbor.

On cue and as predicted, the wind was picking up. We called the harbormaster at the first-come-first-serve mooring field for a ball assignment. We were informed their was only one ball left for a boat our size. It was our lucky day, as one ball was all we needed. We proceeded to the furthermost corner of the field and grabbed the ball with the two bridle lines on the first attempt. As we settled in, the wind was gusting 30 knots, but also bucking a strong current flowing the opposite direction. It made for a bouncy afternoon, but pleasant enough for some time on Fiberglass Beach with a book. There was a continuous parade of boats going by our location as well. This pedal boat was new to me. By 5:30 the wind had both laid down and clocked around 180 degrees. Everyone in the anchorage was pointing in the same direction and playing nicely together. I watched the sun set from the upper deck before coming in to stream the UVA-Duke game.

Tomorrow morning we'll lower the dinghy and go about a mile to check into the marina office. We'll then spend the day exploring Fort Myers Beach.