Naples to Little Shark River, Florida

Date:  Monday, Dec 30, 2019                                      

Arrival Time:  1645 ET                     

Location:   Little Shark River, Everglades, Fl.

Weather:  80, Sunny      

Sea State:  Calm

Destination Tomorrow:  Florida Keys

Engine Hours:  1398                                                                        

Crew:  Ruth and Greg

Mileage log:  964 N/M   

Comments: 

Little Shark River inlet

We upped anchor at 0630 with hopes of anchoring tonight near the Little Shark River.  Butch told us of a boat delivery he had with Jack, years ago, in which they stayed there and perhaps, we were feeling a little nostalgic as we put it on our “radar.”  We cleared the short Naples jetties by 0645.  The Naples anchorage was a beautiful and a perfectly smooth over nighter. 

The sea state today couldn’t have been better unless it included winds to sail; but, we’re not complaining.  During  the 52 n/m journey, the seas went from a one foot chop to a one foot swell to barely a ripple with winds in our face near 5 knots; a fisherman’s dream.  We cleared Cape Romano near 0945 and changed course to a heading of 136, SE.  We stayed on this course most of the day.

During the morning, I mentioned to Ruth that I was surprised at the lack of sea life.  Fortunately, for us that changed.  Throughout the day, we were honored by Poseidon the Sea Goddess showing us a variety including a large sea turtle, miles of man o’ wars, a flying fish, a jumping mackerel and of course, pods and pods of dolphins.  We even had a spanish mackerel jump right on to the blue lure Bryce gave me for Christmas.  Thanks, Buddy!

Sunset watching a boat enter Little Shark River inlet

We dropped anchor at 1645, in 12 feet of water near the mouth of the Little Shark River, in the Florida everglades. The light winds in our favor gave us no reason to chance entry.  While anchoring and throughout the evening, we were greeted by approximately 20 dolphins in as many as 4 groups.  They were probably from the same pod but just hanging out with their buddies.  They seemed to know each other.  We took many pictures of the beautiful sunset in the Gulf. 

Tomorrow, the Florida Keys. 

P. S.  I remembered that I set a track on the GPS when I left Port Arthur.  When checking it today it revealed Pura Vida has traveled 964 N/M (1109 St. M) since beginning the journey on Nov. 29^th.

P.P.S.  No cell service; therefore, hopefully this will be published tomorrow, Dec. 31.