Day 204 Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Marina Jacks Sarasota to Tween Waters Marina Captiva Florida
It was hard to say goodbye to Sarasota. We had a great visit with our good friend Elli but it was time to move on. We were looking forward to a good day of weather for travel but knew it would be a LONG day. Our travel plans included continuing along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Unfortunately, the 14 foot lift bridge at Albee Road was broken and we couldn't fit under it. This meant we would be BACKTRACKING for 1.5 hours to Longboat Key Pass into the Gulf, then heading back towards Sarasota 1.5 hours and on to Captiva on the Gulf instead of using the waterway route. Essentially we would be 3 hours behind.
We left the dock at 6:10am, heading to the self service fuel dock. The port engine didn't want to start. Jerry discovered that the battery charger hadn't been on while we were docked. After much fussing and a couple Hail Mary's we were actually at the fuel dock. Then, the fuel pumps didn't want to cooperate....not a good start for our long day. We were finally fueled and on our way at 7:30. We finally got to Longboat Key Pass at 9:10.
The Gulf and weather cooperated with sunny skies and waves less than a foot with gentle swells. We were also graced with dolphins and a sea turtle. My camera is never close enough or quick enough.
Hard to see but check out the dolphin!
At Captiva Pass we left the Gulf and followed the channel to Tween Waters Marina. We were at high tide and still only had 2 feet of water below us. Very anxious moments until we were tied to the dock at 5pm, with 9hrs of travel behind us. The marina has only recently reopened due to Hurricane Ian damage. Tween Waters Marina is actually part of a resort. We walked from there to the beach across the road. Captiva Island is known for it's sea shells and beautiful sunset views. I collected a few shells (just to say that I did). We also found quite a few dead fish, victims of the red tide. The wind had picked up and it was chilly so we didn't stick around for the sunset. Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches back on the boat warmed us up.
Day 205 Wednesday January 11, 2023
Tween Waters Marina, Captiva Island to Marco Island
We needed to time our departure from Tween Waters to take advantage of high tide. The most advantageous time would have been around 3:30am; we weren't going to try to leave in the dark! Instead we left at 07:20 when the tide was starting to fall. Still a little anxious we made our way out to the ICW and then on to the Gulf.
We passed under the Sanibel Island Causeway and by our first lighthouse in a long time - the Point Ybel Lighthouse.
Can you see the boarded windows due to hurricane damage?
At Marco Island we dropped anchor in Factory Bay.
Entering the channel at Marco Island we met a motorized paddle board.
Snook Inn, famous spot on Marco, recovering from Hurricane Ian.
It was still early afternoon (2pm) so we could have dinghied to shore to explore but we opted to stay on board. Instead, I spent the time enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. What does that say about priorities??? LOL
We spent a peaceful night at anchor with plans to head to an anchorage at Little Shark River. We've been warned about the bugs -- "No See Ums", that can be brutal.
Sunset in Factory Bay
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