Log of the ELISSA II: Cayo Costa to Ft Myers 4/28-29/2013

04/28: Since we planned only a short (16 miles) trip to next stop we lazed about in the AM and didn’t get underway until 1100. We were destined for an anchorage on Captiva Island noted its very safe spaciousness and its proximity to beaches famous for shells you can collect there. We were at anchor just 2 hours later; ½ mile off our bow (east) was a Florida wilderness shore; the same distance to our stern, the usual collection of waterfront homes ranging from lovely thru luxurious to opulent. We all (dogs as well) took long 25-minute dinghy ride to far end of anchorage where a small boat channel provides access to the Gulf Beaches after passing under a very low bridge. We planned to walk the beach & collect shells. To keep a short story short, we couldn’t fit under bridge, high tide and wave action made it look a spot too risky. To complicate matters there was a dredge very close to the very narrow channel we had to take to get to beach on our side of bridge. And, the barge was maneuvering…hairy! We made it to the beach east of the bridge connecting Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Bonnie & dogs went for potty walk & shell expedition. I stayed w/dinghy (property protection syndrome). We returned to boat with a bag of shells and two dogs whose relieved expressions told us we had taken the trip in the “nick of time”. Before we left Cayo Costa, we were intrigued, and entertained, by watching 10 kayakers and one canoe, load an awful lot of camping and personal gear in the canoe and kayaks. Didn’t know those small vessels could carry so much. I’d say the ages varied from 40’s to 70’s and was very impressed as this Sierra Club ventured forth to St James City, expecting for 5 hours, against a stiff wind. While cruising to Captiva, we passed Upsalla Island—is a privately owned island. One needs to be a member before one can purchase a home here-interesting concept. The homes, while large, were understated SW Florida elegance. I have always wanted to go to Sanibel Island since my Mother and sisters visited a day following a hurricane in the 1960’s. They collected the most beautiful and diverse shells. Today didn’t follow a hurricane, thank you very much, but I can see the potential. I didn’t find truly exceptional shells but there are many of different colors to add to Meridian’s shell/rock board she an I are creating following our trips—have to do something with them, right?! I did see more diverse waterfowl than I have seen since we were in Kenya. The Osprey also are everywhere---obviously is nesting season. After our shortened time on just a corner of Sanibel, I had hoped to dinghy ashore to a dock on Captiva and walk around a bit and visit their (not pet friendly) beach. There are 2 marinas that for a fee (one is $35 for the day) you can leave the dinghy tied to and there is a restaurant you can tie to if you are eating there. We were inclined to do neither so returned to the Elissa II for the evening. Obviously Captiva doesn’t need $$$ from transit boaters like the River Towns do. The homes along the Channel we anchored in are lovely, with several for sale and a few rentals. Probably 50% had boats of varying sizes at their docks (unusual as on the ICW most homes had boats) and only a few had lights on as nighttime came. Our dinners are becoming quite repetitive; incl leftovers so unless I discover something new, just imagine more of the same.

Sanibel Shells

Dredge watchers

Sierra Club Campers/Kayakers

He was resting after the first 50 yards against the wind, "this s____s and I have 5 hours to go!"

Captiva Home

Another Captiva home on Roosevelt Channel. The aft end of the larger boat has a tropical garden of potted plants. The smaller boat is his transportation. Wonder what the neighbors think?!!

04/29: Another short day (21 miles) but we left early in anticipation of afternoon T”Storms (yet to materialize). Three hours and 21 miles later we were in slip at the Moss Marine facility in Ft Myers. We are directly across river from the Shipyard that will do some maintenance/repair work on the Elissa II while we return to Chesapeake Bay by road to visit w/the Parson-Sweeney family and attend the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous in Norfolk, VA. Plan to be back here mid May to resume voyage; target before next short break = St. Augustine. Wow, finally Ft Myers Beach. We have now completed 3400 miles of the Loop….see map below. Are at Moss Marina where several of our Fall Looper Friends stayed before going to the Bahamas or home for the holidays. Just down the Pass from us in the mooring field is Hinnerk Weiller, our German sailing friend we first met on the Illinois River last September. We keep telling him farewell, last time in Mobile, but he just can’t seem to leave Florida. This time the same sea conditions we had between Steinhatchee and Crystal River, caused him much more discomfort and boat damage, resulting in a prolonged stay, our good fortune! We three enjoyed “docktails” aboard and dinner out. Have kept forgetting to mention that we are out of synch with the usual Looper schedule. Last Fall, most anchorages or marinas were shared with Loopers. Now, most are going up the East Coast if they didn’t Cross Their Wake in Florida. We have met 2 “new” Loopers, one at Port St Joe and another in Tarpon Springs, Dave and Nan Ellen Fuller on Tip Sie Waci III-should be crisscrossing paths as we complete the Loop.

One way to deliver goods.