Log of the ELISSA II: Sarasota to Cayo Costa State Park 4/27/13

04/27: Left the Mooring Ball at 0830 after dogs walked. Breakfast under way. Was kinda cool to have been anchored out w/out having to mess with the mess of recovering an anchor. Will use mooring ball options when offered IF we can expect more consideration from other boaters (won’t dignify them with label as “cruisers”) when it comes to wakes in “No Wake Zones”. Had a pleasant run of 53 miles, 6.5 hours to our destination (Cayo Costa Island, about 25 miles from Ft Myers). Entire Island is a State Park: has great anchorage, large with 360° wind & current protection; a small ferry dock, on backside 10 slips for boats 30’ or less no services but makes walking dogs easy (we lucked out and arrived just as someone left); about a mile walk to Gulf beaches. Island has variety of campsites, some primitive, others with amenities (well used this weekend) and several very rustic cabins. After last ferry left, dock was crowded with fishermen (much to dogs’ enjoyment). Fun to interact with them. Only “fish” caught was a stingray, which had “lost” its stinger. Off in AM for last stop before Ft Myers and the road trip to Ft Monroe. Enjoyed the morning dog walk around the Bay front park-quiet yet with many walkers, joggers and dogs being walked. Today was a beautiful day to cruise down the ICW. Encountered our first bridges since the Trent Severn Waterway that needed to be opened before we could pass under. Continued parade of homes, including a couple fixer uppers and a “trainer marina” with well-landscaped yards. We also followed the Tamiami Trail for awhile – yes Florida is a land of outside activities. Cayo Costa Island is reached only by boat or ferry from Captiva. Pelican Bay provides a nice anchorage. The park has slips for boats less than 30 ft for $20/night (no water or power). Day use is $2/person. Our mile long walk to the Beach took us through dense forests of palm and Russian Pine, transitioning to low scrubby palms near the Gulf coast. Walked along the beach for awhile, looking for unusual shells—found none, not unusual! Returned to boat, enjoyed interacting with the fisherpersons. Dinner: Garlicky Beef tenderloin strips with veggie whole grain pilaf.