Hi. Sorry I've gotten so far behind, it has been one long series of days. We had left Ft. Myers, headed to Marco Island, then southbound for Little Shark River enroute to the Keys; specifically, the city of M
arathon, which is on Boot Key, Vaca Key, & includes Sombero Key in its grouping. As you can see from the sunrise in Marco, we were up early; more to beat the winds that seem to get stronger on the Gulf as the day progresses, t
han to get up early. The previous day had been a lesson well learned. Seas were light, 2' on the port bow, winds a steady 10 -15 kts, temps in the 70's . All in all an absolutely wonderful day. The GPS waypoints came up pretty much on schedule, altho' I have to say that it can be a bit disconcerting to be out of sight of land and see 9' on the depthfinder. To avoid the shoals along that part of the western coast, you need to be at least 3 miles offshore. We added a margin and ran between 3 & 5 miles out. As we approached the mouth of the Little Shark River, depths dropped to 6'. Interesting feeling!
arathon, which is on Boot Key, Vaca Key, & includes Sombero Key in its grouping. As you can see from the sunrise in Marco, we were up early; more to beat the winds that seem to get stronger on the Gulf as the day progresses, t
han to get up early. The previous day had been a lesson well learned. Seas were light, 2' on the port bow, winds a steady 10 -15 kts, temps in the 70's . All in all an absolutely wonderful day. The GPS waypoints came up pretty much on schedule, altho' I have to say that it can be a bit disconcerting to be out of sight of land and see 9' on the depthfinder. To avoid the shoals along that part of the western coast, you need to be at least 3 miles offshore. We added a margin and ran between 3 & 5 miles out. As we approached the mouth of the Little Shark River, depths dropped to 6'. Interesting feeling!
As part of the Everglades National Park, the Little Shark is a very primitive spot. Secluded, lush in parts, barren & eerie in parts. Altho' 'gators & other toothy critters are said to abound here, particularly at night, we did not see any. We shared the anchorage w
ith about eight other boats. As you can see, there is plenty of room. Sunset, night came to the 'glades. Moon came out, accompanied by a myriad of stars, no jets, no cars, no cell phone service, no air card service. Couldn't be any better! Next morning's sunrise found us up and at it. Miles 
to go, winds forecast to clock around to a direction that would give us a rolly ride. But, before we g0 there; remember that Scooter has run out of CNG stove fuel & that coffee, or the making of that starter of all good things in the morning, was subject to simply not being there anymore. So, the captain, bless his kind & compassionate lil' heart, got Scooter
a new stove. What a great guy! I should also point out that he has learned how to make the coffee, cook eggs, etc all on the new stove! Could anyone ask for more?
ith about eight other boats. As you can see, there is plenty of room. Sunset, night came to the 'glades. Moon came out, accompanied by a myriad of stars, no jets, no cars, no cell phone service, no air card service. Couldn't be any better! Next morning's sunrise found us up and at it. Miles 
to go, winds forecast to clock around to a direction that would give us a rolly ride. But, before we g0 there; remember that Scooter has run out of CNG stove fuel & that coffee, or the making of that starter of all good things in the morning, was subject to simply not being there anymore. So, the captain, bless his kind & compassionate lil' heart, got Scooter
a new stove. What a great guy! I should also point out that he has learned how to make the coffee, cook eggs, etc all on the new stove! Could anyone ask for more? OK; off we go to Marathon a
nd Boot Key! Another great day in Florida ( all right; paradise!). Lots of gorgeous blue water, also lots of crab pots; just out of absolutely nowhere; crabpots! Weather stayed favorable; some rolling, but minor compared to the day before yesterday. Then, there it; or they were, the KEYS! Looming up in front of us was the Moser Channel Bridge, part of the Seven Mile bridge along US Route 1, the road running the length of the chain of island forming the Keys. Sliding under the bridge, we briefly slammed into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, then entered the channel into Boot Key harbor & 
Marathon, Florida. Hard to believe, but Scooter is in the Keys!. Our perceptions & thoughts on all of the Key mystique will follow tomorrow. It is supposed to rain & thunder, so I will have a chance to get caught up on some more postings & pics. As with all great expectations, there are those that get met, those that fall short, and those that simply are just that; great expectations! Have a great week; more to follow
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