We’ve seen so many dolphins through the years, but I don’t think they’ve ever been so plentiful as they are on the west coast of Florida. We see them every time we move the boat, in every anchorage, and even in the marinas. They never fail to come and join us, and watching and talking to them never fails to be fun.
Cruising south from Fort Myers Beach to Naples. Cruising along this coast is nice, with the winds predominantly out of the east all you have to do is hug the coast to cruise along in flat seas.
I swear there was nobody out on the water before we got to the cut into Naples.
The plan was to spend a few days on the Naples City Dock mooring balls while we explored the town. When we got in there we filled up the diesel tanks for the first time since Staniel Cay six months ago. We were pleasantly surprised to find that not only was it .30 cents a gallon cheaper than the fuel docks we’d cruised right past in Fort Myers, but they also gave us another 10% discount for putting in over 200 gallons. While we were filling up, and I was enjoying the thought that we’d just saved ourselves about $200, the dockmaster came out and told us he was going to give us a dockspace for the same $15/night price as the mooring ball. Their website says the moorings are good for boats up to 43′, but he apparently doesn’t feel like they really are, so instead of telling us to beat it and go anchor somewhere, he just offered up a dock. This was not the type of reception we’d been expecting in the upper class confines of Naples.
It was kind of funny later on in the week Ali was talking to the lady on the big catmaran in front of us at the dock. She said trawlers weren’t really for them because they don’t like to spend money on gas. A minute later she said they were going to cut their mast down so they could do the ICW and would have to rerig their whole boat. That job alone would pay for enough gas for us to do the ICW trip 10 times. She also complained that her “boat cleaner” hadn’t shown up in three weeks.
For the next four days we just hung out around the area. Ali took the kids on some adventures, but found that there wasn’t a whole lot to be found. The trolley ride history tour was in fact more of a drive-by of ritzy homes with the tour driver raving about how much they all cost. It didn’t seem to strike him as off at all when he announced the cheapest house in town to be $800k while he commuted in to make $40k. Anyway, we enjoyed our few days, but it’s safe to say this place was not our scene.
Fill up the fridges and head out.
I’ve never bothered to adjust the offset on the depth finder. But after spending much of the day on the inside route between Naples and Marco Island with it reading .4 ft, I finally set it up properly.
Anchored off one of the 10,000 islands (really only 500). We thought we’d spend a few days out here, but then got such a nice weather window for the trip down to Key West the next day that we took off again. Mexico is on our mind now.
We’re piling up the water toys now. After a few days with this we’ve decided it may be the best purchase we’ve ever made.
Carving up the Thanksgiving ham. The only real Thanksgiving tradition we have is telling each other what we’re thankful for. Fortunately, for us there is plenty.
Pre-bedtime is often spent making comics to read in bed before books. They always crack each other up with their stories.
26 Comments on “Thanksgiving Cruising”
So, you’re in a Mexico State of Mind? How about Cuba, is that possible to do on a private vessel?
I believe so, and those that have gone, have said it was gorgeous. There are still some travel restrictions for Americans I believe…
Hi Pat,
What do you think you’re burning on average in GPH. Trawler shopping here…
Thanks!
If you are looking for fuel economy, you can’t do much better than a Kadey Krogen.
4 gph at 8.5 knots
it is a sincere hope of mine, that those young’uns influence (positively) their peers based on their life experiences. the cruising children i have met, are different in their perspectives and perceptions. quite refreshing…smart, smart, smart! Goodonyas!
blessings,
scott
Our hope too. Thanks, Scott.
Life must be hard when your “boat cleaner” doesn’t show up for three weeks! ? what wonderful experiences your children are having. And the dolphins, wow!
Nice varnish! What did you use?
Those railings were done when we bought the boat. They’re the only thing with covers on them during the “off-season” so they’ve held up well. They are very nicely done, though, thanks. Wish we could take credit.
Hello from MAHI! We are over in Marathon heading to Bahamas and beyond at next window. Lots of kids here same age as Ouest and Lowe, including our Ethan.
Sorry we’re going to miss you! We’re headed the other way this season.
We are full time RVers doing outdoor art shows, so Naples is a good market for us. We spend a lot of time there in the winter. We would have liked to show you the other side of the city, but we’re not back yet. Sorry you only met the snobs.
The lady on the dock was actually really nice. Just different lives is all, or choices more so. There was a free big band concert in the park on the day we arrived – loads of people outside enjoying it, while the kids got rid of their energy on the huge, clean playground. The numerous shops, malls, and stupid trolley ride — ugh. Sorry we missed you!
We have a Lily Pad water toy like yours and the kids/cousins CANNOT get enough of it. Dragging them in for lunch/dinner is a real chore, but we’re glad they have so much fun together.
Living in Minnesota you have to have your summer fun in a couple of months instead of year around, but that makes it all the sweeter!! Your kids will have so much fun with it in many beautiful locations, I am a little jealous..
Now we’re getting things ready for snowmobiling….which is a different kind of fun. Have you ever had a snowmobile? Your kids would enjoy that, too.
Isn’t that the truth — Minnesota summers are great, and everyone that lives there crams as much of it in as possible. My parents had a mat at their house when we visited in August, so we were happy to see the smaller size available for boat life. Ordered 2-days before we were leaving the marina for the season – so happy we did it!
Pat and I snowmobiled at friends cabins when we were teens, but have never owned one. And yes I’m sure O. and L. would enjoy it tremendously.
Ali – the photo of the refrigerator made me smile. I was remembering the accounts of what you two ate on your first sailing trip around the world. I think there was a lot of candy and chips! Having kids kind of changes things, doesn’t it? 🙂
It makes me smile as well. And makes me shake my head at how little I tried back then, my meals are so simple, why did I refuse to do it…
Lots to be Thankful for indeed! Looking forward to where this season brings you.
Thanks, Bill. Definitely it is going to be a good one.
Damn. I wish this post has a ‘like’ button… ?
Thanks, Dave.
Thanks Pat!
The look on her face while you’re carving the ham is priceless. Pure love of her Dad who can go anything!
I think that look was actually after Pat said, “Doesn’t this look good?” As the kids aren’t into ham (or turkey)…ugh.
Do, sorry. Do anything.