Longboat Key to Marco Island

 We left Longboat Moorings and traveled the ICW to Venice, Florida. At Venice, we turned and went out into the Gulf Waters to make our way to Boca Grande Marina.  We were sorry we didn't stay on the inside as it was very choppy in the Gulf and made the trip not as enjoyable, but, on the plus side, no boat traffic and no low bridges.

Sights along the ICW to Venice

Low bridges 

Boca Grande Inlet

Since we have been to Boca Grande several times, we only planned to stay one night and have dinner in the restaurant, Eagle Grille, at the marina.  In the many times we have come here, the upstairs fine dining restaurant was always closed for the season.  Today,  they are not closed for the season, but it is Monday, and of course, they are closed on Mondays. With our "tiny" boat, we are not docked along the long dock as were with Perfect 10, but are given an outside slip.  It made for not a nice night. Much rocking and wave slapping against the hull. The next day we were anxious to move on to calmer waters, but not too far.  We will use our anchor for the first time off of Cayo Costa, a state park accessible only by boat.

Prime 11 at anchor. Taken during our dinghy cruise.

A unique place to watch our Cincinnati Reds' home opening day!

Beautiful Sunset

From Cayo Costa we head down to Sanibel Island.  We also have stayed here before, so we didn't venture out.  After two nights eating simple boat meals, we ate dinner at the marina's restaurant, Grandma Dots.  I think another simple boat meal on board would have been better. 😉

Arriving to our slip, after given the all clear from the dockmaster, we find it's not empty.  We are told to wait until the owner of the day boat is finished with lunch at Grandma Dots.  So, we hang out in a canal idling. Arriving to Sanibel around lunch time, is not a good idea.

Pileated Woodpecker

We stay only one night and head to Marco Island where we will stay for a couple nights.  We managed to secure a slip at Eslpanade Marina, which is close to West Marine (there is always a need) and a Winn Dixie and Publix.  While Esplanade doesn't have a pool, it is within walking distance of several restaurants and also has free laundry.  Highly recommend the new restaurant Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House. Now onto a first... a visit to Everglades City to celebrate Easter!