We have been exploring new areas since we left the Fort Myers area. We enjoy the familiar but part of the joy of cruising is seeing new spots. We had the wind in a very uncooperative mood for the leg from Marco Island to Indian Key so we were once again a motor boat. It was a long day covering almost 40 miles. We arrived only an hour before dark which is something we prefer not to ever have happen. Seeing where you are going and how close you are to solid objects is a definite benefit. We had no problems anchoring but seeing very little water under the keel is still something we have to get used to for the next 2 months. We settled in quickly and in time to see a tremendous sunset (sadly no green flash) and a spectacular full moon rising at the same time. Yep, it's a rough life but someone has to see this stuff! Anyway, the entire area is the northern edge of the everglades and so worth visiting. The Barron River flows past Indian Key and has a strong tidal flow, especially with the full moon pulling hard in both directions. Even though the winds were a steady 10-15 kts, we always lay to (pointed in the direction of) the current rather than the wind. While we sat watching the beauty we watched the boat slowly turn as the tide shifted from high to low. A new experience for us. The area is known as the 1,000 Islands but they don't actually know how many actually exist because small ones disappear with storms and others appear as shell and mud build up enough for some intrepid plants to take hold and prevent erosion, at least until the next hurricane. The wildlife is also ever present. You can hear something every hour, mostly birds.
On the following morning we took the boat upriver on the incoming tide to visit Everglades City. This is pretty much old Florida. Not a condo in sight. The folks were all extremely friendly and laid back is a pretty accurate description. We tied the boat up behind the historic Rod and Gun Club. Here is a link if you want to learn more. http://www.evergladesrodandgun.com/. They were nice enough to let us leave the boat tied up while we took the bikes all over town. We started mailing our Christmas cards from the local post office hoping it would have a unique postmark. Apparently though, they take the mail to Fort Myers for processing. Oh well, the intention was there. We spent some time in the local historical museum which was surprising well appointed with very professional displays. Obviously someone who really cares and has museum experienced helped put it together. The nice lady at the desk was also a fountain of knowledge. We ended the visit with lunch at the Rod and Gun club. We returned to the same anchorage for another night of moonlight and quiet beauty. We kept vacillating on our next destination but finally decided on making a stop at Shark River rather than pushing on to Marathon.
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