On to Clearwater

We had an absolutely awesome sail from Fort Myers to Clearwater.  I think we broke all our speed records that didn't involve the gulf stream.  Heck, maybe even that record, too.  We covered over 130 nautical miles in 23.5 hours.  That also included a stop for fuel and about 1/2 hour of being hove to so we could get ourselves and the cabin ready for going in the gulf.  We even had to slow the boat down the last few hours so we wouldn't arrive at the pass in the dark.  The seas were smooth and the wind was steady.  You just can't ask for a better trip.  We are currently at the Clearwater Yacht Club but due to a huge regatta this weekend we'll have to vacate the slip and probably anchor off the club so we can use the dingy dock, showers, etc.  We're looking forward to seeing our nephew Greg who will be in town for business this week.    Then we'll continue to work our way north and home.

Despite the cold, we had a great time visiting Fort Myers.  This gorgeous sunset just put the icing on the cake.

The last mile of the Okeechobee waterway.  Back to the regular ICW.

Traveling on a holiday resulted in crowded waterways.  Several large power boats were not friendly rocking all the smaller boats with their huge wakes.  What jerks!

We saw quite a few dolphins and this one cooperated long enough to let me take his picture.  If you look closely, you can see a wound in his fin from a boat. Sadly, we did see a dead manatee in the river, probably also from a boater not following the no-wake rules.

This is the hook that the giant mahi bent.

Heading out the Boca Grande Pass, back into the gulf of Mexico.

This flock of gulls followed us for hours.  They were either hoping for scraps or drafting off of our stern.  It was a first for us to have a flock follow us so consistently.

Arriving at Clearwater at sunrise.

Clearwater YC.

All these are coach boat for the regatta.  They won't have room for us too.

This heron thinks he owns the place.