Probably the reason we have enjoyed Florida's west coast so much (beside the great weather) has been the relaxed pace. We no longer feel we have to make 40 or 50 miles a day to get to a destination - and if we like a place we stay a few more days. The past several weeks have been a nice blend of quiet, scenic anchorages and convenient small city moorings or anchorages. We have been able to avoid the expense of marinas for 2 weeks so feel a 2 day splurge here in Punta Gorda (visiting with Brian & Lydia and [View Full Entry]

---

---

We have enjoyed great weather during the past few weeks and have been lucky to have had access to some excellent beaches. The anchorage just north of Marco Island reminded us of a long weekend at Sauble (in the summer of course!) - but instead of cars on the beach, here it was boats - literally - rammed up at full throttle. A TowBoat US lurked nearby to pull off those who proved to have been overzealous. At dusk all the weekend warriors raced for home leaving us to enjoy the beautiful sunset, the dolphins cruising by and pelicans crashing into [View Full Entry]

---

---

After 2 weeks in ultra crowded Marathon we decided to head north (!) up the west coast of Florida - and both agree it has been the highlight of our cruise so far. A 50 mile day found us in the Little Shark River - totally isolated - no McDonald's or roads or cell phones or wifi for many miles. The wildlife was spectacular - a dolphin almost joined us in the dinghy during one ride. Big rays lept clear of the water, flipped and splashed down noisily - always when you least expected it. Big turtles drifted by and the [View Full Entry]

---

---

There was a lot of satisfaction in dropping the anchor in Boot Key Harbour - after 1200 miles we had arrived and did not have to plan the next day's leg. From Fort Lauderdale we decided to go outside to avoid a repeat of the endless bridges we have encountered in this part of Florida. So we had a good look at Miami from the Atlantic - then on to Key Biscayne. We have had only one night in a marina in the past 2 weeks - a nice change and good for the budget as most down in this area [View Full Entry]

---

---

Many cruisers avoid this part of the ICW by going "outside" to avoid all the bridges. Some open on the 1/2 hour, others every 20 minutes, others on request or when there are enough boats waiting to make it worthwhile. Yesterday we had 18 bridges to get through and making 30 miles took us all day. Nasty weather removed the option for us to go outside. We treated ourselves to 3 nights in a marina in old Fort Lauderdale - 2 miles off the ICW, up the New River. Nice spot with a riverwalk, restaurants and a big Publix for provisions. [View Full Entry]

---

---

The trip south from St. Augustine was warm and friendly to us. We still have to contend with strong currents, especially around bridges. The wildlife viewing has been great - lots of porpoises every day; manatees are now quite common, a variety of birds including our first sighting of wild flamingos - pelicans are a favourite as they make crash dives to nab unsuspecting fish. We have met up with old friends Rick and Donna here in Fort Pierce - they are ready to launch "Lorbas" and head south too - we may buddy boat with them to Biscayne Bay [View Full Entry]

---

---

After a 3 week trip home to celebrate Christmas with family (see previous 'quiet published blog') we are back on the move again. The weather has been great, at last - high 70's F - shorts and t's! St Augustine is great city to visit by boat - the marina is right downtown - everything is walkable with lots to see and do in the oldest European settlement in North America. It is a very low profile city, well preserved - reminds us of Quebec City. Last night we cheered the Canadian Juniors on to victory over Sweden in a local [View Full Entry]

---

---

It was a bit of a challenge to get home for Christmas - we were in Georgia and our car was in Virginia. A ride with new friends to Savannah followed by a one-way rental to Richmond, pick up our car then on to Sauble and Milton for Christmas with family. It was a great family time - Pat & Claire flew in from Calgary, so it was wonderful to spend so much time with our family and especially our new grandson Luke. The brief taste of a Canadian winter was enough - 5 feet of snow guaranteed a white Christmas! [View Full Entry]

---

---

Arrived here yesterday after 3 gold star days transiting the sounds, rivers and marshes of Georgia. The currents are strong and with 8' tides we have to plan our moves carefully. The chartplotter has a great program to allow us to predict currents and tides in advance - making the difference between 20 mile days and 50 mile days. We were kindly invited to spend a night ashore with Lori, Jim, Lou and Ward ( fellow sailors from our dock in Wiarton) in Hilton Head - a great stopover in the 6 bedroom house they had rented. Gust O'Wind will [View Full Entry]

---

---

Today we part company with Jim & Christine of Baroness after a 3 week buddy boat adventure that brought us to Beaufort SC from Deltaville. Their plan is to sail south to Venezuela, transit the Panama then go on into the Pacific to Australia and beyond. They have become great friends - we hope our paths cross again [View Full Entry]

---

---