March 20, 2009: Big Pine Key, Fl

We pulled away from the green roof of the Naples Boat Club, and moved on to the Municipal Docks to fuel up with diesel on the way out. Across from us was a catamaran that was loading passengers to a "dolphin sighting" cruise. It was sunny with a light breeze.

On the way out of Gordon River this morning we saw an old familiar sight. There was a large bird’s nest of sticks perched on the top of a channel marker and it was guarded by a large brown and white Osprey. We think she was already sitting on eggs, and it is only March.

We left Naples and cruised south past Marco Island. Even from a distance, you could see the high rises crowded together along the beach. Today was a long trip in open water on the Gulf and with seas 2 to 4 feet it was definitely not as calm as I had hoped. We cruised about 25 miles off shore in about 30 feet deep water and amazingly, there were crab pot floaters even out here.

We had a treat of encountering a pod of dolphins who swam along in front of the boat, playing and leaping out of the water. The water today was actually truly teal, deep blue green, and beautiful. Along the way we saw a very tall tower that looked a like a big pitch fork. Tom had read in a guide book that the Air Force has electronic towers out in this area that track the airplane traffic and can be used to analyze the paths of planes engaged in training missions and mock battles in the area.

As we found land after the crossing we passed the Keys Deer Reserve and around 3:30 we reached the Saddlebunch Keys. This area is not populated and the little keys are largely areas covered with mangrove trees which grow in shallow water as well as actual dry land.

This afternoon we anchored just north of Big Pine Key near where there is a bridge to No Name Key (that is actually its name!). We settled into the clear 6 foot deep water and took a few minutes to take a swim before supper. We are accompanied in this anchorage with 3 or 4 sailboats also enjoying the solitude.