Travel Log Naples to North Palm Beach

Today is March 6 and we are at Palm Beach Marina. I will attempt to catch up on the blog since our computer hacking problem. The travel log will preceed the picrtures, because I had such a difficult time putting in the pictures, I did not want to take a chance of loosing any of the pictures. We arrived in Naples, Florida on February 2 and the weather was looking rough for several days. We got a rent car and took advantage of traveling to areas of the West or Gulf coast we might not otherwise get a chance to see. We first took a local tourist trolly ride to get a feel for Naples. We were able to see the very exculsive homes that range from 40,000 sq fr. (no kidding) and $7-12 million dollars to the smaller more quaint homes of $1 million. We then drove out to Everglade City in the Everglades of course to the Rod and Gun Club. We had lunch and ran into other boaters doing the Great American Loop. After the Rod and Gun Club we decided to take a Everglade Air Boat ride. Nancy and Ruth rode in front and Wayne and I rode behinde the protection. Nancy and Ruth were joined by a pelican who sat on the front fo the airboat.



We left Naples Boat Club on February 14, first good weather day and went outside into the Gulf of Mexico and went 75 miles South to an anchorage called Little Shark River. It was important to go this far due to limited travel days and we wanted to get into Marathon in the Keys. Everything went as planned and we arrived in Little Shark River after traveling 8 hours. At little Shark River we again encountered more boats traveling the loop and headed to Marathon. You can see that the sunsets and sunrise are great when at anchorage.



Next morning, we left anchorage at Little Shark River and headed to Marathon. This would be 54 miles and again in open water. We arrived at Sombrero Dockside Marina in Marathon after about 7 hours. ride was pretty good. While in Marathon we would have quite laid back days, beautiful sunsets and fun days on the beach. We decided to take the bus to Key West and spend the day. We went to Southern most Point of the US, Mallory Square and saw the entertainment, and watch the sunset. The bus trip back was a real adventure, the bus developed problems, and we all had to get off on the side of the road and wait for another bus in the dark it was about 11 pm when we were picked up. All in all we had a great day. While in Marathon, we met another Canadian couple, Scott and Marlene aboard NOMAD. They have decided to travel with High Spirits and Dream Fever for abit. Time spent in Marathon was not long enough.



We sadly left Marathon on February 21 saying that we would return. We headed to Gilberts Resort in Key Largo. This is a small South Florida Resort. That's all I can say.



We left Gilberts on February 23 heading to another anchorage called "No Name Harbor". It was a state park of some type, but had a great resturant that we could dingy to and then walk to shopping about a mile away. I could have stayed here for a few days. Nancy would perfer to have civilization.



Next morning, February 24, we headed to Hollywood, Florida. We were going to stay here a few days, and catch up on laundry. We also took the water taxi into Ft. Lauderdale and say the sights. The size of the homes and boats go on forever and ever. It is hard to believe that this money exists. It boggles the eyes and mind.



We left Hollywood Florid on February 28 and went to Palm Beach Yacht Center for one night and then on to North Palm Beach. I get confussed with all the Palm Beach communities and all the town with Forts. Such as Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Pierce, Ft Myers, etc. Well maybe some day I will get it straight.



We will leave Palm Beach tomorrow, March 7, and head to Sunset Marina at Stuart, Florida. We will stay a couple of days and then head to Vero Beach. We have decided not to go to the Bahamas at this time. So for the moment we will settle in Vero Beach and take a breather. If you are in the area give us a call. Eddie and Nancy Hamilton.