HEADING FOR THE BARN - PART ONE:  Now comes the time for us to put the pedal to the metal and set our sights for home.  The lake levels on the Okeechobee were low so we decided to cruise around the tip of Florida and come at the Okeechobee Waterway from the west coast.  However, that means we will not meet up with Istaboa in Stuart as we had hoped to do, but now plan to stop at our old stomping grounds - Legacy Harbour Marina in Ft. Myers.  

Leaving Dinner Key Marina, Thursday, March 17th en route to rendezvous with Big Run for a St. Patrick's Day Celebration.

We looked all week while the kids were here for the playful dolphins that like to play with our bow wake, but, no luck.  This fantastic, free, dolphin show occurred the day after they left - go figure.

  Izzy saying goodbye to her good friends, Bob & Sharon on Big Run - until we meet again!

First overnight stop was on the gulf coast of Florida - The Little Shark River - part of Everglades National Park. We arrived just as the sun was setting, always an interesting place to drop the hook.  You never know what is lurking in the water and on the banks.

Broulee enjoying the sunset - Little Shark River.

In order to make the 96 mile run from Little Shark River to Ft. Myers Beach, we did an early morning departure at 6:00 am - leaving the anchorage the moon was our guide. (I can't get the picture to load right - you will have to look at it sideways - sorry).

Sunrise - heading for Ft. Myers

It's very hard to take a good moon picture on a boat - this is the "Supermoon" from our anchorage at Ft. Myers Beach.

Made it to Legacy Harbour Marina only to find that half of the group we intended on seeing had left - it's that timing thing.  Very sorry to miss - Rick & Pam and Donnie & Marilyn - catch you next season.  Good to see Gene & Kathy on Front Page and Marv & Carol on DeeLight.  Now it's time to head east to RFYC.