La Trucha Caribbean Cruise 2005

Ship's Log

(15- 19 May, Tarpon Springs again, and transit to Fort Myers from Tarpon Springs)

Ralph and Tammy said bye once more since they had taken Jim to get some parts for an oil change for the diesel (had water somehow in the oil) at the local marine supply.  Jim and I spent the afternoon sucking oil and working on some incidental mechanical items.  Whereupon, we decided to extend our stay by a day, get up the next morning and start the transit for Fort Myers. 

Got a-hold of Aunt Jackie in Fort Myers, who we still hope to see upon arrival. 

A clunker in Sarasota Bay right behind our anchorage spot, though she may be lived in from time to time she sure had seen a better day

After that lunch-time conversation, paid up at the Harbor Master's office:  damage came to $79.61 for 2 nights, as Jim had already paid for the first two nights.  It worked out to 90 cents a foot or $36 each night for the 40ft La Trucha.  Electric was only $2.40 for the 4 night stay, and you gotta throw in Florida sales tax of 7%.  Harbor Master's helper was real nice - she let us use the phone line to do an internet hook-up, and we in turn helped her with her VW van, as it needed a push start.

We'll probably wind up anchoring somewhere around Fort Myers, the following night - Tues.  Seas right now are flat, barometer steady at 30.1 inches, no wind so we're motoring south hoping for an on-shore afternoon wind - it's now 11am.  Whereby, with any luck we'll be able to sail the afternoon, since the St. Pete Times says 5-10knots from the west - we'll see!

Jim decided to stop for the night in Manatee, so we pulled into an anchorage just past Anna Maria island.  We pulled in through a bascule bridge, looked briefly for some fuel docks gave that up and eased over to a crowded anchorage.  Depth is pretty shallow at 5 to 6 feet, and lots to see here as we're right next to the ICW, and the Sarasota traffic. 

Jim from the companion way an excellent observation spot sitting or standing as we jugged past Long Boat (LP) Pass into Sarasota Bay

Well we hoisted anchor about 7:30 am Tues, 17 May, at Sarasota Bay after fueling up about 12 gallons of diesel we had riding on the weather decks.  Went out as we had come in though Longboat Pass (LP on the channel markers).  Started motoring south, and since the winds were against us we decided to put in early at Venice.  Thought we were gonna anchor but we just idled up to some park piers (no longer than 18 hour stay says the sign) and tied up.  No facilities other than an old park bathroom with sink and floor drain - which for me equals shower.  Had some fruitful discussions with the boat tied up to our rear - as they were coming from where we were headed - Port Charlotte.

In Venice, we stayed for 2 nights at some docks for a city park.  Though the sign said 18hours and be on your way, we stretched it a  bit and stayed for 2 nights. 

Still on our way to Fort Myers.  Got up early Thurs morning, 19 May, cast off lines headed for the fuel docks.  Refueled with incident - Florida Fish and Game had something to tell us about registering the boat under Florida laws.  Anyway, another story.  Got her out, found some nice easterly winds (off shore), and preceded to ride them all the way to Charlotte Harbor, where we are right now.  As we passed through the channel a huge tarpon fishing fleet was assembled, awaiting the run (about 2pm with the tide fairly slack).  The tarpon were just tearing the place up.  Left and right the water was boiling.

Though this picture doesn't show it the Tarpon are thrashing the sea with a run through the channel just before Cayo Costa State Park

Anyway, we turned right in the ICW for a mile and found a crowded anchorage through a narrow cut which widened out. This being Thurs, 19 May, we'll stay here the night and push south tomorrow morning.  And we're still north of Fort Myers, so technically, we're still transiting there. The little anchorage was just off Cayo Costa State Park.  Stayed uneventfully there for a night and left next morning, Fri, 20 May for Fort Myers.  Got the anchor up - she was clean and off we went down the ICW.

Though the transit is over here's a little addendum which takes the reader into the 20th of May:

Got into Matanzas Harbor West Mooring area about 2pm - got her tied up to a mooring  ball and we're ready to let down the dinghy and party hardy at Salty Sam's (our marina and Harbor Master).  Got the the cell charged and this laptop thanx to Jim's dc/ac inverter.  Handy thing to have.

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