Skimming the Everglades

"We want to sell our boat to you," Brenda emailed the interested party.  Negotiations had brought us to a common understanding. Thus, the process begins for making our boat sale final.  The steps?  A purchase agreement will be written and a timeline determined based on our discussions.  The buyer will secure insurance, dock slippage and financing.  At a  mutually agreed upon location, the buyer will schedule the hull and mechanical surveys (required for insurance and financing).  Velsignet's original furnishings will be re-installed. And so it is, as we cruise off-shore in the lulling swells of the Gulf of Mexico along the Florida's Everglades, we are reflecting on our sea-worthy "Velsignet" and the 6,000+ miles we've traveled with her.

We left Marco Island this morning to cruise to an anchorage on the Little Shark River, a gateway to the inner regions of the Everglades National Park. Outlining the shore of the Everglades is what is called "Ten Thousand Islands."  We expect winding waterways in this area with mosquitoes, pelicans and alligators.

Our excitement about booking an airboat tour of the Everglades waned as the weather forecast for this weekend and into next week predicts wind (rougher waters) to cross over to Key West.  Rather, we've decided to enjoy tonight's anchorage and rise early tomorrow to arrive at the Keys (Marathon  or Stockton Island) by tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.



We anchored in "Factory Bay" at Marco Island and enjoyed using the dinghy to explore the island's many canals.  We thought of Kevin and Deb Ross and how they enjoy time in this area during the winter months.  We enjoyed memories on Marco Island  spent with the Reese's, Christianson's, and Finkenbinders!


There are walk-on Ferries that take passengers to and fro Key West each day.  This Ferry may have come from Fort Myers Beach or perhaps Marco Island.


We saw these interesting ducks in one of the yards along a canal on Marco Island.  Any ideas what kind of duck they are?




We stopped at The Snook Inn on Marco Island for an afternoon snack and live music.


This photo perhaps doesn't capture the color of the water very clearly, but it seems the farther south we travel, the water is turning from blue to aquamarine.


We're enjoying perfect cruising weather!


This was the sunset from our anchorage in Everglades National Park.  Stunningly beautiful.  It might have been peaceful but for the "no-see-'ems" that forced us to spend the evening inside.






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