On to Sweet Water Marina–You would think that once you leave Pelican Bay Fort Myers would be around the next island. Wrong!!! After following the marked channel for several hours we finally arrived in Fort Myers. We weren’t close enough to see the damage from Ian to most of the barrier islands in this area. As we entered the waters around Fort Myers we could see the devastation to the marinas in the downtown area. There were still signs of destruction by the blue tarps on roofs and once standing trees now horizontal. I was a little concerned about the possibilities of hazards in the waterway, but most of the hazards in the marked channel have been removed thankfully.
Now we are on the Caloosahatchee River (learning to say & spell these unusual words for someone from Michigan). There were many areas we motored at idle speed because of the manatees (just following what the signs say to do–remember I’m a rule follower). I don’t think the locals are rule followers–just saying. We made it under all the bridges without issues, but had to wait for a swing bridge on our way to our destination for that night.
Sweetwater Marina–We arrived about mid-afternoon with the intention of saying 3 nights as they predicted high winds and rain for the weekend. Our slip was skinny, but Tim did a great job of docking our boat. We enjoyed a swim in the pool and dinner at the marina restaurant. It was really hot and muggy, so we finally gave in and turned our A/C on for the night. Saturday was interesting as the winds were blowing and it was cooler. Also, because the wind was coming from the east, the water was being pushed downriver resulting in our boat almost resting on the mud in our slip. Not sure how close we were to the mud, but the finger pier was a huge step up from our boat.
We had a special visit while we were at this marina–Gord & Judy Brinks & Craig & Carrie Brinks–Tim’s Aunt, Uncle, & cousin. Good times with family. We also provisioned with another looper at the local Publix down the street.
Sunday had much better weather. Washed the boat, cleaned the sea strainers, cleaned/straighten the inside of the boat in preparation for our departure the next morning to Moore Haven or LaBelle.
Tim & Martha's trip around the Great Loop 