Monday, March 7, 2011

The Annual Hatteras Voyage - Day 2

Today was the "long day", not like a working persons long day, but rather a retired persons "long day"!  Today was 11 hours of boating (tough life!), ending in Everglades City at the infamous Rod & Gun Club.

The day started out leaving Plantation Yacht Harbor, heading South.  At Long Key, between Islamorada and Marathon, they made a right turn (West) and followed the Yacht Channel up along Everglades National Park.  This is the first time they have taken this route, typically day 2 was from Islamorada to Marathon and then day 3 was Marathon up to Everglades City.  This route was intended to be more scenic, away from the crab pots, as they are not allowed in the park and in more protected shallower waters.  I believe much of this was true, most of the trip.

Islamorada to Everglades City Day 2
The route was ~110 miles.  The destination was the Rod and Gun Club which was built in the middle of the Everglades in 1864.  Vivian and I visited this place a few weeks ago and its history is really interesting.  The dock out front of the club is very accomodating with a simple side tie for the night.

Everglades City Rod & Gun Club - 1864
The plan for them was to get a great dinner at the club, spend a quick night on the dock and head out tomorrow for Fort Myers Beach, the final destination.  The ride tomorrow is ~70 miles and the weather should be nice with a moderate offshore wind out of the East.