Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Annual Hatteras Voyage - Day 3

This day was the last leg of the annual journey to Fort Myers Beach.  After a quite night on the sea wall in front of the Everglades City Rod & Gun Club, Maynard and Jane set out early for a 72 mile journey with the final destination being Fort Myers Beach FL.

Fort Myers Beach - Cool city on Estero Island
So the trip started out with a decision on whether to head out into the ocean around Cape Romano or to head inside through a route via Goodland.   Given the tide was on its way down and the fact that the days weather looked pretty good, they decided to head out.  After a bit of confusion on which light was the Indian Key light, they charted a course with the help of Boat US which routed them safely around the shoals of Cape Romano.  Once around it, they headed North East, back into shore to get out of the seas.  About 2 miles West of Sanibel Island, they started Northwest in very good conditions.

Day 3 - Route from Everglades City to Fort Myers Beach
A following sea and mild temperatures gave them the best ride of the trip.  Arrival in Fort Myers Beach was around 3pm.  Overall, the Hatteras ran really well and other than current fuel prices, the trip is always a wonderful view of nature.

Now they are enjoying Fort Myers Beach and the many things to do.  This is a place much like Coconut Grove with its eclectic vibe and nice people.  There are a lot of good restaurants, bars and the people watching is second to none.  And of course, Jane's favorite, miles of white sand beaches to walk daily!

This weekend will be the Shrimp Festival which takes a place which is always packed and fills it to capacity.  This area houses many shrimpers and believe me, the festival shrimp are great!

The Annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival - Great Food
The Hatteras will stay here for the next 4 weeks or so.  We will visit twice this time to do some kayak fishing and hanging out.  This place and Estero Bay has some great fishing.  That's all for now, I hope we can catch more fish like we did last year!

Vivian and her 26" Redfish from last year!