Events of the Day:

Busy GICW [Gulf InraCoastal Waterway]: There is one photo showing at least 12 boats ahead of us, and more aft. It was crazy; they all passed us without significant waking, although we learned to turn into the wake at 45 degrees asap. Most are runabouts that travel at 20-25 mph or faster [when allowed to do so]. Saw several Sheriff's or Fish & Wildlife boats who issue tickets for speeders.

We left Marina Jack at 08:00 and tied up at Boca Grande Marina at 13:30/1:30. We had two bridges we had to call to open - there's a photo showing the air clearance gauge and one of a drawbridge [or 'bascule' bridge] with warnings about speed; boats must drop to idle or minimum wake speed. The VHF radio channel 9 is used to call the bridge operator and they are friendly and responsive. Although one said there was 18ft clearance, we decided to slow to dead idle and actually cleared with a foot to spare - good to know since our supposed air clearance is 19'2"; full fuel and water tanks adds about 2500 lbs extra, increasing our water draft [boat is lower in water] we simultaneously increase our air draft for clearance.

BGM [Boca Grande Marina] is another 'high end' facility, with new docks, great staff who help immediately when docking, etc. There are two 4 star restaurants, just reopened to seating meals but we will order take-out tonight to sample it. We rented a golf cart for a quick tour of the downtown and suburb streets. See photos showing some nice streets, the lighthouse, and some landscaping.

We both have sea-leg-head-fog - feels light-headed and dizzy, due to the constant water chop and it hasn't abated in the marina due to all the boats coming and going by it, etc. So both took some Dramamine/Gravol; which combined with our happy hour beverage and chips, will settle this symptom quickly [we hope]. No one is masking nor maintaining distancing; the store/office has a plastic screen separating staff from people checking out.

We will order take-out - tuna-nachos and quesadilla with one of their 'legacy' margaritas each! Tomorrow, we head for Ft.Myers and the Legacy Harbor Marina - a sponsor of the looper association. Take care, keep some distancing, and keep in touch.

Comments:

Janice  •  10 May, 2020: Looks like the I8 in AZ.... but with water😎😎. Take good care you two💖💖

Jack  •  10 May, 2020: Well Done Captain!