Days 254

Caya Costa FL - Cabbage Key FL

• Start 2:15 PM
• End 2:50 PM
• Underway 40 Minutes
• Distance 4 Miles
• Total Miles on Trip 4365
• Av Speed 6.3 knots
• Weather Cloudy , 68 Degrees, Wind 15 Knots NNE

Today's departure was definitely the latest departure we have had on the trip, and the shortest run we have made, only 4 miles. The late departure was because we cannot get into our slip until 3PM. The marina at Cabbage Key is not really concerned about or set up for transient boaters, their primary business is dockage for their restaurant and they need the slips open for the lunch crowd. They also do not have much dock space for larger boats. (The only way to get to Cabbage Key is by boat)

There were two reasons we only traveled four miles. First there are so many cool places to stop and see between Sarasota and Marco Island you could spend the entire winter cruising this area. The second reason is, are reservation in Key West starts on Feb 15th, and it only takes four or five travel days to get there, so we have lots of time to explore.

Our departure from Caya Costa went very well. During the night the winds had shifted spinning Cheri Bay II (Dan & Cheri) and our boat around. This caused our anchor lines to cross over each other. We knew this was going to happen, but it was safer to have both anchors out. We were able to carefully retrieve our anchor first then Cheri Bay II, pulled their anchor. Once we were both clear we had to thread our way back through the very narrow and shallow channel back to the open water. In the one day we were anchored we saw two boats that had grounded. If that did not make me nervous enough, there was a tow boat anchored right at the mouth of the channel, waiting for someone to get stuck. What a way to make money.

The run to Cabbage Key was uneventful, but docking the boat was a whole different story. We were in a very narrow channel with the wind blowing us around, when the dockmaster realized we could not go in the slip the assigned to us. Because of the dinghy at the back of our boat, and the finger piers we would not have been able to get off the boat. When they finally decided where we were going, I was pretty frazzled! They had me pull onto the outside of their main dock, which was very easy, but I could not stay there. They wanted me on the inside where there was no room to maneuver. With the help of both dockmasters and several lines we were able to get in place. Once in place they insisted on having half the boat hang past he dock. It was a very interesting setup.

Cabbage Key is a small island resort only accessible by boat. There is a six room inn, and several cottages for rent or you can stay in the "marina". The restaurant is located in the original house and offers open air dining. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 365 days a year. It is a place to truly come and relax. There is no wifi or tv, and very little if any cell phone reception.

We walked the nature trail, and climbed the original water tower for a fantastic view of both the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Bay. At the end of one of the nature trails we found Shell Tree. Shell Tree is a group of trees that visitors and employees have hung shells on the trees. If you want one of the shells from the trees you are encouraged to find a shell to replace it.

We did have dinner at the restaurant. They are famous for their hamburger. Local legend says that their hamburger is what inspired Jimmy Buffet to write "Cheeseburger In Paradise". Of course all four of us ordered a cheeseburger. While it was a very good burger, I am not sure that it justified the price of $18.50. The ceiling of the restaurant is covered with dollar bills. Visitors write their name on the bill and tape it to the ceiling. (yes we each put a dollar up) While we have seen this before, most place you staple the dollar, here you can only use masking tape. As the tape fails and the bills fall to the floor they gather them up, and donate them to a local charity. They told us at any given time there is $70,000 worth of bills on the wall, and about $10,000 worth fall each year.

Our next stop is Sanibel Island.