Everglades stop - 10,000 Islands

As mentioned before, we stopped amid the 10,000 Islands near Everglades City...and anchored for a week in Russell Pass.  (We did stop in the Little Shark River in the "glades" as well, but only for an overnight stay).
Below are some photos from this stop.  The s/v Troubadour was our sailing 'buddy' on this hop.  The photos don't really show the beauty of the place...and the quiet...(with the exception of bird calls...).   You hear the water slipping through the mangrove roots... and dolphins breathing... but not a lot more.   OH... and STARS.........wow... absolutely NO light pollution.  

Spinaker Flying will crossing Florida Bay

It was a gorgeous day, the first day of sailing north across Florida Bay.  The wind was just about on our stern so we flew the spinaker, nearly all day.
It's still a pain to set up and fly, even with the dousing sock, because of all the extra sheets, tacklines, etc. required, but it is pretty, and useful...  We were pulling a fairly steady 5 to 6+ knots with it flying.   NICE!!!



the Perkins' - on board in the Everglades

  This photo was one of the Happy Hours on AB.  The next is a Happy Hour on Troubadour.


Happy Hour on Troubadour - Everglades

 Happy Hours occur even in the middle of the Everglades.  Nice times. 



Dinghies to Everglades City

  We left the big boats anchored in Russell Pass, and took the dinghies on a 4 mile (one way) ride into Everglades City.  Quite the ride, but at least we could be at plane most of the way....


Russell Pass - Mangroves

We were trying to take a picture of the crocodile (salt water croc) that kept 'cruising' both of our boats...  more curious than aggressive.   But you can see the calm waters, and the mangroves that line both sides of the waterway.  

Rod & Gun Club - Everglades City

The Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City is not to be missed.
It truly is a "step BACK in Time"....  and it's gorgeous !!!
We (the Perkins' and Perrys) ate lunch there after a walking tour of the city (which didn't take long, by the way... ).