Friday, January 20th; From Naples to Shark River Anchorage.

Charts were checked and double checked for today's open water travels on the Atlantic to the anchorage in Shark River.  We would be in sight of land but wanted to be sure of our waypoint entry. The weather gods were again shining on us as the water was calm and the sun shining. We filled the 70 mile day watching dolphins play and keeping a close eye out for crab pots.  The highlight of the day was the sighting of two sea turtles, one large, one small. I was excited but then the mom in me came out with an " I hope other boaters are watching as close as we are for these guys" I worry they will get hit.  Tom just shook his head, and added " Is there anything you don't worry about?"   About 5:00 we navigated our way into the entrance of Little Shark River.  Our chartplotter indicated we were right on the mark for the entrance but the markers were somewhat vague. Seeing another boat already anchored in the entrance confirmed that we were on the right track. We hailed the trawler to ask why he had not anchored in the recommended area at the bend in the river. We were worried that it might be to shallow. He indicated that the bend was a little crowded with other boats, so we joined him, anchoring in the entrance as well.  I LOVED this anchorage and want to go back there and spend several days hopefully in the bend.  The river is a part of the Everglades National Park and the natural surroundings made for a beautiful backdrop.  There were dolphins playing, birds of all kinds flying and fishing and an alligator sunning himself on shore.  As we sat on the bow pads and fished while the sun set you could hear the schreeching owls, howls and other wild calls from within the glades. The night was clear and the stars bright. No city lights to obstruct the view. Even now writing about it I can close my eyes and visualize this beautiful and peaceful night all over again.  I caught several fish but none big enough to keep but thats ok as long as I am still catching more than Tom.  We stayed out to enjoy the beautiful night sky until the skeeters came out.

Tom working on the head - Like the position?

Peanut helping me read the charts

Peanut checking the waymarks

A bird drying his wings which helped us see the crab pot