Nanseann: Day 92 Jan 14 18 mi Cabbage Key Pineland FL

Saddi met a new friend today as we were walking.....Tommy who belongs to Judy and Jim. I told Saddi Tommy was just like Riley so she was nice....no, she wouldn't play with Tommy (just like Max) I was sorry.....no camera for this first.
We have traveled 1358 miles according to the Captain....

Today we leave Palm Island Marina.....11:30 AM departure since we need to arrive at Cabbage Key after the lunch crowd......sunny.....warm.....warm....warm....(get the idea)

We met Ron, Charlie and their friends last night. They will be starting the loop in March on their Mainship so we hope to see them on the waterway.

Headed North

Good bye Palm Island

We cruise Lemon Bay to Gasparilla Sound. One bridge today....Gasparilla Island Causeway which is a swing bridge 9-foot. It opens on the hour/half-hour. We made it on the hour behind a sailboat and workboat. Then thru the open railroad bridge (out of service)

Follow the leader

Swing Bridge 9-ft

Old Railroad Bridge gone

You can see Little Gasparilla Island with the famous old town of Boca Grande on the starboard and Charlote Harbor on port. We discuss the fact when we sailed Charlotte Harbor many years ago we probably didn't have charts let alone a chartplotter. Progress!

Boca Grande is upscale with homes in the millions. The rich and famous make this their stomping grounds. You can see the golf course, Gasparilla Inn and homes from the Waterway. Tarpon fishing is the name of the game. Understand Laura Bush is in town.

Boca Grande

Boca Grande Marina

We cross Bpca Grande Inlet which means "big mouth" in Spanish. This is one of Florida's deepest natural inlets. Our route leads us to Cayo Costa State Park where you can anchor and dinghy to the beach. We did this in the sailboat but feel the tide doesn't warrant this today....

Bird Island

We have a reservation at Cabbage Key....Jimmy Buffet wrote Cheeseburger in Paradise here....need to arrive after 2PM so we putts along. They have large lunch crowds that come by boat....yes...it is an island....and you can take one from Pineland for lunch, dinner and spend the night at the Inn or come by boat and stay at the small marina. Kevin, dockmaster put The Nanseann into a prime site.

We're Open

The history of Cabbage Key is interesting.....In 1929 Cabbage Key was purchased for $2,500 and the people later spent over $125,000 on the amenities which exist today. The main building includes a solar energy system, 6 working fireplaces, 5 porches, storm shelter and a rain water system with 25,000 gallon storage built into the reinforced concret foundation. It was constructed high on an Indian shell mound and Cabbage Key, at 38 feet above sea level, is one of the highest points in this area of Florida. There are some private homes on the island and present day owners have lived on and maintained the unique charm of the island resort for the past 30 years.

Cabbage Key

Miss Saddi likes the island....there are ducks...And she is really becoming a boat dog. I was handing lines to Keven and here comes Saddi ....right up to the bow....and I said she would never do that on her own.....

Our Dock

I can help

Dinner this evening at the Inn.....very few guests in for a Monday evening....we have the special....Tri Fish which is garlic mashed, veggie and a white fish on top. Excellent! The dining rooms and bar are covered with genuine $1 bills donated and autographed by the inn's guests. Think the bartender said over $70K today. I know Rik and I have a $1 bill somewhere. The ceiling is dripping in money.