Everglades National Park - Take 2

A 10 kt easterly breeze made a leisurely 24 mile beam reach sail from Marathon, Florida to Sandy Key in Florida Bay. The Seawind 24, even loaded, makes 6 to 7 kts in 10 kts of wind - such a pleasure! We were on our way to Whitewater Bay and decided to do just short hops so we get to enjoy the beauty of Florida Bay. There are so many islands, each with its own bird and sea life. Sandy Key has large colonies of various birds and with our shallow draft we can get in fairly close. We anchored in less than 3' of water.

Our bed under the stars off Sandy Key

Day 2 was another 20 something mile day via Little Shark River to Oyster Bay in Whitewater Bay. The wind had increased a bit to 15 kts and was now more southerly. The Seawind is really happy on a broad reach and the water was soon hissing by with a nice wake trailing behind. Sail trim is really important on this boat; a small change can make a difference of a couple of knots.

We saw fewer dolphins this time but a lot more fish and many sea turtles. Before noon we were in the Little Shark River - still more turtles. The river is really beautiful - tall mangrove forests line the banks. The trees totally block the wind so we motored for another hour before reaching Oyster Bay and dropping anchor near the northern end of the bay. Oyster Bay is spectacular; completely enclosed by very tall and very green mangrove forest and dotted with many islands. The water is tea colored but quite clear. Soon after anchoring a pod of dolphins came over and had a good look at us. Maybe they don't see too many boats here; the place seemed deserted to us too. Late in the afternoon a couple of small fishing boats went by some distance away and then we were completely alone until about midday the next day when another fishing boat crossed the other side of the bay.

Oyster Bay

We had not realized that a nearby island was a roosting place for white ibises and in the late afternoon they stated returning in large flocks until thousands of them had settled in the trees. In the morning there was a mass exodus as they left for their feeding grounds. It was an amazing sight to see so many birds in the air at once.


Ibis departing for their feeding grounds

The nights here were just wonderful; we pitched our tent on the forward trampoline and enjoyed the sounds of owls hooting, and fish splashing. Later that night the mosquitoes found us. Lucky our tent has good screens because eventually there were so many it sounded like we were inside a bee hive. They all left before sunrise and we were free to come out and enjoy the dawn colors and the magnificent bird departure spectacle.

Our tent on the trampoline

The next day we explored Whitewater Bay, sailing the open areas and motoring through the passes.  Later that afternoon we positioned ourselves for a better view of the ibis return and departure that night and following morning. It was as expected, just awesome!
We had planned to stay a couple more days but the forecast was for a day of northerly breezes and then 5 days of strong southerlies. Not wanting to beat into 20+ kts and against the current we decided to run with the northerly. A smooth sail south to East Cape Canal for another quick photo session with the crocs. There were fewer crocodiles this time and they were really shy.

One of the East Cape Canal crocs

Some baby herons along East Cape Canal

We spent the night there and then sailed to Flamingo for showers and water before heading to Islamorada via several passes and islands for the annual Wharram Rendezvous.

We had read about the Wharram rendezvous and thought it might be interesting. It is good to see a design of boat that is built in so many different styles. There were only six boats at the rendezvous but they were all unique and really reflected the owners' characters.

This was the best looking one in my opinion

A local wharram

This one had a windvane self steering

 

Next: Sailing Southern Florida Bay and the Keys..........