Everglades City

1324 nm   N25 52.090  W081 23.096

Once again, it was up early and get underway right after dawn.  The anchor came up easily and we were on our way.

Today's goal was Everglades City.  Its a bit out of the way for us because its about 5 miles back in the everglades from the coast, but it's where we wanted to go to get an airboat ride through the mangrove swamps.

We had planned to take a slip at the historic Rod & Gun Club, which features a hunting-lodge motief out of the last century, but we were unable to raise them on the phone, and their website domain was defunct and "parked". While the autopilot steered, I Googled another place called Everglades Isle.  It is primarily an RV Park for large, top-of-the-line class-A motorcoaches, but they also have docks.

A quick call had me talking to Judy, who assured me that they had lots of space, but some of the depths might a problem at low tide.  Lacking any other option, we reserved 3 nights there.

After another easy motorsail on the Gulf, we turned inland and entered the Everglades.

Into the Everglades

The Mangrove swamps were large and everywhere.  We're told this is typical of the Gulf coast Everglades, whereas the Atlantic side tends towards more grassy swamps.

Large Mangrove Swamps

As we proceeded up the long and sometimes narrow and winding channel, I kept a sharp eye on the depths, but we were at high tide, and everything was good.

On the way in, we passed the Rod & Gun club.  They appeared to be up and running, but their long facedock was rundown and deserted.

Finally, at about our navigable limit on the river, we came to Everglades Isle.  A very nice facility with all floating docks in good condition. Several boaters were on hand on the docks to offer us advice and assistance.

They recommended we use the face dock, as the depths were better there.  So we turned 180 into the strong current and sort "hovered" into place.  There was 7 1/2 feet of depth, but we were at +3 ft of tide, so we would be almost aground at low!

On the Face Dock.  Watch that Wind Generator!

Once secure, we went ashore to find the office and register.  This place is amazing!  Everything is clean, landscaped, well kept, and over the top.  Like a 5 star resort! The "clubhouse" and pool is like something you'd find at a country club.

The Clubhouse

Pool

Veranda

Bar

Entertainment

Movie Theater!

And they only charge $2.50 / Ft!  $2.00 / ft if you're a "looper" (someone doing the great loop).

At the desk, there was a sign up greeting all the new guests for today, by name. Nice touch.

Personalized Greeting

We met some of the other boaters and motorcoach owners, and one of them mentioned that there was a "Low Country Boil" going on in the town park tonight, and that we should come.  The next thing you know, we're on the back of an electric golf cart on our way there!  For $12 per person, you got crab, shrimp, vegetables, corn-on-the-cob, dessert, and live music!

Low Country Boil with New Friends!

Tomorrow, the front is supposed to come through with wind, rain, and thunderstorms, but Monday should be clear for our airboat ride.

Life is good.