10000 Islands Camp Sail Day1

Next morning, Friday, wind was light out of the south. Don R. had a plan to head north west to Caxambus Channel and sail the channel towards Dickman's Key near Marco Island. Six of us set out across the gulf (Gullivan Bay) on a nice broad reach and comfortable 6 kts. Sun was out and the temps were very nice for southern Florida Gulf in January. We met up at Dickman's, had a lunch snack, and discussed Sunset Grill on Marco Island for a burger and beer. I had been there a couple of times in my Windrider. The route would be out Caxambus Pass and with the tide movement, a motor would be handy to make best time. Only two of us had auxiliary motors, so we decided to hang out at Dickman's. Too bad as the beach at Sunset has a small area for boat access, else most of the beach is swimmers and kayaks only.

Four of us settled in the cove of Kice Island and two overnighted on the beach at Dickman's. Getting in to the cove was a challenge as the wind was in my face and the water was shallow, four feet or less. Had the keel up a bit not to scrape, was not pointing all that well, and bumped the rudder tripping the down-hall release cleat at least a dozen times. But once in the cove, it was calm and pleasant. Shielded from the gusts, we "circled the wagons" so to speak, in an group anchoring layout. We hung out on the boats with interesting conversations while preparing dinner and enjoying the evening. Nice breeze kept the bugs at bay.

Photo by Dan R.