Day 3 & 4, April 9 & 10: Pelican Isles Yacht Club to Naples Sailing and Yacht Club

Day 3: Most days we’re early risers and like to get off the docks about sunrise.  But Wednesday we waited for the tide to come up, making sure the skinny water in the inlet was deep enough to leave, which was 8:30.   

Winds had shifted overnight from the Southwest to the Northwest, which tamed the 6 foot rollers which were slamming Never Say Never’s bow on Monday, down to 2-3 feet ones on her stern, giving a much nicer 13-mile, one-hour ride to Naples inlet. The steerage learning curve is challenging on any new boat, and captain has made transitioning from sailing to motoring look easy. 

Arrived at the Naples City Dock at 10:00 and took on 72 gallons of diesel fuel at $4 a gallon to be ready on Friday to motor to Marathon in the Keys.  Quite a difference from the sailboat, where it took us a year to use that much fuel, but what a beautiful thing to get places in half the time! A five-minute hop across the channel got us to Naples Sailing and Yacht Club.  Checked with the Dock Master to make sure we could stay and extra night, who agreed we could. With getting ready to replace their seawalls and also have dock updates many boats have chosen to find dockage elsewhere for now. 

After getting the boat secured, Captain made a trip to West Marine on his bike to pick up parts needed for repairs, replacement for front running light, and anchor chain roller. Both were probably original parts, which the Florida sun left brittle and broken.  Having an extra two days here has been a blessing to easily get parts before heading to the Keys on Friday.  

Walked to tourist trap, Tin City, which has many shops with similar souvenirs.  Nothing much of interest so saved up for another stop.

Day 4: One of our favorite outside restaurants in Naples is called Jane’s Café on 3^rd in old town Naples, which serves amazing breakfasts and lunches. It was a treat to walk the 2 miles there to partake of their dearly loved Eggs Benedict.  Lady went too and was greeted by our server with her own bowl of fresh water.  She laid quietly under Dennis’ chair the whole time.  She’s three, but not having been socialized before she became ours at 9 months we’re not always sure how she will respond to new people or new situations, but she’s been a real lady in Naples.  She’s also adapted to boat life pretty quickly. 

Spent some time laying pool-side, but the pool itself is actually closed since a wedding party somehow got broken glass into it.  It doesn’t get used much anyway, so when they renovate the club they’ll do away with it all together.

Dinner last night was K-Rico Mexican grill, a short walk from the boat, and portions were generous enough to have for tonight too.

With a forecast of a clear day, winds around 5 mph, the plan for tomorrow, Day 5, is to leave around 7:00 a.m., crossing the Gulf to Marathon in about 8 hours. During the crossing we will be without cell and internet service, but grateful for the Coast Guard which is only a radio call away in case of unforeseen problems.

Other friends, Kate and Bill Carney pulled into Naples today too, along with Rob and Diane Maffei, on their way to Key West tomorrow.  Should be a good crossing for them as well, and will keep a look out as they cruise by in their faster boat.

Naples is one of our favorite places on the Gulf coast, so blessed to spend 2 days here, while completing some quick-fix repairs, a 4 mile walk, people-watching on 5^th, laundry, reading, writing, resting, and of course, blogging.  

Another 2 days recorded, and grateful for the time, good health and opportunities God gives to spend cruising together.