Always one of our favorite anchorages, we decided to extend our Memorial Day weekend to spend five full days in Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa State Park, near the entrance to Charlotte Harbor. When we arrived on Thursday, May 27 we joined four other boats. By Saturday evening, May 29 the neighborhood had grown to 52 vessels.
On Wednesday, June 2 we left Pelican Bay and made a short motor to Hog Island where we spent two quiet evenings as the sole boat at anchor.
Friday, June 4 began with sunshine, calm water and virtually no wind. Rain was forecast for late afternoon so we planned our arrival at Fisherman’s Village for around 12:30, when high tide would help us navigate the shallows and we’d still have plenty of time to get lines secured and otherwise settled in our slip before the rain. Au contraire. Just as we approached the first channel marker, a squall came in, dumping us with rain, wind, and churning water. This was Tanya’s first experience backing Casstaway into a marina slip under nasty conditions and only Todd and two soaked dockhands managing to control the lines prevented harm to Casstaway or her near neighbor. Needless to say, it wasn’t pretty and Tanya felt dejected the rest of the day.
Saturday, June 5 through Monday, June 7 were lovely days at Fisherman’s Village spent giving Casstaway a good cleaning inside and out, stowing gear and equipment in case of major storm activity, and hiring a captain to look after Casstaway while her crew is away.
On Tuesday, June 8 Todd and Tanya say our goodbyes and “cast off” for three months of time with family and friends.