Lopez River

We choose not to fight the shallows on Chokoloskee Bay and instead fought the flood current to exit Everglades City.  With sails and motor, we were only making about 3 knots despite running at hull speed through the water.

Once out in open water, it was a lumpy beat against south wind. Just as we were turning north toward a sheltered anchorage, the wind started gusty irradically and we dropped the main.  I was impressed with the boat's ability to point within 50-60 degrees of the wind and maintain a slight weather helm while flying only the #2 jib.

We were lucky enough to find Roger and Patty Martin anchored in their Presto 30 in the same spot.  Having been introduced to them via email by Ida Little (thanks Ida!), We rowed over for an afternoon visit that was the highlight of our day.

We got to watch the sun sink into the gulf and for the first time in my life had a chance to watch for the green flash. No luck this time, but hopefully there will be more opportunities as we continue down to the Keys.

19.30 NM at 3.9 KT over 4:58.  Total odo 218.03 NM. Next, it's up the Lopez River to the wilderness waterway.