Season 2 Episode 6. Wow! Well here we are, bouncing on the bottom near the coast of Egmont Key in Tampa Bay.  Yikes!  Then, we "camp" - anchor out - in a very pleasant space in Anna Marie Island before returning south for another visit to the wonderful coastal town of Venice, Florida, where we treat our adventurous guest (Lisa from Episode 5) to a fantastic dinner at The Crow's Nest.

We keep the trip going the next morning: setting sail for the island of Cayo Costa and a bit of beach time on this remote barrier island of Charlotte Harbor (it can only be reached by boat or helicopter).  This uninhabited island is a state park and wildlife sanctuary that has some of the best camping and shell hunting on the Florida coast.  Boaters beware, though!  The popular channel entrance to the Pelican Bay area on the east side of Cayo Costa into a protected anchorage is tricky, shallow, and not well-marked.  We witnessed a few boats that were unsuccessful in finding the right line and found the ground instead!  The trick is to stay on the west side of the channel, very close to the island and the sand bar that runs on that side of the inlet.  If you are not feeling that brave or, as was in our case, it is a very busy weekend, then you can anchor on the east side of the northern end of the island.  Just be sure to stay out of the intercostal waterway and clear of the Boca Grand Pass.  Once you are safely anchored, you are free to explore the island.  They even have a tram that will take you to the Gulf side of the island, thus saving you the walk across.

As much as we have enjoyed having Lisa onboard, her vacation time is coming to a close and we have to get her to an airport.  Luckily, we know just the place!  Burnt Store Marina (not sponsored) is only a short sail away.  This works out in our favor because during the recent sailing leg, our forward head (toilet) decided to become fussy (non-functional).  I, of course, picked the perfect time to do the repairs... you will have to listen to find out.  Jennifer (Cristen's sister) arrives and we set out on another day of sailing, which turns into a night of sailing...

Keyword Adventure

Cayo Costa State Park

Leave No Trace

Burnt Store Marina

Mote Marine Lab

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