FINAL ENTRY! Day 14 - Ft. Myers, FL to Longboat Key, FL

We are home!

After 14 days on the water, it was good to wake up this morning in Ft. Myers knowing that we had just 94 miles left on our 1,376 mile journey from Annapolis, MD down the ICW to Longboat Key, FL. The skies were clear, the sun was shinning brightly and the offshore breeze was light and at our backs -- a perfect Florida day on the water.

The route from The Caloosahatchee River to the Gulf of Mexico and north through the Gulf ICW are obviously very familiar waters to us but are always a rewarding experience. Today was no different. After being away from these waters for two years, it felt good to "home". So much so that we even had a bridge tender who has to come know us over the years gave us a "welcome back Endless Summer" shout out on the VHF radio as we passed by. Pretty special.

But the very best part of of the day was the last few miles as we past the city of Sarasota and started our final leg to the entrance to Longboat Key Moorings. Accordingly, I ended the trip with at the Jimmy Buffett song "Lovely Cruise" on the stereo that sums up our adventure. I leave you with those lyrics and a big thank you for following along the past two weeks. Your comments and "likes" have been most appreciated. Most of all, I have to give my thanks, love and acknowledgment to Rachel for not only all her help but enduring my boating indulgences and seemingly, actually enjoying it!

Drink it up
This ones for you
It's been a lovely cruise
I'm sorry it's ended
It's sad but it's true
Honey it's been a lovely cruise

These moments we're left with
May you always remember
These moments are shared by few
And those harbor lights
Aw they're coming into view
We bid our farewell much too soon

So drink it up
This one's for you
Honey, it's been a lovely cruise
Yea baby, it's been a lovely cruise

Sarasoata harbor coming into view

Home at last!