Got rid of some road rage by posting the following to the Sailing & Cruising FB page. Was quite cathartic.
While about 6 miles off the FL Gulf Coast we heard the Coast Guard talking to a VID (Vessel in Distress). We could only hear the CG but apparently a boat was taking on water. For some reason the CG didn’t switch to their working channel 22A. Perhaps they heard panic in the VID’s voice and was afraid they would lose them. The CG asked their position, how much water was coming in the boat, at what rate, and how much had they taken on. Some rather important info. don’t ya think? While waiting for the VID to respond some AHoles got on Channel 16 and complained about someone’s wake, or asked how to reach a bridge, or just tried to hail a boat. This is like not pulling your car over for an ambulance (if you remember those days). Please folks, when the CG is handling an emergency on 16 STAY OFF the f…. radio. I hope, should a life threatening situation arise for these inconsiderate, self-centered people, they learn how scary it is to hear nonsense on the mike when you’re trying to save yourselves and/or the boat.

April 14, 2015
After getting a lousy night’s sleep at the bridge we headed down the 20 miles to the end of our harbor (takes about 5 hrs.). Amazing how many unfamiliar sounds the boat makes at night when you haven’t slept on her in a while. I mean when you hear a boom you gotta investigate no matter how innocuous it is. Anyways, around 3:00 PM we had to choose between Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa or continue onto Ft. Myers. The chances of our making it to FM before night fall were rather slim. Once we turned the corner and headed south the winds would be oin our favor at around 14K. After slugging it down the harbor all day this sounded very enticing. However, since we won’t go into an anchor at night if we didn’t make Ft. Myers by sunset we would have to continue sailing all night to the next anchorage…so Pelican Bay was chosen.
We have anchored in this Bay many, many times and know that even in 40K winds we would be as snug as a bug in a rug. Ask how we know about the 40K winds. The anchorage is off a state park that has great beaches and wonderful trails. There is also a cove you can dingy to, and if the season is right, see loads of Manatee and/or crocs.
Around 6:00PM, while doing the dishes, I saw Mickey was sound asleep in the cockpit. Not a bad idea so I climbed into the berth. Mickey made it back inside sometime during the night and 13 hours later we awoke wonderfully refreshed to a beautiful day, Amazing how well you sleep when you’re in an anchorage you know and trust. Good thing we stopped when we did. We didn’t realize we were so exhausted. Being tired leads to mistakes. Had we continued to Ft Myers and possibly beyond we could have gotten into some serious trouble.

Aug 15, 20015 – OK another rant. For ½ an hour we watched a large motor boat (yacht) on our stern heading right for us. From the size of her wake we knew they were coming in fast. Just about the time we were getting ready to hail her to find out her intentions she bore off very close. What is it about motor boats that have to see how much their wake can make a sail boat bounce (family members with motor boats excluded of course)?
Made 57 km today but it took 11 hours due to headwinds and 2-3 ft waves. Stopped in Naples Normally we pick up a slip and enjoy a shower and the nearby restaurants that range from pricey to moderate pricey. Our favorite is a pizza place a block from the marina. Love eating pizza outside where you can sit and watch the money go by. However we are anxious to catch up to our boat club. They took a nice slow cruise down the coast and expect to be in Marathon on Sat. So for tonight we are anchored in a secure little cove we know about. Expect another good night’s rest.