Traveling the Great Loop

Join us as we travel North America's rivers, waterways, and canals; visit U.S. and Canadian cities, historical landmarks, national parks and river towns. We may even take you to the Bahamas.

Naples, Gulf of Mexico, Florida

Nov. 26-29, 2024: Pelican Bay to Naples: Today’s Run: 58 miles

To view blogs in a larger format, click on ‘Reader’ (upper right corner).

Sanibel Island Lighthouse, a modern structure built to survive hurricanes.

Homes on Sanibel Island

Fort Meyers Beach

Running 50 miles offshore, we ran down the Gulf keeping a sharp eye for crab pots. Sea conditions were very good and we made good time .

Entering Naples Harbor; grand homes line the entrance and canals of Port Royal.

We pulled in front of a 100ft/ 30m yacht at Naples Public Docks. Behind it was another 100 footer. When we woke in the morning, a 3rd 100- foot yacht had docked in front of us. We appeared no more than a grain of sand in a lineup of giants.
Notice the gathering on the top deck of the yacht in the background, the one we were docked in front of.
The day after arriving, two yacht owners invited their guests to join them on one of the yachts to celebrate mutual birthdays. A saxophonist stood on the swim platform playing background music for the party.

LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS DAY IN NAPLES

The Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in downtown Naples.
Artificial snow making machines blew white flakes from lampposts. The children loved it.
The crowd was entertained by a school orchestra, other musicians and food kiosks.

It’s no surprise that you can spot numerous luxury cars on the streets of Naples. Custom-built electric golf carts have become popular for getting around town.

We remained at the public docks for the 4-day maximum stay, when, due to Naples Public dock rules, boats have to leave. ( Except for yachts, apparently). We moved to the nearby Boat Club, still walking distance to downtown. We would have stayed there an additional 3 days, but a cold front, (high winds), was forecasted.

Even after a weather front has moved through, it might take several days for waves, created by the front, to flatten out. By that time, a 3rd weather front could be making it’s way through. We needed to be on our way to Key West to honour a dock reservation we had arranged there.

A COLLECTION OF BOAT NAMES

We had first visited Naples last January. To revisit that blog click here: https://wordpress.com/post/travelingamericasgreatloop.com/4000

117gbl's avatar

Posted by:

117gbl

One response to “Naples, Gulf of Mexico, Florida”

  1. phlbrwn avatar
    phlbrwn

    Monster yachts! One wonders how they came to be, and what kind of people own them!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment