Monday Dec. 23

0 miles

Today we took the dinghy out and did some cruising around. Instead of going to the docks to tie up near where the boat was anchored and walk a mile to the Gulf, we chose to dinghy farther away to an area we were told by other boaters was a much more scenic spot. Boy were they right. After a 10 min. ride we came to a very narrow opening in the mangroves. We then traveled about a half of a mile in what is called the “Tunnel of Love”. With mangroves growing along each side of us and over top it eventually turned into a little bay where we could beach the dinghy and walk a short 100 yards to a very secluded section of beach on the Gulf.

Our next adventure we took the dinghy to Cabbage Key for lunch. This is a 100 acre tropical island with the famous restaurant where Jimmy Buffet wrote “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. They have a marina to bring your boat and cottages to rent. They only way to get around is by golf cart. (no cars allowed)   

 

Crab fisherman  

 

 The start of the "Tunnel of Love".

 

Cabbage Key restaurant

 

dollar bills everywhere inside

 

 

 View from the tables outside.

 

 Gopher Tortoise walking near our table.

 

 Trail around the island.

 

 I was told there aren't spiders in FL. Something about the salt air.

Well someone didn't tell this one!!!

 

 This tree was covered with cactus.

 

 Plants along the trail.