Another Gulf Crossing - FMB to Marathon

We had a spectacular day yesterday to cross 133 miles from Fort Myers Beach to Marathon, Florida Keys.  The waves and wind were both next to nothing and the sun was shining!  We buddied up with John and Jackie Flor and followed them across.  

We rose at 5 am so we could be underway by first light.  I snapped the pic above of BELLA and Eu Floria prepping for our voyage to Marathon with just the glow of each of their electronics.

As we rounded the end of Fort Myers Beach heading out to the gulf we were joined by dolphins.  We encountered an entire pod of dolphins while in the middle of the gulf a distance away from the boats.

A beautiful sunrise over Fort Myers Beach as we headed into the gulf.

Falling in behind Jackie and John on Eu Floria.  They have crossed to Marathon many times and it was wonderful having them in the lead not only for their boating experience but for avoiding crab pots.  A constant watch for them is a must traveling in these waters.  We encountered crab pots the ENTIRE trip over!  I assumed that we would have to deal with them off the coast of Naples, Marco Island and Marathon, but those little buggers were lined up and bobbing the entire way.  Even as the second boat, I stood most of the way to help Tom see and avoid them.  Thanks to the Flors keen look out, neither boat hit a pot!  

The closer we got to Marathon the flatter the seas.......

Hard to see, but our first glimpse of Marathon and  7 Mile Bridge WAY in the distance!

We made it!  Faro Blanco Marina's signature Light House

BELLA all tied up in Marathon and ready for a wash!  Love the palm trees on the island near us!  We plan to be here until mid-March before we start heading up the East coast of Florida.  As has been the case thus far, we pulled in and were greeted by fellow Loopers that are also spending time in the Keys.  
Can't wait to dump the dinghy in and investigate the Keys!
More from Marathon later~