Fort Myers to the Keys

[Blue Crab]

This is called Shark River on older charts. Updated versions will change the river's name to the Python River. Notice to Mariners FL 123.4 dated 2/18/2007.This is evolution at its finest as the escaped pythons from the old Sepentarium, local breeders, and ****-for-brains hobbyists, plus Hurricane Andrew-liberated zoo specimens have combined in a perfect environment for their propagation and growth.

It is felt that there is a super-python strain evolving in the region. The animals swim well and can climb out of the water onto transiting yachts easily. Sugar scoop sterns are a welcome mat for these hungry snakes with no predators. Many incidents of missing crew members have been reported and it is felt that the plethora of so-called "ghost ships of the glades" are snake fatalities.

Worse, if possible, are a very few "old foggies" living aboard older, well-maintained, traditional sailing vessels. These jungle-trained and hardened boat bums, thought to be former yachtsmen, are potentially far more dangerous than the damned pythons. Few have holding tanks. Fewer still use them. Do not swim on an outgoing tide.

[charlesclloyd]

@BlueCrab -- very intersting and pretty scary. I am kind of like Indiana Jones, I HATE snakes.

@Sumner -- The picture at the bottom of this page (link below) is very helpful! It gets me into the ball park so I can study more closely.

FL Spring 2011 page1

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Blue Crab

This is called Shark River on older charts. Updated versions will change the river's name to the Python River. Notice to Mariners FL 123.4 dated 2/18/2007.This is evolution at its finest as the escaped pythons from the old Sepentarium, local breeders, and ****-for-brains hobbyists, plus Hurricane Andrew-liberated zoo specimens have combined in a perfect environment for their propagation and growth.

It is felt that there is a super-python strain evolving in the region. The animals swim well and can climb out of the water onto transiting yachts easily. Sugar scoop sterns are a welcome mat for these hungry snakes with no predators. Many incidents of missing crew members have been reported and it is felt that the plethora of so-called "ghost ships of the glades" are snake fatalities.

Worse, if possible, are a very few "old foggies" living aboard older, well-maintained, traditional sailing vessels. These jungle-trained and hardened boat bums, thought to be former yachtsmen, are potentially far more dangerous than the damned pythons. Few have holding tanks. Fewer still use them. Do not swim on an outgoing tide.

Aw come on, don't scare off the visiting bait!

[Hudson Force]

Just a couple of notes here in order to honor truth. DotDun has correctly referred to the protected anchorage as Little Shark River. Shark River, as opposed to Little Shark, has a wider opening, but many shoals and should not be attemped except in a skiff or with specific local knowledge. Also, although the Brumese Pythons have been a threat to the indigenous community of the Everglades National Park wildlife, they are no threat to the transient cruisers in the SW Florida area. It's humoruos to tell these "snake" stories, but I would not want anyone to fear pythons as a Florida cruiser. Also, this is not a case of "evolution" as stated in a post above, but the dispersal of a species to a new area.

[jwalk]

Just a quick story concerning Yacht Channel.Headed towards NW Cape and noticed speed dropping(motering 5 ft draft 43 Irwin) with no brown trail behind.Stopped to check for crab pot only to find 18 to 24 inches of grassy bottom .Keel was dragging through the grass slowing us down!

[Tar34]

Well, you can view this offering by the University of Florida

[Blue Crab]

My first post was meant to be humorous, as most know. That's not to say there wasn't an element of truth in it, I'm afraid. I've been up and down the Shark Rivers, and heading down again to the area for good. It will never be a popular area for tourists from the point of view of mosquitos/noseeums alone, however.

[Sumner]

Originally Posted by Blue Crab

My first post was meant to be humorous, as most know. That's not to say there wasn't an element of truth in it, I'm afraid. I've been up and down the Shark Rivers, and heading down again to the area for good. It will never be a popular area for tourists from the point of view of mosquitos/noseeums alone, however.

Yes please don't scare all of the cruisers away from the area or we will be the only mosquito bait there ,

Sum

[charlesclloyd]

I brought this over from a private message with Sumner, but attachments aren't enabled there.

Originally Posted by Sumner

I'd also recommend if you wanted the inside channel from Goodland below Marco Island on up to Naples if you had time and wanted to go inside.

Is this (see attached) close to what you were thinking for Goodland to Naples? It doesn't look like you can get all the way to Naples, but need to exit at Gordon Pass. Is that correct? [I am using a Demo version of MacENC to help me do this investigation, which is why is shows "Demo"]

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by charlesclloyd

I brought this over from a private message with Sumner, but attachments aren't enabled there.



Is this (see attached) close to what you were thinking for Goodland to Naples? It doesn't look like you can get all the way to Naples, but need to exit at Gordon Pass. Is that correct? [I am using a Demo version of MacENC to help me do this investigation, which is why is shows "Demo"]

As I recall... it gets a wee skinny in there... Back in the day that was one pretty trip( late 70's to mid 80's)... all concrete now

[charlesclloyd]

Originally Posted by capngeo

As I recall... it gets a wee skinny in there... Back in the day that was one pretty trip( late 70's to mid 80's)... all concrete now

My father saw the satellite image of Macro island and was shocked. He went there in the early 60s and there was a gas station but not much else, he said. Its kind of sad to see how paradise has been paved over.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by charlesclloyd

Is this (see attached) close to what you were thinking for Goodland to Naples? It doesn't look like you can get all the way to Naples, but need to exit at Gordon Pass. Is that correct? [I am using a Demo version of MacENC to help me do this investigation, which is why is shows "Demo"]

There is plenty of water for 3' draft on that route, assuming you can read charts and follow the channel markers and fit under 55' bridges. Not sure what you mean by "It doesn't look like you can get all the way to Naples". The entrance/exit to the Gulf from Naples Bay is Gordon Pass.

[Sumner]

Originally Posted by charlesclloyd

I brought this over from a private message with Sumner, but attachments aren't enabled there.



Is this (see attached) close to what you were thinking for Goodland to Naples? It doesn't look like you can get all the way to Naples, but need to exit at Gordon Pass. Is that correct? [I am using a Demo version of MacENC to help me do this investigation, which is why is shows "Demo"]

With 3 foot of draft you are fine, but as was mentioned you need to follow good charts through there. We ended up doing the stretch between Marco and Goodland 3 times....



Naples to the Keys on the Gulf side of Marathon is from here...

FL Spring 2011 page 6

...to here...

FL Spring 2011 page 16

....just reverse it and from Marathon north to Key Largo is also there after Marathon. Pay good attention to the markers at the bridge over to Marco Island, top right arrow and the currents there can be quite strong.

We did it with no real problems using SeaClearII and NOAA charts on the ship's computer transferring waypoints to a handheld Garmin Map 76S,

Sum