April 5, Islamarada, FL

Today we moved back out into Hawks Channel and then under the large bridge spanning 'Channel Five' where we entered the protected waters of the Florida Bay. We followed the channel east past Lower Matacumbe to 'marker 84' where we took a heading of 150 degrees and went slowly through shallow water of Upper Matacumbe Key to the Coral Bay Marina. This whole area is known a Islamarada and is a favorite area for people from Stuart.

We had planned to stay at the Lorelei Resort, which is nearby, but they do not take reservations and there was no room for us today. Coral Bay Marina was nice and we had good power and internet at the dock. The docks were a bit old but the marina had a large travel lift and yard and many boats spend the winter here and haul out for the summer. Met the owner of a 44' Tollycraft who does exactly that. Good program.

We walked about 1/2 mile to the large Saltwater Sportsman store and had lunch at Zane Grey's Restaurant on the second floor balcony overlooking the boating activity to the north. We enjoy this store for all their fishing gear and clothing.

Dinner was on the beach with our feet in the sand, watching the sun go down. Not too shabby.