Day 19 – Sarasota to Cayo Costa

On Monday, March 20th we continued down the ICW.  Its more remote shores were still frequently strewn with abandoned boats.Abandoned Boat ICW

Just as often, however, were nice homes, usually complete with private docks and small canals leading in to docks around other homes.ICW HomesICW Homes

Almost as common as the pelicans were osprey.  Almost every daymarker and post seemed to have a nest on it.ICW Osprey

Although we passed through many “manatee zones,” we never spotted one.ICW Manatee Sign

Most bridges were high enough that we could pass under, but some still needed to open to let us pass.  This small swing bridge was operated from in the middle of the movable span.  In this photo you can just make out the operator.Swing BridgeICW Swing Bridge

Bascule bridges were also common.ICW Bascule Bridge

This railroad bridge had been abandoned and the center span removed, although it looks relatively new compared to some we’d seen.ICW Abandoned RR Bridge

The dolphins had become regular sidekicks by this time.ICW Dolphins

Our anchorage for the night was on the shoreward side of Cayo Costa State Park, off the coast of Cape Coral.  It was surprisingly active for a Monday afternoon.Cayo Costa Park

We passed some of the more crowded anchorages.Cayo Costa Anchorage

And found a good spot a little farther from the park entrance, which was also well protected from the still-strong winds.Cayo Costa Anchorage

On Day 19 we’d added 46 nautical miles, for a trip total of 1133 miles.Day 19 Track

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