2021: Exploring Otter Key near Sarasota FL

 10 April 2021

Depart: Otter Key anchorage near Sarasota, FL 12:35

Arrive: Sarasota - Captain Jack's Marina 1:15

Distance: 3.2 nm

Conditions: Sunny, Wind gusting up to 30 kts in p.m., Rain storm coming, Late P.M. thunderstorms

We scheduled a stop at Sarasota and Marina Jack's specifically to meet up with our friends, Jim and Jo Ann, that we met on the Great Loop. They had morning plans, so Clark and I deployed the dinghy to go exploring around Otter Key. Betsy Frye told us it is a favorite of hers, so we were anxious to have a look around. 

Otter Key near Sarasota, FL

Otter Key Closeup

Clark had heard that we could dinghy around to St. Armands Key and tie up the dinghy to go exploring in town. Of course he had to check it out. To get there we had to go under a very low bridge.

Low Bridge coming up

View from under bridge

We have gone under lower bridges on our various outings - usually by kayak where we have to duck / lie down to get under. We still had head room passing under this one. I was quite surprised at the size of of some of the boats on the other side of this low-clearance bridge!

When we got to the place where we were told we would find cleats to tie up, there were none. We found a spotlessly, relatively-recent-looking cement wall with no cleats or other means of tying up. I volunteered to stay with the dinghy so Clark could get out and look around. 

When Clark got back, he said it was a short walk to the circle where an art show was in progress. I decided to pass on checking it out and decided I would look at the pictures later.

Pictures taken at St. Armand's Key: 

As we toured more of the anchorage area, I could not help but notice the differences in the architecture of the various homes in the area from stark white to more traditional designs.

Homes around Otter Key anchorage area:

Someone at one of these houses has a sense of humor. They must be used to people taking pictures!

Statue taking a picture of me taking a picture of him!

Besides the photographer statue, we saw a great metal sculpture of a sea horse. I thought of Wendy Wilson when I saw it because Ella told me they are Wendy's favorites!

Clark planned to go all the way around Otter Key and come back to our boat from the other side, but he did not like the depths he saw and decided to backtrack - the fact that I had missed the sea horse picture coming from the other direction helped him decide to turn around. 

From there we went to explore the section of the anchorage near South Lido Nature Park where kayaks were so prevalent.

South Lido Key

Although we had rather strong winds, the kayaks were out in force. We saw a guide for each of several groups.

Kayaks near where Sunset Delight is anchored

Guide standing up talking to kayakers

Many folks hoped to see dolphins as they roamed around in their kayaks. If they were super lucky, they got to see the mommy dolphin with her new born baby in the anchorage. We got to see the baby. I have never seen such a small dolphin before. The guide on a tour boat called "Le Barge" got so excited, she yelled,"That baby can't be more than one month old." Sorry pictures Clark took did not capture the baby.

We passed by Sunset Delight on our way to the South Lido Nature Park area. Not seeing any no-entry signs we motored in to get a closer look and came face-to-face with a swarm of kayaks. 

Ranger Pete was with this group and told us we were in a "no-motorized vehicle" zone. Clark apologized and said he had not seen any signs. Ranger Pete good-naturedly said, "That's because folks keep knocking them down." We had a nice chat with Ranger Pete before he rowed off to join his tour group.

One of the things we talked about was "rescuing" folks in kayaks that get too far from the kayak launch site. He said that frequently they have to send out boats to collect them or tow them back themselves.  As we headed back to Sunset Delight to stow the dinghy and leave the anchorage, we passed a heavy-set fellow who looked like he was truly struggling against the wind. He kept stopping to rest which with the wind meant he lost territory he had already covered. I wondered if he would be calling in for a tow.

Friendly Ranger Pete at South Lido Nature Park

We had "killed" time this morning partially to explore but also to delay our arrival at Captain Jack's Marina until after the 11:00 check-in time. Since it was getting on for noon, I suggested we stay out for lunch and enjoy the cool breezed before heading into a probably much-warmer marina.

With a thunderstorm warning for bad storms to start sometime today, we kept one eye on the weather as we ate our lunch. Because we were so close to Captain Jack's Marina, we left the anchorage at 12:35 and were in our slip and tied up by 1:15. 

Although the sky looked threatening more than once, we managed to stay dry for quite a while before it started raining. 

The thunderstorm did arrive and put on a good show with lightening and heavy rain. By the time it hit, however, we had made our way to our friends' boat and were busy talking as the rain came down. 

With all of us wanting to spend as much time together as possible and Jim and Jo Ann worn out from travels, etc., I made dinner and served on the boat. This was my first time entertaining guests on board since the beginning of the pandemic! Woohoo!

Even with all the goings on, Clark managed to get a sunset picture. Amazing!

Sunset at Captain Jack's Marina in Sarasota, FL