So today was our first day in Marco Island. There are alot of things we like about this anchorage. First of all, there's a lot of dinghy exploring to be done AND lots of birds, dolphins and rays to enjoy while on our way through the mangroves to the beach.
Because it was a beautiful day, we shared Little Marco Beach with what seemed like thousands of rental pontoons with vacationers enjoying the "solitude".
But the really cool thing is virtually none of them wander across the island on the nature walks in the park ... this one was close to our dinghy, so we wandered across....
Beach looking north -- no one but us. If I had taken this photo south (into the sun), you'd have seen maybe 4 couples strolling the beach and the high rise Marco Island skyline in the far distance.
Nothing but white soft sand and LOADS of shells ... and us. We collected shells, looked for shark's teeth -- none this far south -- do we think that's because shark's only swim off Venice Beach... how do they know just to swim there so all their teeth collect fossilized on that beach? Anyway, great beach, lots of walking, lots of shells. We like to collect them and take them back to the lake. The grandkids like to play with them ... and this summer we may try to "plant" some on the tiny beach close to the lake house to see if family kids "discover" them on their own. :) Shhhh! Don't tell anyone! What fun!
Here's a tri-color heron keeping watch over the mangrove mazes. Not a great shot - they're very shy and fly away the minute we get mid-stream.
Back to civilization on Marco River Bay, we pass Snook's Bar & Restaurant. There's a really really COOL boat parked out front - lots of boats stop here for lunch, happy hour or dinner. This one was unusual and GORGEOUS! Wow! Wonder what tomorrow will bring! :)