Boating SW Florida style, in Jim's 30 Skater LS7

[appsyscons]

Boating SW Florida style, in Jim's 30 Skater LS7

My buddy Jim and his 30 Skater LS7 from MI, our friend Donnie, and I, went boating
before the boat leaves FL tomorrow, for MI, for the summer season.

It was just another beautiful day, here in SW Florida. Bright blue sunny skies, 84 degrees
air temp, 80 degrees Gulf temp, but blowing like crazy (for here). West 15-20 knots,
seas 2-4.

We went from Jims place, down Charlotte Harbor, West to Boca Grande Pass, North up
through Gasparilla Sound, past Placida, North through Lemon bay, and up to Manasota
Key. Back and then to Fishermans Village for lunch, before heading up river to the ramp.

The trip was a total of 83 miles.


To see all 47 pictures, click here to go to my photo web site

Here are a few:

an overview

ready for take off

looking back

love that paint

To see all 47 pictures, click here to go to my photo web site

 

[Bobcat]

That is such a cool boat. I like that the Marina is called Stump Pass, instead of some artsy BS like " Coral Hammock". What's the history on the railroad tracks and outbuildings?

 

[appsyscons]

That is such a cool boat. I like that the Marina is called Stump Pass, instead of some artsy BS like " Coral Hammock". What's the history on the railroad tracks and outbuildings?

In 1885 phosphate was discovered along the Peace River. They would barge it down the
river, South through Charlotte Harbor, West to Boca Grande pass to Port Boca Grande,
one of the deepest natural inlets in Florida. Schooner ships would take it all over the
world.

In 1905 Agrico / Peace River Mining Company and the US Army Corps of Engineers,
build the railway bride, the rail line down to the southern tip of the island, and ultimately
a 1,000 ft pier, on cement pilings, out into the Gulf. The rail cars would go out into the
pier, and load directly into the ships.

By 1969 Pier Boca Grande ranked as the fourth busiest port in Florida.

In the 70s phosphate mining fell out of favor for various reasons. Everything was
abandoned. The rail bridge had the center span removed, the rail line was torn up, and
the right of way, became additional space to the road, and a walking/jogging/biking and
gulf cart trail. All that remains of the pier are the cement pilings.

Here is the lighthouse

The keepers quarters

The range lighthouse

The phosphate pier

 

[rschap1]

NICE

 

[Bobcat]

In 1885 phosphate was discovered along the Peace River. They would barge it down the
river, South through Charlotte Harbor, West to Boca Grande pass to Port Boca Grande,
one of the deepest natural inlets in Florida. Schooner ships would take it all over the
world.

In 1905 Agrico / Peace River Mining Company and the US Army Corps of Engineers,
build the railway bride, the rail line down to the southern tip of the island, and ultimately
a 1,000 ft pier, on cement pilings, out into the Gulf. The rail cars would go out into the
pier, and load directly into the ships.

By 1969 Pier Boca Grande ranked as the fourth busiest port in Florida.

In the 70s phosphate mining fell out of favor for various reasons. Everything was
abandoned. The rail bridge had the center span removed, the rail line was torn up, and
the right of way, became additional space to the road, and a walking/jogging/biking and
gulf cart trail. All that remains of the pier are the cement pilings.

Here is the lighthouse

The keepers quarters

The range lighthouse

The phosphate pier

I love Florida History, thanks .