Captain Sean is a bit hesitant to go to this little spot. This is a big boat, and the waters are shallow. We head off with optimism in our hearts. If there is not place at the Inn there is an anchorage further down by the yacht club. REMEMBER THIS IS A NEW BOAT TO US!
Chaos and very nerve wracking exploring commence around Venice. Crow’s Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina is our stated destination. It is always amazing on a boat when you have never been somewhere, and you have a big boat, it is a big obstacle course and unexpected “oh shits” are around every corner. We come in and see Snake Island and all kinds of boat traffic. The marina is immediate, thus, we scramble. Radio and spot information is conveyed and as we approach the spot, the captain says, “no way”! We abandon the mission.
I recommended that there are anchorages by the yacht club further in. It is a breadcrumb trail to find water deep enough to even get close but this is the new mission. We get to the anchorage and there is no way we will be able to get our boat off of the channel to anchor. It is 2 ft. everywhere. We need to leave this little place called Venice. So, we slowly turn back trying to stay in some deep water.
Heading back past Bird Island and seeing Snake Island in front of us, there are boats all over the place and we hug the shore and hit mud. Sean starts powering through to keep us from getting stuck. As we are freeing up and figuring a path out for the boat the radio lights up. “Papa San”, we have a good slip for you now, a big boat who was having lunch just left the marina.” Thank you Jesus, mom and dad and all the gods that pulled that string for us. We managed to turn around and dock safely. Who cared the fee. Let’s just say, hanging out in the tavern that night was the best! I peered at my parent’s chart from their trip and they were here about 25 years ago!
