An Aptly Named Marina - Osprey

Making our way along the ICW to Osprey Marina is a beautiful winding, unspoiled and natural marshy trail. We learn that a great deal of this land used to be plantations and is now heavily protected by the state which is why there are no piers, homes or boats lining the shores. As we move on, the ICW become thick with trees and moss. We got out the binoculars to look around. We see all kinds of neat things on shore including turtles, birds and even campers once. Gord commented on what a crazy spot that was for someone to camp out. We also see many osprey nests and several of these elegant hunters soring above. On occasion, one would plunge into the water close to the boat diving for its meal. Unfortunately, not one of them was successful in their hunt. I wished I had had my camera ready to try to capture these moments. It seems such a laborious task for them to fly up out of the water after their dive. It's odd to see them struggle getting up when they fly so effortlessly in the sky. The energy they must expel in those hunting moments is impressive. It was incredible to have a front row seat for a few dives.

Osprey marina is down a little canal to our starboard side and is aptly named considering the many ospreys we saw on our way. The marina is hidden by the dense trees that line the channel. As we pull in and the marina comes into view, it is the cutest marina we've been to. It is also the most inexpensive marina we've stayed at. We stern into our dock finger and tie up. This place looks great. It's a small marina, incredibly sheltered from any weather and looks well kept and loved. The office has a few provisions and marine supplies, a coffee and tea bar and a nautical themed room to sit and enjoy your beverage. The dock hands and staff are exceptionally friendly and make a fuss over how helpful Jaxon and Brooklyn were in our docking process. We arrived here around 1:30 and want to take the dinghy out to explore since we have a few minutes to enjoy before dinner, planning and work need addressing. The dock hand told us about a beach called Redneck Riviera the kids would like and it is just up the channel. Brooklyn, not having heard that term before, asked if the redneck needed sunscreen because her brother had a sunburn on his neck too.

We hopped in the dinghy and started exploring. We decided to see what Redneck Riviera was all about. The water is dark brown here too. Although when you really look at it, you can see all the tiny particles floating around. Some seem to sparkle like gold dust. I put my hand in the water to feel how warm it is, or isn't, and then decide to smell it in my hand. Nothing! So I tasted it. To my utter surprise there was no salt! None. I told the kids to taste the water and they were reluctant for several reasons. Once they did their eyes widened with surprise - Gord's eyes rolled back in his head. He's likely disgusted with me. The kids exclaim there is no salt in the water and this surprises Gord too. We learn later that this channel was man made and is completely fed by two fresh water rivers and the currents keep out the salty ocean water.

We pull into the area known as Redneck Riviera and it is aptly named too. Many people and small boats line the shallow beach. Everyone has a beer in hand and there is different music playing from each boat. We don't swim here. The brown water is not inviting. Gord and I talk to a local and Brooklyn finds dogs to throw balls for. A local gentleman told us about some small canals off the channel, closer to the marina we are staying at, where snakes and alligators can be found. He tells us his stories of hunting alligators and what good eatin' they are. He also tells us he recognizes the boat name because I am wearing one of our Holy Cow shirts. He tells us earlier he and his wife were camping down the river and we passed by. He said he told his wife at the camp site that lady in the boat was using binoculars while he was in the bushes relieving himself. Gord laughed, remembering the comment he made as we passed by. I assured him I was looking for turtles on shore and didn't see any part of him in the bushes.

We decide to alligator hunt on our own and head straight to the narrow canals. We didn't see any wildlife, but the scenery was amazing as we weaved around the watery jungle. Brooklyn narrated part of the trip in a whisper as if we were on a safari and she was filming a documentary. She's so funny.

After exploring a few canals, we head back to the marina. There were treats to be had in the dock master's office and there is also a field of goats! Yes, goats! A marina with goats. They reside here during certain parts of the year when the grass at "Goat Island" is too chewed up to provide nourishment. We cut up some apples and carrots and head to the field. The goats run at full speed when they see us and we laugh at their rambunctious behaviour. Gord was on the lookout for the marina owner. He has a sister ship to Holy Cow and is doing a complete haul over on her from bow to stern. Gord wanted to talk to him and get a tour if he could. Gord was able to walk over to the boat, but unfortunately, he doesn't ever track down the owner.

This stop has captured our hearts. It's a quiet, happy place. As much as we'd like to stay for another day, we do not have the luxury of time. In the morning, we take the dogs for their morning walk, and we bring the goats some breakfast before we untie and make our way to the channel. We are sad to leave this little place, but we will always remember Osprey Marina.