Requires a boat, canoe or kayak.
This cache is located West of Bradenton, FL and is the first cache in Manatee County. It is on a peninsula off Perico Island in Palma Sola Bay on the southeast corner of the island . As far as we know it is only accessible by boat. The water surrounding the peninsula is shallow and has many sea grass areas that should not be disturbed so wading might be required. Suggested access is by canoe or kayak.
Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the east end of the Anna Maria Bridge on the north side. The closest public boat ramp, the Kingfish Ramp, is located just past the west end of the bridge. (There is a canoe launch on the north and east side of the Perico Bayou bridge, which is closer, but for security reasons should only be used during the day.) The cache is about a 45-minute paddle south and then east along the shore of Perico Island. It is located in a clearing surrounded by Australian pines and palm trees. There is a path leading to the clearing. The entrance to the path is located at N 27° 29.314' W 082° 40.060'. We were there at low tide so I don't know how difficult it will be to find at high tide. If you visit at high tide, let me know.
My friend Seadog and I stashed this cache during a Full Moon kayak paddle - thus the name. Yes, people who kayak and trek through the woods in the middle of the night are a little mad! It is in a small Rubbermaid container. Items in the cache include Hot Wheel cars, dinosaurs, glitter hair clips, stickers, golf tees, bubbles, etc. Please feel free to take a memento of your find and leave something for future GeoCachers. Also, don't forget to sign and date the log.
While you're in the area be sure to explore the nearby mangrove cove, on the southwest end of the island and on your way to the cache from the Anna Maria Bridge. There are a lot of neat tunnels (accessible only to canoes and kayaks). You'll see a lot of wading birds but don't get to close. After all, they're standing on solid ground. Even kayaks need at least 6" of water to float. If you're lucky, you may also see dolphins in the bay. Oh, and don't forget your sunscreen, insect repellent and water!
Happy GeoCaching!
01/14/2017