One of the places that Kelley and I had wanted to investigate more was Fort Myers Beach. This was where we were when we discovered that the alternators were not charging the batteries. This time we hoped to stay for about 4 or 5 days. We got a mooring can, #54, and settled in.

Alas, the refrigerator was broken. Kaput!  We moved food to the outdoor refrigertator and all of the TONS of frozen food into the ice maker. This meant though that we would need to have the generator running a lot. Kelley instantly got on the phone to locate a replacement. Success. Now, where do we have it dropped shipped?

We went to pay our mooring fees and talked to the manager at the Matanzas Inn (which is where you pay) if he had a suggestion for a shipping yard where we could have the refrigerator sent and then someone would help us put it in. He said no, but, have it shipped to them and he would get a couple of guys to help Kelley put it in. People are so nice here. Kelley arranged for the shipping and I should have a new appliance in a couple of days, and it isn’t even my birthday or Mother’s Day!

I loved Sarasota and would have been happy to stay there for a long time, but, we have places to get to…

Because Kelley had gotten the pass, at least he was hoping it was the right one, we were going to go through Venice. It is lovely on the ICW because it is like driving through one neighborhood after another. Beautiful homes on the water, many trailer parks, restaurants and bridges. Draw bridges and swing bridges. I like boating here because there is so much to see and you must be attentive to where you are going.

Just as we are leaving Venice, lo and behold (you would be disappointed if this hadn’t happened), a Fish and Game boat. We were entering a spot where there is no wake, so Kelley was slowing down. He waved, but the officer did not wave back. I recognized HIM. Yes, the “water nazi.” He was stopped and busy looking at our window (and sticker); I smiled and waved. He looked up, and…

Yes, he waved and then took off. “Don’t look back, Babe, but that was the GUY!” Yippee!

I should have taken a picture of him. We were so pleased to continue to pass on through.

After about 5 hours we finally got to Useppa Island where we were going to anchor. 5 hours is a long time for me to be boating, especially when we really haven’t a time line. I think I am going to need to get Kelley to slow down. If this is a journey we need to make sure it is enjoyed by all participants (especially the First Mate).

The Happy Fisherman

We were up and off the boat by 9:30 so that we could walk to the bus stop for the ride to the Ringling Museum. Guess what! Buses don’t run on Sundays in Sarasota.

We walked over to the Visitors Center. But they weren’t open. No help there.

We wandered over to the Hyatt because it was close. The concierge said that we could walk there because it was about a 20 minute walk, one mile. Kelley is thinking that that can’t be so we walk out to valet parking and ask the guys there. They say it is over 4 miles. The van driver said that he would take us there and pick us up for $8 dollars. Deal.

The museum consists of John and Mabel Ringling’s house,

and in the back was their patio and a spot where their yacht would be tied when they were present.

There is also a museum with circus miniatures, made by a man named Howard. He created the whole Ringling Circus, but couldn’t call it that so called it the Howard Brothers Circus. It was incredible.

There is another building with wagons from the original circus, and a huge art museum that is unbelievable. To think that John and Mable traveled all over Europe and brought back the art pieces that they did surprised me.

Sure enough, Virgil returned to pick us up. Needless to say, we paid him for both trips…

After returning to the boat we had hours to kill before dinner. Off come the bikes and we rode over the bridge to Siesta Key and St. Armands Circle.

This is indeed a circle with shops and restaurants filling the whole area. It was a pleasant ride and nice to walk around and look in the shops. Kelley was patient and waited silently as I went in and out of doors. What a sweetie!

Overcast weather. Kelley had something to get at West Marine. He ended up taking the bus there and I walked into the city and went to the Farmer’s Market. Sarasota reminds me of San Diego. Marina Jack is right downtown.

There is a park nearby and the shops and restaurants are interesting to look at and visit. Dinner last night was delicious.

I walked around the park. There is a lot of interesting art work in the park.

Later the rain came pouring down. Kelley and I decided to stay one day until Monday so I went up and added a day. Tomorrow we will go to the Ringling Museum. Dinner tonight at Dos Senoritas.