Author Archive

February 18th, 2008 | Author:

The wind was howling all night; water rushing past the boat; fog and great dampness this morning. With all of the wind I would have thought it would have been cooler last night, but it was warm inside the boat. Too warm.

We hung around on the boat waiting until we could leave. Check in time at Boca Grande Marina is 2 and we were at most 30 minutes away. Finally it was time to go. I drove the boat so that Kelley could bring in the anchor and secure it. And off we went. There is deep water outside Pelican Bay and all the way to Boca Grande.

This trip was full of firsts: my first time tying to the poles and Kelley’s first time backing this boat into a slip. Success on both counts! As soon as we were checked in we left the boat for a walk to town. It is only a few blocks from here and only about two blocks long.

I was reminded of our trip to the Northwest with the O’Neils. Cute little spots.

Hudson’s Market had the tapennade I was looking for in Fort Myers.

Even though there is a storm expected, this is where we are having dinner, The Sea Grille. It came highly recommended by locals.

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February 17th, 2008 | Author:

Long stretches of beach await you when you walk across the mile stretch from Pelican Bay to the Gulf. Hardly anyone was there this morning. Kelley and I just love to walk. He took off ahead while I began combing the beach for shells. Last time here, I was amazed at how many types of shells, spirals, scallops, and sand dollars were there.

I kept looking down for shells that been washed up before. I thought how typical of me; looking at the past and not looking forward. Perhaps a treasure was missed. I always like the comfort of the known. But then I thought about what might be occurring right now as the waves are gently slapping on the shore. Of course, the correct ending should be that I looked up and there was a conch rolling onto the shore.

Didn’t happen, but I began to think about this adventure that we are on. I enjoy places where I have been and like returning to them, but what about the spots out there that could become familiar. I need to be looking forward and seeing what is there now and what might be tomorrow. There is a conch waiting to be seen; I will keep my eyes peeled and see it first!

We are going a short distance tomorrow to Boca Grande, South Gasparilla Island. I spoke to the dock master and told him I didn’t know how to tie to those poles that are at their docks. Being from California we are unfamiliar with them. He told me not to worry. After he gave me instructions I would be able to lasso a 20 foot pole from 10 feet away! Yee haw! Call me a cowgirl!

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February 16th, 2008 | Author:

Prime Time was ready! The Captain was eager! The First Mate was…. leaving her new friends behind… but also ready to see if the three of them had what it took.

We said we would leave the slip at 10 am and we were off a bit, we were early. Friends were there though to bid us fair seas and we were pleased to see them and accept their help.

Before we entered the Miserable Mile, boats were passing us right and left. We were just bobbing along. Then everyone has to slow and inch their way through the Mile. Kelley looked back as we got toward the end and we both were amazed to see this long line of boats. Once we were out of the Mile, up went speed and we were passed and bounced some more.

This trip to Pelican Bay was a piece of cake. We had a GPS that was working. We had used the charts before with success, but to have a GPS – Columbus never would have gotten lost. We made the trip in 4.5 hours, traveling about 8 knots an hour.

Traveling on a Saturday over President’s Weekend on the ICW is like traveling on the US 5 trying to get somewhere. Everyone is out enjoying the beautiful weather. The Bay is serene – although there are more boats here than there were last time.

A great beginning to our adventure! Did I really write Great Loop?

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February 14th, 2008 | Author:

A big surprise awaited me in the morning. A card…and a singing one: Do you love me? Now that I can dance! You bet, Kelley York!

We wanted to go to Matlache because we had heard it was so laid back and charming. It is right out of the 50’s. The Barry’s were up for the trip and off we went at 11.

We ate lunch at a cute little Italian Restaurant. I had a yummy soft shell crab sandwich and Kelley had Gulf Shrimp. There were little shops to look at, a bridge that has to raise for almost nay size boat that comes by, and a fish market where we bought fish for our trip.

Here is a fish tail for you:

A delightful afternoon! In the evening, we met again with Colleen and Mike, the Barrys, and the Fines (friends of the Barrys) to toast the sunset, and I am sure, the first rate mates we all have!

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