Archive for the Category » Cruising «

Boca Grande
February 19th, 2008 | Author:

We went for a bike ride down to the lighthouse at the end of the island. There are 7 miles of bike trails from one end of the island to the other. We just kept riding and riding and then I realized that once we hit the end, we have the 7 miles to get back! We did it though. Biking is a great thing to do on this trip. Later we biked into town (a whole 3 or 4 blocks) and went to the local bakery where they make pizzas also. We bought one for dinner. It is 12” in diameter and so is our oven!

We gave a small cocktail party for slip neighbors on Recovery Room. Will and Kay loaned us their golf cart that they had rented and we were thrilled because as we left the restaurant last night it started to rain! On their boat they have friends, Sherry and David. All of them have been so friendly and kind. After hearing that we are planning to do the loop, Sherry asked me if I was crazy or just stupid. Jury is out on that one!

Category: Cruising, Florida  | Comments off
Boca Grande
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.

Category: Cruising, Florida  | Tags:  | Comments off
Great Loop: Day One
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?

Category: Cruising, Florida  | Tags: , ,  | Comments off
Saturday – Art Show
February 02nd, 2008 | Author:

There was a huge art show in the downtown area. I love that there are so many events that take place and that they are right here. This show took up 4 blocks. There was food and music. As we walked in I asked Kelley if he would buy me a piece of kinetic art like he had in Portland, OR many years ago. We love the piece that is in our backyard. It always makes us smile. Being the loving husband that he is, and I am sure feeling safe, Kelley says that if Andrew Carson is here, he will. Now, Andrew Carson is the artist from Washington who makes these fabulous wind driven pieces. As I was sharing with Kelley that Andrew sold many in Florida and claimed that his pieces could withstand hurricane winds….

You guessed it! Kelley says $%?#.

There he is! With new treasures!

I whip out my cell because it has a picture of our/his piece that we have at home. How cool is that!?! And Kelley said he would buy me another one.

Being the thoughtful wife, he is off the hook until this adventure is over. I see one of these HUGE pieces twirling with the wind at Casa Safari, Indian Wells, CA. Don’t you?

There was also ‘Living Art” at the show. The little girl wasn’t real but the lady was.

After the Art Show, we met up with Bill and Jo and they shared information about the Bahamas.

And, of course, tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday. I am having the Barrys over – homemade chili and corn bread! Go Eli Manning!

Category: Cruising, Florida  | Comments off
« Previous Entries
Next Entries »