What a great November we had! Two weeks with Rod and Gail in Wimauma followed by a quick trip to Orlando where we saw Arthur, Sharon, and Ian (and dropped by Harry Potter land). We also visited with our friends Nick & Thea and, later, Dennis & Peg. With the help of the latter couple, we were able to locate the best Tiki bar in Gulfport.
As fun as it was to see and visit with friends and family, it was great to get back on the water. We spent a quiet Thanksgiving at anchor at Lemon Bay and enjoyed Cornish game hens with stuffing, broccoli, potatoes, and gravy. A good first effort using the propane oven. We also enjoyed Robin’s new favorite thing, Bota chardonnay in a box. The next day we dinghied in to Englewood, where we had a yummy breakfast followed by ice cream (because we can). Saturday the 25th was an exciting one. As we headed south towards Cayo Costa State Park, we saw a boat aground that we recognized from the marina at Gulfport. Bob turned the vessel around to help, but Imagine and her crew (from Noank, CT) were hard aground and there was nothing to be done until Boat US got there. As we resumed our own course, we too ran aground. The Gulf ICW can be a challenge. Venture just a tad to port or starboard and you’ll find a shoal. Teaky II stopped to help, but we warned the captain away. The wake of a speeding motorboat (plenty of those around) dislodged us and we continued south. We hope Imagine fared as well. Later, we ran into Teaky II’s captain Neil at Cayo Costa. He told us that he had seen three boats aground on his way to Cayo Costa. Lots of skinny water on the West Coast of Florida! On Monday the 27th, we returned to Fort Myers Beach and picked up a buoy in the mooring field (fun times) with the help of Captain Dean of the Fine Alee. Robin was much happier to navigate the Matanzas Pass in the daylight, this time. This port was a blast! On Tuesday the 28th, we made the 15-minute dinghy trip into the marina and sat down to a great meal that even included a few vegetables. We met several other sailors and, of course, visited a few funky bars. After a few cocktails, we prepared to head back to Blue Bonnet only to find that the dinghy motor would not work. Luckily, Austin the harbormaster was heading by as we rowed up-current, and he gave us a tow. So many nice people here! On Wednesday, we headed out for Cape Romano. This trip was amazing for Robin. It was the first time she was able to watch pods of dolphins swimming with the bow of the boat. And being under sail with no motor running made the trip even sweeter. A trip back to the Little Shark River rounded out our month, with guest appearances by pelicans, dolphins, a manatee, and tons of no see 'ums. Thank goodness for mosquito nets!
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AuthorRobin and Bob recently quit their jobs, sold all their belongings, and headed south to begin a new life on the sea. Check back here to find out how life adrift is going. Archives
February 2019
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