I was so pleased to finally see Prime Time come in and be tied up in her new home for a while: E46. Apparently the trip up, although pleasant for Kelley and the captain who was making the transfer, was done without the aid of Auto and GPS on the bridge…GPS wanted to stay in the salon on the lap top which cannot be read on top. But they made it. (I only made a little detour while driving….if ever in Florida on the 75 and you miss the last exit for Fort Meyers on the 75 going north…just know that the next exit is about 17 miles down the road). We are so pleased to be tied up here, although as I waited for them, I was concerned about all of the bikes and hogs that were coming down the road. How safe is Fort Myers, I asked myself?
So, I get on board and unpack all of the treasures that I have purchased for the day and finally, we are alone…6 o’clock. Hungry? We are early eaters…those of you who know, the number 23 holds a warm spot in our hearts. So, we look at the spots Kelley’s new best friend, Sue of the yacht basin, has suggested and we select two, both within walking distance.
We walk and there is band music that is becoming louder…much louder than the cafe in Avalon. There is the roar of motorcycles and we are now shaking our heads. Oh, my God, a party has been thrown for us! What a surprise!
Off we go to Delicious Things (2262 1st St., Fort Meyers – (239) 332-7797) and look at the menu. As I read I hear a gruff voice say, “Just order the lasagna; it is the best I have ever had.” So I turn and smile the Mona Lisa smile I have and say, “Really?” The head-kerchiefed wrapped man of about 60, black leather vest without sleeves on his undershirt says , “Yes. Just order it.” Kelley says he will and if it isn’t the best he has ever had, he will return and take the man down. Lots of laughter on that one.
The poor restaurant was so crowded, a table wasn’t available so we hit the bar for dinner. The most delightful night unfolded. A young lady, whose name is Kelly, was sitting next to me and joined us in conversation…[Spencer, if only you had been there]. We decided to eat dinner there and had delicious shrimp (spicy) pasta and, of course, the lasagna. The poor owner and waiters were being harranged by the guests…how long must we wait? does anyone speak good English? Kelley and I ordered and sat and were entertained. It was a great evening and we look forward to visiting tomorrow night to smile and say thank you for the great experience….
We had to do the Bike Shuffle, so we walked down 1st and oohed and aahed over the bikes that were there. LED lights not only pollute the water at night in Avalon, but they now can be put on bikes and light up the highways across America. And RV’s, my goodness what can be done for the biker! How come the boating industry hasn’t figured out the biking needs of the citizens of the USA? Gosh, Kelley and I are rethinking our need for fold up bikes and thinking a hog with stereo and air conditioning.
Finally, the time has come. Not quite 10…more like noon. There was wind and so Kelley, who has never docked this boat decided that he would rather have the ship yard people do it. Once Prime Time was in the water 3 young men hopped on board with Kelley. 3 other young men hopped on boats tied nearby to fend Prime Time off if necessary. It all went off without a hitch.
Yep, the boat is still in the ship yard where it will remain until 10, or so they say. They also said noon today; then it was 2:30, then 3:30 then we said let’s do it in the morning. So we will go back and make sure the lift works correctly and then Prime Time will go for a swim. Just a short on to her slip. I will then climb aboard and get to work. Kelley says that the inside looks great. I look forward to digging in and making her ours.