Archive for » February, 2008 «

February 20th, 2008 | Author:

Wind was up in the morning, but off we went. Once we were out on the ICW it didn’t seem as windy. We are in Englewood Beach off of Lemon Bay. We are at anchor and it is a great setting. Tomorrow we are going shelling! We got into the dinghy and toured the inlet where we are. There are shoals everywhere! Even the locals were getting stuck because they weren’t paying attention.

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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!

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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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