Archive for » February, 2008 «

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?

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Valentine’s Day
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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Sunday Sunsets
February 10th, 2008 | Author:

What could be better than to meet with friends at the beginning of a new week and toast friendship and the sunset? Colleen and Mike organized the gathering and of course, Dianne and Bob, and us Yorks were eager to join in. We have met such nice people here in Fort Myers. These people go out of their way to help us and share in our excitement of our upcoming trip, even though it means leaving the harbor and them.

Cheers to the sunset. May there be another. Cheers to our new friends. We will meet again.

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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!

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