Moving south

We had a thunderstorm the night Eric left, Friday, the 7th. Saturday was cool (high of 68) and super windy. We saw there was a gust of 48 mph. There was a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House going on at the Tarpon Point Marina so we checked that out then Alison and I went to a Flea Market. I thought the best thing was the produce market at the exits. Strawberries and tomatoes are abundant right now so we’ve been enjoying them. It got down to the 40s Saturday night so the space heater was put back into use. The boat seems a little larger inside with one 6’ 2” body gone; you’re missed though Eric (my comic relief!)


Sunday was another ride down to the Everglades; this time Jim and Lou were our tour guides. We had a picnic in an area of the Big Cypress National Preserve and got to see quite a few alligators and lots of birds: Ibis, Blue Heron, Egrets, Anhingas, Tri-Color Heron and Great Blue Heron. We also drove past the smallest US Post Office in the country in Ochopee, Florida. It was about the size of an old-time outhouse!

















I wish I could add the sound this Great Blue Heron makes - it's an ungodly loud SQUAAAAWK that startles you if it catches you unaware! The bird on the upper right is an American Anhinga. They have to spread their wings to dry out their feathers as they don't have an oily coating like most waterfowl. Our Creator knew this would better enable them to dive for fish.

We stopped for ice cream in Everglades City. Alison was hopeful of seeing a manatee there but no luck yet. We stopped in Naples on the way back and checked out the Tin City shops but it was near closing time so we had to hurry. Thanks again Jim and Lou for a fun day!

I really liked this fountain at the entrance of the Tarpon Point complex; but then I just really like fountains.

On Monday Paul moved the boat by himself from Tarpon Point heading back to Moss Marine in Ft Myers Beach (he did a great job solo!) Alison and I took the rental car to meet him there by way of the Tanger Outlet Shops which was great fun. The Florida weather hasn’t been very kind to Alison her last days here. The only chance she had to spend on the beach Monday aft. was cloudy and cool - jeans and sweatshirt weather. Oh well, it was still better than snow!

Tuesday the 11th was departure day for Alison and the manatee remained elusive. Time was growing short. Our last chance was to drive to Manatee Park in Ft Myers on our way to the airport. I had to stay in the car with Ginger as pets weren’t allowed. They came back with smiles as there was ONE manatee there enjoying the warmer water from the power plant nearby. Mission accomplished! We grabbed some lunch and headed for the airport. Upon pulling her suitcase from the trunk, we realized we neglected to bring her winter coat from the boat.  It was tucked away in a closet and never thought of again! Poor Alison with no winter coat headed to Green Bay via Kansas City then Milwaukee; not real direct. The last leg of the journey was to drive 1½ hrs from Green Bay to Wausau, WI where she arrived at 11pm – what a day! I hope you enjoyed your escape from winter; we sure enjoyed having you!

That night we got to have dinner and enjoy some time with Green Bay friends, Phil and Kathy, who have a condo on Ft Myers Beach. They’re friends from our Sail and Power Squadron group in Green Bay and are also babysitting some of our plants while we’re gone! We picked up some groceries on our way back to the boat – our last night with “wheels”.

On Wed. we left Ft Myers Beach after being in the area for three weeks; that’s a long time in one spot for us “restless” ones. After Paul returned our rented Toyota Corolla, we headed south to Naples and mostly motor-sailed the 23 or so miles.

This is someone we saw along the way leaving Ft. Myers Beach. Look at all the condos!
After we went through Gordon Pass into Naples Bay, one mansion was bigger than the next. I took lots of pictures but here’s a nice one if you like pink.


You've got to wonder who would live in a place like that! Actually it's probably only lived in for a very short part of the year. Another lifestyle that's for sure!
We’re at the City Dock in Naples for two nights. Jim and Lou, bless their hearts, drove up on a mission of mercy (we each left something behind that they retrieved for us). We had dinner together at “The Dock”, an extremely popular place right next to the marina.

On Thursday we got to see old friends, Jack and Joyce, for a bit. We first met them in Milwaukee in the early 70s when Jack and Paul worked together. They winter here in Naples and go back to Eau Claire, WI for the summer. Thanks for the great margarita – God bless!

We saw a pelican feeding frenzy on the way back to the boat. The fishermen throw scraps to them and they don’t give up easily! Charter fishing is very big here so the pelicans are well fed.

Tomorrow we're off to parts south; not sure where we'll find internet access again. We had a milestone this week. March 12th is exactly six months since we left Green Bay on our journey. 
ps: I think we’re over the disappointment about Brett Farve’s retirement – we still get comments about it. Alison was especially bummed since she was down here and didn’t get to cover the big story!