Sunday 3/15/09 This morning was spent getting Tourist ready for her next guests, Pam's sister Barb and her husband Bill from Galena. This was to be their first trip without kids. After they arrived and decompressed for awhile we went over to, you guessed it, Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. The highlight of the meal was that we could see the fire and smoke trail from the shuttle launch on the other side of the state from our table. Just one of the unexpected extras we throw in when you come to visit!
Monday 3/16/09 We fired up the engines today and cruised over to Sanibel Island for lunch and then on to Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge where we anchored for the remainder of the day and night. A bright sunny day with some red skin to show as a result. When we woke up on Tuesday we could see Manatee's swimming about 100 yards away from the boat. Unfortunately they weren't close enough to get a picture of since they just break the surface of the water and then go back down to feed. Following a leisurely morning we travelled to Glover's Bight to anchor for the night. Here we were treated to the dolphin show with several dolphins working there way around the bight looking for food. Once they spot something they are off like a rocket!
Wednesday 3/18/09 We headed back to Legacy Harbour this morning to clean up and go to the Edison/Ford complex just down the road. Bill, Barb, & Pam went ahead to the First Watch Cafe while I hosed off the boat and myself. I caught up just in time to gobble down the cheeseburger Pam had ordered for me and then on tho the E/F complex. While strolling the grounds at the Edison home we encountered a swarm of giant bees. Pam is still running! Later that day we drove to Bonita Springs to have dinner with Mom & Dad. Another fine meal at Carrabba's!
Thursday 3/19/09 Bill & Barb left today after a leisurely morning dockside. Mom & Dad came up to take Pam & I to the airport. No we didn't sneak home! Our purpose for the airport trip was to go to the U.S. Customs & Immigration office and get our Local Boaters Option cards. These cards along with a decal for the boat that must be ordered from C&I will allow us to simply call in our arrival when we come back from the Bahamas and not have to report in person to an office somewhere.
Friday 3/20/09 On the road again. This time to Palmetto, Fl. to apply for my TWIC card which I need to maintain my captains license. TWIC stands for Transportation Workers Identification Credential. Everyone who comes in and out of a Port area must have one of theses if they are a dock worker, truck driver, seaman, or hold a merchant mariners certificate (me). So for the umpteeninth time in my life I got fingerprinted again! Now I have to wait 4 to 8 weeks to get the card which by the way has to be picked up in person at the issuing location. Hopefully it will be ready when we return from the Bahamas. Highlight of the day....lunch at a Mexican Restaurant. Our first since we left home!
Saturday 3/21/09 Just another day in Paradise! Changed oil in the generator and started figuring out how to evacuate the holding tank while in the Bahamas since they don't have pump out facilities at the marinas over there. Another trip to Publix and dinner at the Morgan House followed by a cigar at the local cigar bar. Yes you can still smoke inside down here and enjoy a cocktail at the same time!
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