The Last Pump out (aka. End of Season)

As we moved into April the roadways heading North started to clog with departing Snowbirds. Not only the roads got busier but so did the waterways with people departing the marina for a variety of destinations. We will shortly become one of the migrating boats heading this year back into the river system.

During the "season" you couldn't buy a stall in the parking lot.

We did have a few end of season gatherings, some of which started in March! Probably the biggest was captured in a picture taken by Marv of M/V DeeLight.

Till next year!

We've been busy preparing for the journey North by waxing Tourist from the roof to the rub rail. Changing oil and fuel filters. And changing one of the exhaust elbows which had started to split.

Out with the old.

New elbow in place.

With all of the work we've been doing Pam thought a little reward was in order. No it's not what you're thinking!

It's Popcorn!

Of course with the lesser crowds it's now much easier to get a table at the local eatery's. We capitalized on this one evening to celebrate Diane's (M/V RiDi) birthday at Capone's. Good food and a good time was had by all in spite of a less than enthusiastic waitress. (She was replaced half way through the dinner.)

Dinner at Capone's.

It seems Diane also had another celebration which interrupted the girls Mah Jongg game one afternoon.

A few of the Mah Jongg girls.
Pam and I also checked out the new Nathan's hot dog restaurant one day while on a provisioning run. The chili cheese dog was great! They also have a selection of burgers and chicken. Judging from the crowd I'd say it's a winner.

Hot Dogs!

On a day that we were to pick up Bru & Sandy (M/V Coconuts) from the airport I was talking to Rich on the dock and he suggested we take the dinghies across the river to Marinatown for lunch. It sounded like a good idea and Pam concurred. The weather was favorable and we would still be back in time for our airport run. We prepped ourselves and the dinghies and away we went. Both units ran just fine. For us this was a treat after fighting an ill running motor for 2 years!

We had a smooth ride across and decided on Cactus Jacks for lunch. Midway through our meal I noticed the wind pick up. I knew this wasn't good but remained silent. Back underway all seemed well while we travelled the protected waters of Marinatown. And then we turned the corner! Pam hid behind a towel and went to the floor while the waves crashed over the bow. Fortunately all our electric gizmos were protected in our backpack.

It was a wet, bumpy ride back across the river but fun!

Pam taking a selfie. Still calm waters!

Marinatown.

Rich & Diane before their salt water bath!

We had a bit of excitement in the marina a few days before we left. We had a visit from an alligator. About a 10 footer! He patrolled a couple of the fairways between docks and looked to be minding his own business. Even so the Fish & Wildlife people were called.

On patrol.

They tried shooting him with a crossbow after luring him close with a taped recording of a female in heat.

After bouncing an arrow off his head they tried casting and hooking him with a big treble hook.
he spun out of that and disappeared. Last report was that he was headed down river.

On our last night at Legacy there was another dock gathering with plenty of food to go around.

Ed's checking out the chicken.

As always plenty of story exchanging.

All too soon it was time to go in (aided by a passing rain cloud). Our last dock gathering was a good one!

Donnie and Rich helped us get away. Thanks guys!

After fueling at the City Marina we took one last look at Legacy and the High Point Condos.

Oh. Don't fret. We did get the last pump out accomplished. Sadly though Pam wouldn't let me post any pictures!