Company Switches

Well no sooner had Kim & Lu left for the frozen North when Mike & Nancy flew in to escape the cold. Unlike previous years when they have visited the Florida weather was ideal this time. We wasted no time in unleashing Tourist and heading for Hurricane Pass just above Marco Island where we anchored for a few nights. We arrived on a Saturday and with spring breakers adding to the usual week-end crowd the place was bustling with activity.

Wall to wall on the beach.

Spring breakers on Tourist.

Campers towing a kayak full of firewood back to their beach campsite.

Oops! Tide went out overnight on these campers.

Beached.

Tourists with Tourist in the background.

Along with all the beach goers came an increase in water patrol. While anchored one afternoon we witnessed a 20' deckboat approaching us. One guy was hanging his feet in the water at the bow and 3 women were sitting on the transom while they were going past us. That was enough to attract the attention of the police boat nearby who stopped them. They went through the usual checks of the boat and then ran the driver through a series of dexterity tests followed by a breathalyzer. He must have failed because he immediately had his hands handcuffed behind his back. A pfd put on him. And he was transferred to the police boat. They then chose someone to drive the boat after giving them a breathalyzer also. After that the police boat took off with the guy in cuffs and the other boat following.
We see people hanging off boats and sitting on the forward deck while underway all the time down here. This is the first time we've ever seen one pulled over because of it. About time!

Sunset over Keywadyn Island.

Mike & Nancy. I interrupted their stargazing.

Meat! It's what's for dinner!

Crab on the beach.

Not sure but looked like a big snail minus it's shell.

Sure beats the snow and cold back home!

Motorized kite over the beach. Fun to watch at first but then became annoying.

Tour boat on the inland channel between Naples and Marco.

Heading out Gordon Pass.

Reluctantly we left Hurricane Pass after 3 days of beachcoming, people watching and sun soaking. Our ride back to Ft. Myers was as smooth as glass interrupted only by an occasional string of crab pots. We returned in time to clean up Tourist and ourselves and join in the Legacy Appreciation Party complete with food, prizes, and a live band.

The deck was full of revelers. And no, Pam is not picking her nose! She was adjusting her sunglasses.

A few of the B-Dockers.

Mike & Nancy doing a polka, proving they're from Wisconsin!

Donnie in one of his natural poses.

The party was great fun with a huge turnout of boaters.

Friday came and with it a trip to Fleamasters Fleamarket. Definitely a cultural experience not to be missed!

Aisles of junk, I mean goods.

Need a puzzle light?

Even food of all varieties.

Saturday we took the dinghy across the river to Marina Town and Cactus Jacks.

Group selfie!

At Cactus Jacks waiting for snacks.

Pam talking to her Dad after he had knee surgery.

Before heading back to Legacy we explored some of the canals of N. Ft. Myers. Not quite as packed with homes as the canals of Cape Coral but still interesting to see.

Sunday dawned bright and warm so we piled into the car and drove to Goodland, Fl. and Stan's Idle Hour (www.stansidlehour.net) for the festivities. We arrived in time for the Star Spangled Banner. Without a doubt the longest rendition I've heard. People, food, drinks, and live music under the sun. It doesn't get any better! To protect the innocent no pictures were taken. Sorry!

All too soon it was time to say goodbye to Mike & Nancy who left the warmth at 6:30 a.m. Monday. It was fun!

On a side note, while we were at Hurricane Pass a 68' Neptunus yacht caught fire and sank off of Sanibel Island. At last report the boat was going to be raised to try and determine the cause of the fire. It sank in only about 25' of water. Both people on the boat escaped without injury and were picked up by a passing boat.