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!

 

Party, Birthday, Company, & South Seas

The social scene was in full swing at Legacy in the month of March. The weather was finally cooperating. The marina held their annual boater appreciation party complete with good food. Give away items. And a live band. Pam even got me on the dance floor and there is a picture to prove it!

The crowd before they started misbehaving!

Dinner is served.

Electric Slide?

Pam's whispering the steps to me!

It wasn't long after (or was it before?) the marina party that we gathered on the patio to celebrate Marilyn's birthday which we all managed to stay quiet about and surprise her.

Birthday revelers.

Pizza was the food of choice and it was good.

Gordy (M/V Pura Vida) no stranger to the food service business dishes out the pizza.

We also celebrated a long distance birthday via Skype. Granddaughter Ellie turned 4.

Picture of excitement.

Diving into her birthday cupcake.

Not long after the parties Frank & Peg arrived for a visit. We had decided long before their arrival to head to South Seas Resort on Captiva for a couple of nights. One of the reasons was so Frank & I could go fishing with his nephew Sean Kelley who is a fishing guide on the island.

Meeting a Fleming on the way into South Seas.

Entering the harbor at South Seas.

Frank caught a catfish.

Peg checked out the beach.

Plenty of chairs to worship the sun from.

We rented a golf cart and checked out the Bubble Room. (www.bubbleroomrestaurant.com)

A rather eclectic restaurant just outside of the confines of South Seas.

Pam found the "Rat" in one of the rooms.

We enjoyed our 2 day stay at South Seas, (www.southseas.com) truly a first class resort but all too soon it was time to get Frank & Peg back to the mainland so they could continue their escape from the cool climate of the North.

Back at Legacy the projects on Tourist continued with the replacement of 39' of sea water hoses.

A 50' spool of hose.

 A sawzall on a boat?

One length of the old hose.

New hose in place.

Because of the routing of the hose Pam convinced me to hire someone to do the job and save my back. Joe from Universal got the call and did a fine job in a short time. Good for another 12 years.

One of the drawbacks of being in Florida is missing the family holiday gatherings. Once again we spent Easter with our adopted Canadian family, Bill & Mary. And as has become a tradition we had Cornish hens for dinner.

Chickee's fresh from the oven.

Cheers everyone!

Early in the year we had a number of wicked storms here in Southwest Florida causing damage around the area. Apparently we weren't done as a front moved through with 62 mph winds. Fortunately damage was minimal this time.

One of the casualties was the water line inside this dock box which broke because of the pitching of the dock caused by the incoming waves created by the high winds.

Now into April we are preparing to leave Legacy and head North. But not before a visit from daughter Ange and her husband Doug.

Happy to arrive at 2:30a.m. after a long delay.

Following a chill day we fired up Tourist for a 2 day trip to Ft. Myers Beach where we checked out the usual spots. The beach was more crowded that I expected.

Cruising to the beach.

Dinkin around.

Enjoying the sunset.

Picture on the pier.

Trying for a selfie.

Checking on our dinghy.

Ange & Doug appear to have shrunk!

Time passes too quickly and before we knew it was time to head back in so our guests could catch their flight back home. Hopefully the next visit will be longer.