Friday, January 10, 2014

Ft. Myers Beach Shrimp Night

The Log rolls over to 100 nm....
Departing Burnt Store Marina and saying good bye to our good Kansas friends, Alan and Kathy, was not easy, but cruisers eventually move on. We left the docks with the winds blowing 20+ knots out of the north and set a staysail on Charlotte Harbor running south. As we headed south towards Cabbage Key once again, our log turned over to 100 nautical miles since leaving Palmetto, FL.  Imagine going 100 miles at 5 miles per hour!

20+ knot winds off the stern as we sail south
It really feels as if we have not gone anywhere as of yet, but then again, this is exactly what the plan is for this year. The plan is to have no plan and to sail where and when we want to, and to anchor and stop wherever. Yes, we are heading to the Bahamas, and, yes, we are heading to the Abacos, especially THE JIB ROOM, and,yes, we are first heading to Marathon and Biscayne Bay. Our calendar on the menu link above has our best guess plans outlined for the next year.



Miss Cher, one of the shrimp boat at Ft. Myers Fl
We are now in Fort Myers Beach Florida on a city mooring ball in the harbor. Moorings are $15.00/ night and we can take the dinghy into the docks and walk to the beach. This is one of our favorite places on the West Coast of Florida with a beautiful beach, a great harbor, and plenty of restaurants, pubs, and shops to explore.

Last night was "date night" at Bonita Bill's where we connected with more boat buddies, Judy and William of IP37 Optimystique from Tennessee! We enjoyed the freshest shrimp imaginable right off the shrimp boat and listened to a terrific band, (www.DebandRayeh.com). The drummer, Deb, was the lead singer and her partner, Ray, played the keyboard and also sang. Add in a few underlying tracks and they had the crowd dancing to their great cover songs. What a fun night!


Here are a few more photos.

Raadeen in our CAR heading out for date night


Alan and Kathy's lanai and pool deck, this was tough to leave

Tom and Linda of MV Q's end. These Canadians are Great Loopers.
www.qsend.blogspot.com

Elsie and Jack long time cruising friends of Judy and William

William and Judy (IP37 Optimystique) and Hayden at shrimp night

The best shrimp ever....until the next ones :-)
Island Spirit breaking in her rig in 20+ knots 

Where to next? Most likely down to Marco Island but not until we fully review this beach front town. It is 75 degrees today and the sun might burn off the clouds. Thanks for traveling along.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

You guys hit the nail on the head...just cruising, no real plans. Too many hard set rules spoil the fun and you have said it well. We are "stuck" in Miami waiting weather and enjoying every minute. Hope you and Radeen get here before the next "favorable" window sets us free.

Hayden said...

Thsnk you Michele we too hope to catch up with you. Imagine, Simple Life and Island Spirit together in the Bahamas. A dream come true!