2014-9-12 to 9/18 - Sarasota to Palmetto

9/12 We left the dock at 1000, went off shore through Stump Pass . Nasty clouds surrounded us & it rained off & on. I didn't troll. Three & a half hours later, & right before another storm, we entered the Venice Inlet to the ICW & a few hours later, anchored at Sarasota. They now have mooring balls - cost $25+tax!! for a ball in water & bay bottom they don't even own - we anchored outside the field.

Big bucks on the bay

Downtown Sarasota

People ask us, "what the hell do you do all day when anchored?" Actually? not much, but then again, a lot. For me, it gave me some  quiet time to finish my blog from our 2005 cruise on the freighter, AMAZING GRACE. We do pamper the pups - hey! they're our kids.
We didn't even put the dinghy in. I was pleasantly surprised to see Dancing with the Stars began its new season on Monday night.

Jack during dinner - he doesn't move an inch, he just watches

Scupper, on the other hand, puts on quite a show

12/16; We pulled anchor at 1145 heading north on the ICW towards Palmetto. We passed by the Ringling museum & Ca d'Zan, home of John & Mable Ringling.

"The Ringlings had been traveling throughout Europe for nearly 25 years, acquiring circus acts and art. They both greatly admired the architectural style of Venice’s Ducal Palace, Ca’ d’Oro and the Grunwald Hotel. When they decided to build a home in Sarasota, Florida, where they had been winter residents for a number of years, The Ringlings took these palazzi as their inspiration – and Sarasota Bay as their Grand Canal...One of America’s wealthiest couples, the Ringlings started building Ca’ d’Zan in 1924 and completed it shortly before Christmas in 1926 at the then princely sum of $1.5 million. Sadly, their happiness there was not to last, for only three years after its completion, Mable died from Addison’s disease and the complications of diabetes...When John Ringling died in December of 1936 he bequeathed his estate to the people of Florida, but legal wrangling with his creditors went on for a decade until the property finally passed unencumbered to the state. During this time Ca’ d’Zan remained closed. Finally, in 1946 it was reopened to the public...But the care that older buildings require was neglected due to a lack of funds, and by the late 90’s, Ca’ d’Zan was in such a state of disrepair it was used as the location for Miss Havisham’s decrepit mansion in the 1996 Hollywood remake of Charles Dickens’ classic Great Expectations...Resturation begins...
Finally completed in 2002, at a cost of $15 million, ten times that of the original house, Ca’ d’Zan was happily returned to its former glory and reopened as the grandest mansion on Florida’s Suncoast. Today it stands as one of America’s architectural treasures."

Ringling Museum

                    We anchored at DeSota National Memorial park at 3:30.

We planned to take the dogs to the beach but there were many warnings, even from the Coast Guard, that a dangerous storm, with wind up to 40 mph, was about to arrive. Serious clouds surrounded us - but no storm. 
 "In May 1539, Hernando deSoto and an army of over 600 soldiers landed in the Tampa Bay area. They arrived in nine ships laden with supplies: two hundred and twenty horses, a herd of pigs, war dogs, cannon, matchlock muskets, armor, tools, and rations. They were executing the order of King Charles V to sail to La Florida and "conquer, populate, and pacify" the land.
The expedition did not yield the gold and treasure these men sought. Instead, they marched from one village to the next, taking food and enslaving the native peoples to use as guides and porters. Hundreds of lives were lost on this calamitous four year, 4,000 miles (6,400 km) journey. The deSoto expedition would change the face of the American Southeast forever, and cause Spain to reevaluate her role in the New World. Ultimately, it was the first hand accounts of survivors, describing the native cultures and the richness of the land, which became the journey's enduring legacy."

I was preparing dinner & heard voices outside...looked out to see Tom & Susan's Tour boat, the River Skipper,  with a bunch of guests all singing & having a great time.  More TV info. I've watched America's got Talent all season & Tuesday & Wednesday were the finals.

We got the rain in the early hours the next morning & continued to the next day. We hunkered down in place - sorry kids, no beach today either.
 9/18  The magician won last night!!! He's the one I picked.

Onward... & down the Manatee River to Regatta Point Marina

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2014-9-4 to 9/12 - Stump Pass & Englewood

Beautiful Stump Pass off Lemon Bay

 We were anchored in Stump Pass by 1:30 on 9/4. We went to the beach in search of bait, got some, but no fish! Of course, no one around us got any either. I kinda felt better about that. Tom & Sue surprised us with a visit. The used to live on their boat in a small marina right next to the condo, but, a few years ago, moved just south of here to Cape Haze Marina. They brought snacks, wine & yummy shrimp. That was our dinner.

Tom & Sue on their fishing boat

Another surprise visit on 9/5, Pete & June pulled up on their fishing boat with Darrel in tow (not literally). They live in Punta Gorda & towed their boat close to where we were. Wayne decided not to join us. We got a few bait fish then went on the Gulf side. Running out of bait...I looked over the side & we were surrounded by my favorite, shiny little buggers. I threw my cast net out &, I'm not kidding, there must have been 100 fish in my net. It took us 15 min. to get them out of the net & into the live well. YIPPEE!!!!
Too busy to take pictures. I caught 2 mangrove snappers & kept them. Fun day. 
Time to check into the Condo @ Englewood Beach & Yacht Club. I may have explained before, but, I'm old, I forget. We exchanged one of our Time Share weeks for this resort.  Very old Florida! but in a great location. People who come here year after year come to fish & enjoy the beach. They don't come for luxury. However, we loved it. Old, comfortable furniture; a large & comfy 'family room' with games/books/TV/Internet; balcony; 2 BR/2baths; kitchen. We picked it because of its' close proximity to our friends in Palmetto, Cape Coral & Punta Gorda.

Our condo is on the very left-2nd down from the top

We tied up the dinghy to the small dock you see in the picture. Blue Max was anchored out not far away. We found out at the last minute - dogs not allowed. Now what!? Well, I do what I have to...I snuck them in just a few nights. Tom & Susan were supposed to check in that Sat. but they got a last minute request for a sunset cruise that night. They came down on Sunday (9/7). We walked to Flounders for dinner then a few hours of dominoes. It seems the four of us don't get to play unless we're together. On Monday, 9/8, Tom & Sue came over. It's been several years since the 2 Toms & 2 Susans have seen each other. They both used to live on their boats at Regatta Point Marina in Palmetto. Happy hour & small talk at the condo then crossed the bridge to Farlows, very nice restaurant AND they had what I was longing for - Lobster tail. 

Tom, Sue (Melton), W&W, Susan & Tom (Hanchett) - yes, it gets confusing sometimes

Tom Melton is an engineer at Tervis Tumblers - he's the one that helps create all the neat 'glasses' you have. (if you didn't know, they are truly guaranteed for life) A wine glass is next to come out. Sue Melton is a nurse so we have lots in common, many times talking over every one's head...but we don't mean to. Tom & Susan have a beautiful tour boat on the Manatee River. Tom is Captain & Susan is a certified, master naturalist. And W&W? hell, we're just boat bums. 

SEND MONEY!

 Tuesday, 9/9 - FREE breakfast in the meeting/game room at 9:49 am. Fresh scrambled eggs, bacon, OJ, bread & coffee. Unfortunately for us but fortunately for Tom & Susan, they got a call to book a sunset cruise for that night. They were packed up & home by 9:30. We enjoyed breakfast. Mickey & Kathryn arrived early afternoon, sans Trixie. I think they may have been a bit shocked to see how old FL this really was. Mickey was anxious to see the snook swimming around the underwater lights on the pier. Pete & June arrived. Mickey made his famous Quacamole (yummy) with other snacks & happy hour, of course, we were soon having a great time.

June, Darrell, Wayne, Pete, Mickey & Kate

 Mickey, bless his heart, brought this amazingly, potent (70 proof) rum drink called 'Apple Pie flavored Rum' - distilled from sugar cane & made in Cape Coral. WOW! I quickly learned to mix it with something instead of drinking it straight which I did before going out to dinner.

Twins!!

Mickey brought his guitar & serenaded us with a few tunes.

 We walked to the Lock & Key, another local place with a nice menu.

 
The next day we took BLUE MAX south to Stump Pass to try to 'catch' fish. Unfortunately, once again, we got bait but no fish. We dinghied Kathryn, the pups & our fishing equipment to the beach. Scupper & Jack were excited to be ashore...however, 'no dogs allowed'. Bummer. Mickey & I took the dogs back to the mother ship & continued on our quest to get fish for dinner.  Skunked again. We decided to eat in with a sort-of Thanksgiving dinner. The boys went to the pool. I cooked a turkey breast; boxed stuffing; cranberry sauce & left over rice c& beans & chicken wings & it was a fun meal. 
Mickey & Kathryn left the following morning & worked the rest of the day. We checked out of the condo with Donnie telling us that we can come back & use the pool anytime. He also was in lust with BLUE MAX. We went a bit south to Cape Haze Marina, where Tom & Sue live on their boat, to get pumped out. Typically, the pump out is located on the furthest "T" dock...not here - it was way in the back part of the marina where small boats are pulled for dry storage.

That's Tom Melton on the dock & Wayne on the boat

 When Sue got home from work, they took us to a locals restaurant- just what we like. I got a Philly cheesteak 'hoagie' - that would be the steak / cheese cooked, mayo on the roll & topped with lettuce, tomato & raw onions.  That order really threw the kitchen for a loop. The first sandwich came out with 'their' way (steak, cheese, cooked onions, mushroom, peppers) then they topped it with the raw veggies-it was huge!  With a full belly, we went  to Walmart for a few things.
The marina staff were kind enough to let us stay overnight on the "T" dock...I'm sure Tom had something to do with that decision.

Tom & Sue's boat, REMEDY on the left

We left Cape Haze at 1000, Friday, 9/12

2014 - August - September - Florida's West Coast - Keeywaydin, Cape Coral

 

YEA! it's Marco Island - we're almost there

 Anchored about 6pm on Tuesday, 8/12 - South Keewaydin Island (South of Naples-North of Marco) at Hurricane Pass...still light out - time for a rest from the 10+ hour cruise &, just in time for happy hour. Gorgeous evening.
The next day we gathered our stuff & the pups & off to the beach. Actually, it's Scupper & Jack who make it easy to meet people & they didn't disappoint us this day.

Looks like Jack's being surrounded...

That's Ray, a charter fisherman, showing 'little' Mike another way to gather & throw a cast net

We hung out at this anchorage about 5 days. Kathryn drove to Naples on 8/16 & Wayne picked her up in the dinghy. Another beach day. Weekends are packed with boats & it's fun to wander thru the crowds of people & dogs.

Then, afternoon storms come ashore & chases everyone away.

 

I've never seen catfish swim around, in groups, on the surface ? They are the reason I don't fish here

 On Sunday, we dropped Kathryn by her car so she could drive back to Cape Coral. We kept Trixie on board. I was at the helm; Wayne was napping in his air chair; Trixie was sleeping on a towel in the seat next to the helm; Scupper was napping; Jack was wide awake looking for birds & Dolphin.  I don't know what made me turn to check on Trixie but she must have moved around on the chair & slipped down between the seat & the back rest. This was the result. 

Poor little thing - I LMAO & made her stay until I got my camera

It took us 5 hours to cruise from Naples to the Cape Coral yacht basin/City park & Mickey's new, mult-level, Tiki/Restaurant called the Boat House. He wanted us to dock at the Tiki hut for the night as an attraction-we did. 

The Boathouse

 Years ago when we visited, there was a shack on this spot serving the most basic food - no alcohol. Now there's this very comfortable place to enjoy the shade & breezes - OH & a drink or two.

Surf boards with drink holders for some tables.

Caloosahatchee River (part of the Okeechobee Waterway)

The waterway is 154 miles long and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean near Stuart, Florida to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers. It is the only true cross Florida canal and river system that joins the east coast of Florida to the west coast. - See more at: http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/okeechobee-waterway.html#sthash.bmBESlIq.dpuf

"The waterway is 154 miles long and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean near Stuart, Florida to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers. It is the only true cross Florida canal and river system that joins the east coast of Florida to the west coast."


The City of Cape Coral has done a remarkable job at this location for the residents; pool; ballroom; senior center; huge fishing pier; tennis courts & beautiful beach with a pavilion. - no cost even for parking.

The atmosphere of the Tiki totally changed at night- very beautiful- they spared no expense.

 

A local artist hand made this then lit it up - it's AWESOME!

Live music by our friend, Eric (on the right), & Poppa. (that's the same Eric who was fishing w/his brothers in the Keys) We try to go everywhere he's playing.

While at the Tiki on Sunday, we met the nicest couple - Jen & Mike. They were checking out BLUE MAX & I said "so, you like my boat?" Turns out they have been looking at trawlers & plan to live aboard. We took them on a tour & invited them over for happy hour one night. 
We took a dock in the city marina on 8/18 for a month which we'll split up - a few weeks now & a few weeks on our return back down the coast.

We went to Mickey & Kathryn's for dinner 8/18 & 8/19. The dogs love it when we go there as they have lots of room to run & play. Mick put in dogie doors & fenced in the back yard so now none of has worry about the little terrors...
It has been SO hot here. I've never felt the heat like I have this year &, quite frankly, I've been happy to be in air conditioning.  We had rain showers late in the afternoons which gave us a break from the blistering sun.  On 8/20 Jen & Mike visited with a jug of Piasano & snax. I made Guacamole for the first time. The 'boys' ate the whole thing. Jen brought a pen &  tablet to document answers to all their  boating questions.
This, very well equipped & expensive (at LEAST 1/2 million $$) US Customs & Border Protection boat with four, 225 outboards is 2 slips away from us. I'm wondering why in the world it's here in Cape Coral - on the river ????????????? I think it went our two times this week with 3 guys for no more than 3 hours !!! Just goes to show you what our tax $$ can pay for. (I am SO over our government!)

Our tax $$ at work - oops, forgot it's NOT working

Pleasant surprise on Saturday, Wayne's nieces, Renee & Raquel & kids visited. First, on the boat then we walked to the Tiki for lunch.

Starting on left with Loran, Raquel, Jordan, me, Auria, Renee, Wayne, Jose & Caleb

I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is to be around this family. Auria, the oldest, is 16-I think she was 2 when I met her. Loran was born a few years later when we were visiting Wayne's brother, Gregg & his wife, Joanne, then they just kept coming. Jordan is the youngest - already in 2nd grade.
It was a quiet, but still hot, Sunday. Wayne was 'researching' stuff...this is always a dangerous activity as his mind goes from one possible project to another. I worked on the blogs which is a fun activity for me. Scupper & Jack napped under their blankie. 

Mike & Jen picked us up at 5 pm to have dinner at their condo. What a relaxing & enjoyable evening-it's like we've known them for years. Jen made Mike & Wayne's favorite, comfort dinner; meat loaf, green beans & potatoes & fresh corn off the cob. I love corn & no need for left-overs as I finished what was left. 

We enjoyed another yummy dinner at Mick & Kathryn's on 8/25. Also, a special treat for the pups. We arrived before Kathryn got home & Scupper & Jack raced around the house looking for Trixie...The garage door opened...they stopped running & listened...that means Trixie's home! That's when the real fun began.
Quiet week, putted around, have no idea where the day goes. On 8/28, we bit the bullet & defrosted the freezer-UGH! hate that job, takes most of the day. Once defrosted & the food put back, then I have to take everything out of the refrigerator to clean it & remove all the water that seeped in from the freezer. Jen popped in bringing her homemade tomatoe pie - YUM! Our friends, Laura & Mike drove up from Naples Friday, 8/29. We had lunch & drinks at the Tiki then back to show them all the changes made to the boat. 

It's funny, I say we don't often eat out, yet most of these pictures show us eating out! It was our turn to play host. I made roast pork, carrots, rice & beans & brownies for Mike & Jen on Saturday. First happy hour on the fly-bridge. Mikey & Kathryn joined us but not for dinner. YEA! we're going fishing (hopfully, catching) on Sunday with Mike & Jen - they picked us up in their gorgeous & very well equpped 22' Grady White.  What a fishing machine. It's been a really long time since I fished the back bays & used live shrimp for bait. Mike also uses a bobber that has beads & when the line is jerked the beads click & attracks fish! Now, that's what I'm talking about! However, I've never used a bobber & took me some time to get used to it. Only Jen & I fished & Mike, bless his heart, baited our hooks (I'm in heaven). Wayne kept telling him to not spoil me. (I'm thinking he should learn a few things from Mike) Funny story. I asked Jen for some water, thinking it was in the cuddy cabin. Turns out the cooler was on the foredeck. She left her line in the water while getting the water for me. All of a sudden, something big hits her line. I hesitated to pick up her pole - after all, it is her fish.  Mike's yelling...get it, get it. I jumped into action & pulled in the biggest speckled trout of the day so far. I must have told Jen...I'm SO sorry 100 times the rest of the day.

Soon, the tide changed & brought in one speckled trout after another. We went through 50 shrimp in no time. As fast as they hit, they were gone. 

Jen & her pin fish-which we kept...but she did catch some awesome trout

Ballyhoo is a great bait for trolling but it's expensive when you buy them pre-rigged- like $15 for 3...

it's why I rarely use them, however, Mike taught me how to rig a Ballyhoo. The idea is to get a hook where you see it (out its' butt see above) & then wrap thin wire around the mouth & gills so water doesn't blow the little bugger up when trolling.

He bought a few small ones to show me...You need a device that can be threaded thru the body & a short chain with a hook on the end. Then you need thin wire that wraps around the beak & gills.

Then you top it off with that little skirt thingy.

I am SO ready for the Bahamas!!! thanks Mike

End of a great day & all we 'girls' had to do was catch fish

Jen & Mike suggested we go to their house, clean the fish, 'do' happy hour, cook the fresh fish & eat. To me, this was a no brainer! What a great day - thanks you two. 
We went to Mick & Kates on Labor Day. Wanted to take them out to dinner but Mick likes to stay home after work (I know just what he means) so, we ordered Pizza & Wings & had another really nice night. 
9/2 - time to go. Got pumped out then anchored at picnic island which is just north of the Sanibel bridge.

To the beach - got 2 bait fish & but no fish for dinner. Pulled the anchor the next morning & 2 1/2 hours later, we anchored at the south end of Cayo Costa. There were 3 guys fishing & within minutes, one caught 2, keeper snook. (season just opened 9/1) I was psyched. The tide was going out - sea grass was wizzing out the pass. I like to fish on an incoming tide. This time I got a bunch of bait fish when the tide was slack. We returned to the boat with the bait - the tide changed - I was ready. I looked up to see angry, black clouds all around us - we could see heavy rain coming towards us. We raced around closing windows, doors & hatches. Huge storm with winds about 30-50 knots & heavy rain prevented me from fishing at the most optimum time.

Cayo Costa sunset

We planned to stay anchored at Cayo Costa but the wind was up causing waves that made us rock n roll. We pulled anchor at 1000 & went through the Gaspirilla swing bridge.

Next stop, Stump Pass & Englewood