2012 - May - June - W. Coast FL to Summerland Key

Reluctantly, we said our good-byes to family & friends on 5/21  as we left Naples heading North. We spent a glorious

Taken through my sunglasses (neat trick)

day of relaxation on Picnic beach near Sanibel then, on the

23^rd, spent a few days at Gregg & Joann’s . We met our friends, Dave & Karen Fiskum (friends from Racine, WI) on the 27^th at Tarpon Point to hear our friend, Eric, play for the crowd at the pool. (we didn’t realize it was Memorial Day weekend) on the 28^th we continued North & after running aground (duh!) we anchored in Robert’s Bay just South of Sarasota. We docked at Twin Dolphin

GLASS SLIPPER

Marina in Bradenton on the 29^th not far from Tom & Susan’s boat. Great reunion, dinner at Hungry Howies (?) & a full game of dominoes ended the perfect day. On the 31^st

, Wayne drove to Jacksonville to see his grand-daughter, Nikki, graduate from High School. His whole family was there including his son, Mike & Laurie from Wisconsin. He was home by June 2^nd.




Wayne's g-son, KC, Dave, Wayne's son, Mike, Wayne & Nikki's dad, Joe



 

We hung around the marina “doing” happy hour & playing dominoes - we left on the 7^th. We spent two more days of respite at the beach in South Cayo Costa. (had to rest again cuz this lifestyle is work ya know) Dinner one night at Barnacle Phils on N. Captiva. 

Re-visited Gregg & Jo from the 11^th to the 18^th. Pleasure visiting with his 2 daughters Renae, Raquel & their families. Wayne helped Gregg out by putting Seal Kool on the roof.

 

Auris, Caleb, Lauren & Jordyn

 

Renae, Racquel, Gregg & Joann

 

 

We anchored in Marco Island for the night.


Picture of our digital chart

We headed South to the Keys on the 19^th - it was a horrible trip - 5 -10 footers from the East. I was sick in bed all day but not Mal de mer - consequently, no pictures. We came in the back way again & at the sea wall on the 21^st. Mickey & Kathryn arrived about 8pm -


Mickey, the ever so attentive, Kathryn & Wayne

 I had dinner waiting for them. In the meantime, we had 2 named Tropical Storms out there: Chris & Debby - the Keys dodged another 2 bullets. 

Interestingly, one time a year, the crabs come out in droves. They're everywhere then, one day, they're all gone. (this one picked up a piece of doggy doo doo & carried it all around-YUCK!) 

Our neighbors, Claudia & Mike who lived part time across the canal, arrived on the 26^th. They were living at the cottage for a month while their mobile home was demolished & a new & bigger home was put on the lot. We watched with facination as all 6 pieces were put together.

Demolition

 

Mike, Wayne & Claudia

 

Not the finished product yet; porches & steps have to be added & the entire inside has to be tiled, painted & kitchen added. can't wait to see the completed project when we get home. It was hot & humid with occasional rain storms passing through.
                 We were home till July 13th.