Windy Windy-er Windy-est

December 5 - December 7, 2016

We left Dunedin in the wind.  The waves were small, but the wind blew and was very tiring. Fortunately, it was on our nose, so it wasn't rough.  We hurried across Tampa Bay because waves and wind were favorable.  We knew from the weather forecast the winds were expected to increase over the next two days, which they did. We spent the night anchored at the Cortez Bridge, in Bradenton, FL.

Cape Haze anchorage was our stop for the next night.  It is a small bay shaped like a bowl, surrounded by palm trees and nice homes.  We were sheltered from the winds and had a good night's sleep.  King caught a weak fish, which he threw back, not wanting to clean just one fish.

We had planned to stop at Cayo Costa State Park, one of our favorite stops from the previous loop, but the winds were just too strong.  So we continued on to Ft Myers.

From the ICW it is 15 miles up the Caloosahatchee River to our destination, Ft Myers Municipal Marina.  Up the river we pass this bait and soda shop complete with sunbathing mannequins.  

We were tired and very happy to be at our stop, Ft Myers Municipal Marina.  When we arrived, we did not know that this would be our final leg of the Loop and this would be where we would sell Blue Moon.  

Yahoo Weather shows Ft Myers Municipal Marina and the weather.  Good weather for winter!

Lots of Gold Loopers in town to attend the AGLCA Looper-palooza, a gathering of Loopers, held at the Harborside Event Center.  Three tracks of classes to choose from, one for Gold Loopers, one for current Loopers and one for future Loopers.  We attended the class on how to sell a boat.  

Ft Myers Municipal Marina is located in downtown Ft Myers, just three blocks from shops and restaurants.  It's a great place to be.  This is a Gold Looper gathering at Ford's Garage Restaurant.  

 Ford's Garage with great decor.

 Bathroom sinks are tires and gas nozzles.

 Customized hamburgers.

Dave and Leslie had driven to Ft Myers and were still waiting on their grandbaby to arrive.  They spent a few days on the boat with us.  There was to be a super moon that night, so we went to The Firestone - a roof top restaurant and bar with spectacular views.

The next evening we drove to Cape Coral to visit Todd and Paula, 2014 loopers we first met in Leland, MI.  We enjoyed dinner together plus they gave us a sneak preview of their new home. 

Docktails 

Loopers like to visit at docktails.  Jack and Patty from Nearly Perfect had a perfect spot to host these gatherings, and they enjoyed playing the role of hosts.  We first met Jack and Patty at Great Kills Marina in Staten Island, NY in 2014 and had not seen them since. There, we went to dinner with them and took pictures which King promised he would text to Patty.  One of Patty's first comments to King was, "you owe me some pictures".  So, after a two year wait, King sent her the pictures of the group at Staten Island.  

Docktails

Comparing boating stories.

CJ, Curt and Julie are Gold Loopers with a "Crossing Their Loop" party at Legacy Harbor Marina, Ft Myers.

King and Jack, from Nearly Perfect, discussing the day.

Festivals
Weekend festivals are popular in downtown Ft. Myers.  From the deck of our boat we saw the parade of festival goers take in a Food Truck and Motorcycle Fest, Doggie Fest. Artfest 2016, and Edison Light Parade, to name a few.

Seashell covered VW

Edison Light Parade
In 1885, Thomas Edison built his winter home in FT Myers.  He died in 1931, having successfully received over 1,000 patents for his inventions.  The annual celebration of his life started in 1938.  We were happy to see the Light Parade and Festival.  James and Nicole and sons watched the parade from Blue Moon's sundeck. Our good friends, Captain Jack and Jane, were there also.

The boys see the floats, lights and bands.

Birthday Party for Max, Mike and Lee
We drove from Ft Myers to St Pete Beach and spent the night.  The event was a birthday party for Lee, Mike and Max.  The party was held outside at the St. Pete Country Club. Only problem was, a cold front had come through and it was cold and windy. Still, a good time was had by all.  We enjoyed seeing Looper friends at the large party. We also enjoyed staying that night at this retro motel at St. Pete Beach.

 Blind Resort Courtyard.

 Birthday boys - Lee, Mike and Max

 Everyone having a good time at the party.

 Judy from Valentine and Suzan.

Max from Lazy Suzan.

We first met Max in Orillia, Ontario around the end of July, when he became part of the Lazy Suzan crew.  Nine months later,  in March, Max left Lazy Suzan in Florida to begin his new adventure as a Navy Seal.  Our best to you, Max.