Sunday, December 11, 2005

Last night we had cocktails  with Ken and Leigh Parrot aboard "One Eyed Parrots".  Loaded into the RIB to go up to the bridge and watch the lighted boat Christmas parade.  Lots of greatly decorated boats  (at least one Santa Claus on just about every one) and lots of fun.  Today our son-in-law, Matt, arrived to spend the night.  He's has business in Tampa tomorrow.  Matt did some fishing with Alan in the afternoon and then we took him over to Fort Myers Beach for a walk and visit to a couple of beach bars.  We finished up with buffalo shrimp at the Lani Kai. 

One of the Boats in the Lighted Boat Parade

                        Matt and Alan Returning from Fishing                                                               Our Little Christmas Tree and Wreath

Monday, December 12

Took Matt ashore around 7:00 am so he could drive up to Tampa for his business meetings.  I picked up Ken and Leigh from "One Eyed Parrots" around 7:30 and took them ashore.  They left their boat on a mooring while they drove home to Louisville, KY for the holidays.  We'll see them when we all get back. 

Tuesday, December 13

Took the Jeep to the market to do a little shopping.  After lunch we loaded the dinghy and went over to Big Carlos Pass to do some fishing and beach walking.  A wonderful afternoon.  Didn't catch anything but had fun practicing!

Wednesday, December 14

Got a call from West Marine that our new battery charger was in so we drove over to pick it up.  Also picked up some great buys on fishing shirts for Alan.  Stopped at the shop at Salty Sams Marina to pick up a water coolant adapter for the Honda outboard.  Stopped at Kmart for propane for our little heater (it's been a bit cool in the mornings).  After we got back I took a walk and stopped at the fish market for some fresh red snapper for dinner - boy this fish is good.  In the afternoon Alan installed the new battery charger and I did some beading. 

Thursday, December 15

Batteries seem to be in good shape.  Alan decides that we've solved our energy problems so he spent the afternoon working on organizing the engine room and putting everything back in order.  Took a ride in the Jeep to the market to pick up more supplies and a walk on the beach. In the afternoon we took apart one of our throwables and redesigned it as a seat cushion for the forward seat in the dinghy.  Spent some time starting to pack for our Bahamas trip and looking at the charts to plan our itinerary. 

Friday, December 16

Went to the Fort Myers Beach farmers market this morning.  Bought some oranges, tomatoes and fresh clams from a new clam farm on Pine Island.  They look really great.  After lunch we took the rib over to Big Carlos Pass again for more fishing and beaching.  Alan gave me my first lesson in fly fishing.  While I took a walk on the beach Alan caught a nine point starfish - an unusual starfish with long skinny legs! 

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Catch of the day!

Sunday, December 18

Left the mooring around 11:45 am and headed back to the dock at Shirley and Don's in Cape Coral.  After we got back to Cape Coral in the afternoon we borrowed Shirley's van to drive back down to the marina at the Beach to pick up the Jeep and bring it up to the house.   Shirley had dinner of salad and pasta with marinara sauce ready for us for dinner.

Monday, December 19

I drove the trailer down to the boat launch and Alan drove the RIB over.  We hauled the rib.  Alan spent the afternoon cleaning the RIB, changing oil on the motor, greasing, etc.  I worked on cleaning up the boat, last minute shopping for our Bahamas trip and doing laundry.  Tomorrow we'll do more cleaning and packing and getting ready for Christmas in the Bahamas!