Day 31: Ft. Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

The Lyons Club hosted their 37th annual "Shrimp Festival" in Ft Myers. Over 30,000 people attend the 2-day festival. There were 80 vendors set up in the park with about 10 of them serving a wide variety of mostly seafood. The festival gets started with a 1-hour parade down the one and only main street on the island.

Of course there are always classic cars transporting the festival princesses.


The parade even had a representative from Iowa, our friend Patsy Cater with the Power Squadron

This group on this float from the Yucatan Bar was having a great time as they reach the end of the parade route where we were sitting.



I'm not sure what this was, but placard said it was a working prototype.


And of course what's a parade without the girls from "Hooters". I think the "Rent Me" sign was referring to the motorcycles/mopeds on the float.


Indian Creek RV Park sent their version of the "Chippendale Dancers" (retired).

Day 30: A Day of Rest & Recreation

Kathy started off the day with a walk to the farmers market while Betty and I played two sets of tennis. We're both still struggling with making unforced errors. The important thing is we're getting some great exercise.

Following tennis Kathy and I met up with a realtor to look at a couple of homes that are for sale on the island. Prices have dropped considerably during this recession. There may be some opportunities so we are checking out the offerings.

A late afternoon nap is a great way to recharge your batteries after a busy morning. Kathy can't help snapping this shot of me.



There is always a happy hour somewhere. Tonight we all headed to the Channel Mark for a few before dinner drinks. Following tacos on K&B's boat we visited with Greg and Sandy from St. Louis. They a have a 44ft trawler next to K&B.

Day 29: Awning Repair Day

My mission this morning was to repair the 20 ft awning that provides us with afternoon shade on these 80+ degree days. The tube it rolls on contains 2 springs which allow it to roll up along side of the MH. Yesterday I took a brief stab at repairing it but I decided to hold off for Keith's assistance. There are 2 garage door type springs that must be wound up tight. I originally thought one of the springs were broken. Fortunately the spring just needed to be rewound on the shaft. Keith wound the spring to the required 16 revolutions and we were back in business. Cost: $0.00



After lunch Kathy and I explored the north end of Estero Island and walked along the beach at the state park.

This evening the 4 of us headed to Jimmy B's for cocktails and music. We struck up a conversation with a couple from St. Louis, Webb and Shirley (I think). They have been coming to Ft. Myers Beach for years. Webb and Keith compared experiences at the various Mississippi marina bars in the St. Louis area they each had visited.



For dinner we headed to Snug Harbour to try the Ahi Tuna (rare) with Wasabe, Ginger and a bowl of Conch Chowder. It was great!!!

Day 28: A little tennis and a little shopping

Not a very exciting day today. Betty and I played tennis this morning. There is a couple of public courts where a variety of players gather to play doubles. Neither one of us have played recently so we elected to play singles on another court. By next week we should be in good enough form to join the daily group.

It was a struggle for both of us. She played better as we started and I played better as we finished. By the end I was up by 1 game. Most of the points were won by unforced errors for both of us. We'll give it another shot on Friday morning.




Keith and Betty decided to join us for lunch at Skyline Chili. We have spoken so often about Skyline they had to find out for themselves. Typically when we take someone new their reaction is so-so. Well they both liked it. Of course I think they like most foods.

Following lunch the four of us headed into Ft. Myers to check out a couple of marine surplus stores. Keith has picked up some inexpensive teak in the past and was shopping for more to construct a cabinet. I had a variety if items I was looking to buy, stereo, speakers, waste cap, 12v bulbs, etc.

We had planned on watching the shuttle launch from the docks. Unfortunately the launch was cancelled so we played 313, and Widows Hand.

Day 27: A Boat Trip with Wayne

Yesterday our friend Wayne suggested we head north through Matlacha Pass to have lunch at one of his favorite restaurants, "Bert's. Late this morning we lowered Wayne's pontoon boat from the lift, loaded our refreshments and headed up the intracoastal waterway. Our destination Matlacha is located between Pine Island and the mainland.

Patsy took the opportunity to catch some rays as we ventured 20 miles north. To reach Bert's, we turned away from the main intracoastal waterway. This part of the waterway is marked but the depths were quite shallow in many areas. In a couple of spots the water was only 2 feet.



Bert's has great seafood and is always quite busy. It has outlasted multiple owners and numerous hurricanes in the last 75 years. Bert's came into fame when a local restaurant owner rescued it after a sordid past as a house of ill repute.

Day 26: Lost our 12 volt power?

We awoke this morning to no 12 volt power in the MH. We had 110AC that runs the TV, and the microwave, but no 12DC meant that the lights, water pump, and toilet didn't work. I tried the circuit breakers and checked the fuses but still no luck. The repair would have to wait, Betty and I were scheduled for tennis and Kathy was off to the laundromat.

Following a round of tennis, Keith stopped by and we figured out the relay which sends power to the MH was not functioning. We pulled it out and headed to NAPA. It was a rather simple starter solenoid and for $67 it was mine. Once installed, everything was back to normal. It's in the bottom center of the photo.


Kathy returned and said let's head to the beach. So off we went!




There are a lot of interesting people walking the beach. Kathy and I really enjoy sitting back and watching all of them pass by. Here's a couple of the people I noticed right away.

Day 25: The 80's are Back!

The temps are back to normal in southern Florida, the low 80's. It has been unseasonably cool in Ft Myers with highs between 60 and 70. We were fortunate to be in the Keys last month where we saw the low 70"s. The warmer temps always bring a lot of people to the beach. So we headed to the beach for the afternoon.


Threre are always some great sights. Here are a couple.



Not just sights for the guys, but the girls as well.

Day 24: Wow! Another Skyline Chili Parlor

We took it pretty easy today. We repositioned the MH after a complaint from a neighbor that we were blocking her view, then we setup camp more permanently, shade's on the windows, leveled the coach, unloaded the scooter and bikes, etc.

In the past you have read about our passion for Skyline Chili. We'll there is a restaurant here in Ft. Myers. So we headed there for lunch today. Kathy had a regular 3-way and I had a super 3-way.



The traffic returning to the MH was horrendous as we reached the beach. It was backed up for 3 miles and took us 1 hr. to make our way back.

This evening we met up with the gang for cocktails and to watch the sunset.

Day 23: Travel Day to Ft. Myers Beach

Keith and Betty headed out about 8 am this morning. They talked about heading to Naples for the evening but decided with the good winds to go on to Ft. Myers.

We broke camp about 10 am and drove over to Marco Island to check out the area. What a beautiful location. Everything is manicured and well maintained. You can tell it was a planned community, nothing hodge/podge. After our tour we headed to the grocery to replenish our food and drink supplies.

We arrived in Ft. Myers about 3pm and began setting up camp. Wayne Jones received permission for us to park the motorhome in an empty trailer lot across the street from his trailer. Wayne is a good friend of Keith, Betty, Patsy and Rex. Although we have no view to speak of it's a great location. We're at the foot of the bridge going over to the beach. It's less than a half mile across the bridge to the beach.

Day 22: Exploration of Everglades City

The Gordons needed a lay day after their wild ride up from Key West so we decided to stay for another day and bike around the city. The Everglades are huge. We are at the western most edge. I'd guess hundreds of square miles.



There are a lot of air boats tours in the area. Kathy and I took one last time we visited the area.



The photo below is the Smallwoods Store which dates back to 1900. It's the only building in the area to survive every hurricane since 1900.



Following our tour of the area we received a pleasant surprise. Ed and Lois Dixon, friends of ours and the Gordons called to tell us they were going to drive down, from their place on Marco Island, to have dinner with us. Ed and Lois do a lot of racing on their Cosair Trimaran and were leaving the next day for a regatta in Punta Gorda. There primary residence is Johnston, Iowa were they are active members of the Saylorville Yacht Club.

Day 21: Everglades City

I just can't understand it. People keep leaving us. The Reiffs were here for a week and left, now the Sults who were here for a week are leaving too! Is it us or are they just lonesome for the winter weather and Des Moines?

We headed for Everglades City around 10am this morning. Our plan is to meet up with Keith & Betty once again on their way back from Key West. We have never visited Everglades City before. It has a population of only 300 but it's really pretty unique. It's on the Barron river and within the Everglades. There are loads of tours, guides, old Florida style motels and restaurants. The "Rod & Gun Club" where we are staying is 140 years old and has hosted many famous people. We were lucky to have them allow us to park our MH next to Keith and Betty's boat.



The lobby is pretty much the same as it was in the early 1900's. Kathy found a little friend to pet as she was taking to our daughter.

Day 20: Pennekamp Reef

The temperature is only suppose to reach 70 today and the water temperature is 77 so we decided to take the glass bottom boat tour at Pennekamp reef. The reef is the second largest reef in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef.

The 2 1/2 hour tour takes you out to the reef which is about 7 miles off the coast. The viewing windows as you can see in the picture allow you to see the bottom of the Ocean. At the reef it varies in depth from 10-25 ft. It looks much closer because the glass and water magnify the bottom.




I took several photo's of the sea life including, stingrays, parrot fish and barracuda's but they didn't turn out too well. We all really enjoyed the cruise and would recommend it to anyone who travels this area.

The harbor where the boat is docked is in a state park and is very well maintained. They have dockage available for private boats. The channel is 7 feet or more allowing for sailboats to make their way back the 1 mile channel.




This evening we headed to Ft. Lauderdale so we could drop off Denny and Paula at the airport tomorrow morning. For dinner we found a great Mexican Restaurant, Mi Casa Su Casa at 2750 Griffin Road. For anyone traveling to Ft. Lauderdale you must try it if you like Mexican food.

Day 19: Bahia Honda and Key Largo

It didn't take very long for us to load up the motorhome and head north. I did learn an important lesson. Shut off the scooter after running it up the loading ramp. If not it's too easy to hit the throttle and have the front go off the carrier. Fortunately we caught it.

Our first stop was Bahia Honda State Park. It's simply too gorgeous to describe. We originally tried to make reservations there but it's booked a year in advance.


The old bridge was really interesting. We walked across a portion that's been restored.


The view is simply incredible. You can see out over the keys for 360 degrees.


We are camped at Kings Kamp in Key Largo. It has a beautiful view of the Gulf, but it's a fairly small campground with few amenities. This evening we had dinner at the "Fish House and then listened to some "blues" at the Pilot House.

Day 18: Moving Day

This morning we moved Denny and Paula from their apartment at the Pilot House to the MH. Our original game plan was for Denny and Paula to move in with us and take a couple of days exploring the middle and upper keys. However with a cold front moving in and high winds we decided to stay another day in Key West.

This afternoon the four of us explored Stock Island in the Jeep. We discovered a fish market/restaurant where the "fleet" comes in. It's called called "The Shrimp Shack". It was hidden back in an industrial area, but the seafood was great!



This evening we invited Keith and Betty to join the four of us for a farewell dinner at the MH. Kathy, Paula, Betty and Denny played a couple of hands of 313. Betty won both hands.

Day 17: A Sail and a Snorkel

The winds on Saturday dropped down to 12-15mph so Keith and Betty suggested we all sail out to "Sand Key". Sand Key is a reef about 7 miles south of Key West. It is one of the many reefs that surround the Keys. In the 1700's and 1800's many ships ran into these reefs and spilled there treasure throughout the ocean floor. The reef now has an unmanned lighthouse and weather station. The reef under the lighthouse is only 1-2ft. deep in the center and tapers out to about 8-9ft., then drops to 90 ft.



The water looked OK for snorkeling so Kathy and Betty grabbed their gear and jumped in for a peek at the reef.



Paula was a little unsure when she heard the water was so cold. Finally she relented.



The current and the wind around the reef was pretty strong so we tossed out a line for the girls to grab onto. Each time they began to swim towards the reef the current pushed them back. It wasn't long before the cold water and the current convinced them to return to the boat. Denny succeeded in reaching the reef, which was about 100 yds. into the wind.

Day 16: A Bike About

This afternoon we met up with Keith and Betty and Denny and Paula to bike around the island. It's close to 13 mi around the island, but fortunately there are no hills except the bridge over the inlet.



Our first stop was the Key West Boat Show. Although it's not a big show there were some interesting booths. Several were selling old nautical gear.



For the fisherman there was tons of used and new gear.



I mentioned earlier that we enjoyed some great jazz and blues last Friday evening at B.O.'s. Well we decided to return this evening for drinks, dinner and music.

Day 15: A Day to Catch Up

We had a pretty late night last evening so we decided to sleep in and spend the day working around the motorhome. While I washed the jeep and polished the MH wheels, Kathy washed windows and cleaned up inside.



The MH wheels are aluminum and tend to oxidize making them rather dull. Here is a shot of the first one I completed.

They really needed polishing. There is a great product, "Blue Magic" I heard about on the MH blog I follow. It's a blue polish that interacts with the oxidation as you apply it. It literally turns the oxidation black before you removed the polish.

By mid-afternoon we were ready for a break and headed to the pool for some sun and relaxation.

Kathy has been wanting to see some of the movies that were up for the Oscar's so we went to see "The Reader". We rode the scooter which turned out to be a mistake because it died half way to the theater. Fortunately there was a scooter rental place across the street so we left it there and took a taxi. The move was very very good. It's easy to see why Kate Winslet won the Oscar for "Best Actress".

Day 14: Beach Day

There is nothing like a day at the beach! So off to the beach we went for the afternoon. The temp was in the mid 70's but the wind at 15-20mph making for a cool time whenever the sun was blocked by a cloud.



We met up with Keith and Betty, and Denny and Paula for a great seafood dinner at Dante's. It's just a stone's throw from Keith's boat. They have a beautiful pool which is open to the public as long as your eating or drinking at their restaurant.


After not being to impressed with the conch fritters I ordered the other night I decided on the fish platter. Denny on the other hand went for the "Cracked Conch". He offered us each a piece and it was very tasty. It was sort of like Calamari.


Following dinner we headed off to Cowboy Bills. Wednesday night is ladies night so their drinks are free. They also have $3 Corona's. In addition to a great Country Western Band from Nashville they were giving away $200 and lots of prizes for the best female rider. Ten gals signed up and the crowd cheered them on through the elimination process. This is the young gal that won. Two hours earlier she got married.

Day 13: Goodbye and Welcome

Boy does time fly when your having fun! The Reiffs departed today after spending 7 action packed days with us. We thoroughly enjoyed their company and we welcome them back anytime they can break away. Prior to their departure we had an excellent lunch at the Hogfish Bar and Grill. Al took one more opportunity to taste the seafood by ordering a lobster appetizer.



Not long after dropping the Reiffs off at the airport we welcomed Denny and Paula Sult. They're here for a week and staying at a nice guest house 1 block off of the main drag. They are going to join us for a couple of days when we head out of here on March 1.