Our Great Loop Adventure

On a beautiful Monday, January 27th, we left Palm Island Marina with our destination being Cayo Costa, an island on the inter coastal that is a state park. After about a two hour cruise, we carefully came into the anchorage near Cayo Costa. There were several boats already there including What's Next, whom we met at Palm Island. After securing the boat, we launched the dinghy and went to the island. They provide transport across the island from the dock. We spent a marvelous warm afternoon on the beach. As we listened to the waves of the Gulf of Mexico lap onto the beach, we enjoyed the sunshine. We decided to stay another day because the weather forecast was for sun and warm temperatures. Again we enjoyed the beach sitting, reading walking and shelling. Wednesday brought a slight fog with winds building. We were aground but got free as the tide rose. We had a slightly bumpy ride through Pine Island Sound and San Carlos Bay. We entered the Caloosahatchee River just around 12:40. We were joined by a pair of dolphins. They entertained us with their flips as they swam along side the boat. To get to the Cape Harbor Marina we had to go through a small lock. This keeps the harbor stable as it is not affected by the tides. As we were docking the rain began. We went to the restaurant Rum Runners for cocktails and conch fritters for appetizers. What a great experience coming here by boat as we ate dinner with Jeff and Becky at Rum Runners when they first moved to Cape Coral. The rain did not let up. It rained all Wednesday night and all day Thursday. Cape Harbor is a also a condo resort community. We were able to go to the coffee shop (Run Agrounds). I browsed the shops and we had lunch at another restaurant called Pignolis. The rain persisted through Thursday night and into Friday morning. As we left the marina on Friday, it began to lighten up. We had a very short run to an anchorage called Bimini Basin. To get to the anchorage we travelled through a canal bordered on both sides by some lovely homes. Bimini Basin is near downtown Cape Coral. This anchorage brought back more memories because there is a park adjacent to the basin. The park is special. Becky and I brought Brendan here for a music and movement class. I also brought Brendan here to play, when I stayed with him while Jack was being born. Finally, it is special because it is within walking distance of one of my favorite dive bars, the Twisted Conch. They have great conch fritters. What a special way to relive these memories coming here on our own boat. Today, (February 1st) we have arrived at Legacy Yacht Harbor in downtown Ft. Myers, where we will spend the month. There are looper boats here and we hope to make some new friends and new memories. It is sad that Becky, Jeff and the boys are not here to share time with us. I am also sure Tony and the family wishes they were here since they are getting 6 inches of snow today.