The cruise to Legacy Harbour Marina was fully attended with 15 boats cruising to and four resident boats participating. Harbormaster Eric Ravenschlag promised us 15 slips and he came through, and the marina was totally filled! While most people ate on their boat or walked downtown the first night, several of us tried out the little restaurant across from Joe’s Crab Shack. We had to stand on our burgers to get them thin enough to bite into!
Tuesday night saw cocktails at the chickee hut, followed by heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by the cruisers. Cruise leaders Mike and Brenda Stewart passed out cruise folders to those who missed the membership meeting and briefed everyone on the relaxed schedule for the cruise. No competing with the event packed cruise last month! The cruise leaders spent their time after hors d’oeuvres preparing fruit for breakfast Wednesday.
Chef Mike cooked up a breakfast of scrambled eggs with ham bits and cheese. Fresh fruit and croissants with butter filled out the meal. Most people then scattered to the winds in the downtown Ft. Myers area getting exercise, buying out the specialty shops and enjoying the vast array of lunch venues available. Others played cards in the room supplied by the marina.
It was Mike’s turn again Wednesday night as he barbecued 30 pounds of pork loin. Brenda brought out her delicious pasta salad, and for other tastes, the famous Club recipe coleslaw. Everyone got to choose the size/cut of loin they desired, accompanied by Brenda’s homemade applesauce, followed by several desserts provided by the ladies. Dinner was held at the chickee hut, but the food was on Lady Blue and the barbecues in front of the marina office.
Thanks to an army of the ladies the prepared meal was moved to the waiting ravenous club members at the hut. We had Ted and Beverly Hutson, Chuck Pollack and Sue Herzog, Dianne Myers, Jeannie Douglass’s grandson and two Limbright guests in attendance also. After dinner several of the crews headed downtown to listen to the harbormaster’s wife who was singing “torch songs” with her band.
Thursday morning breakfast leftovers were offered up to those desiring a bit to eat before getting their morning walk out of the way. The rest of the day was whatever cruisers desired to do. Many of the ladies duked it out again at the card tables. Others headed downtown again to try different stores and restaurants and that devilish purveyor of dietary supplements, Bennett’s Donuts!
Thursday at “3:27pm” a name christening was held by Phil and Lyn Quick on the dock behind their new 44 ft. fly bridge Sea Ray. After the champagne, everyone headed to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres hosted by Paul and Stephanie Carrico. The Marina, as thanks for our patronage, paid for the eats! NICE! We all then walked next door to Joe’s Crab Shack where they seated and served some 40 of us in grand style. The steam pots seemed to be the most popular menu items with steaks, ribs and stuffed shrimp in the running. The restaurant can satisfy most palates with their extensive menu.
Friday saw the Carrico’s heading out on their Great Loop adventure. They were already underway by the time the rest of us got around to slipping lines and returning to home ports. Legacy Harbour Marina is a nice place to visit, and nobody seemed in a big hurry to leave.
Thanks to everyone who participated and thanks to the marina staff who took care of all our needs quickly and with a smile. It was a good event.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations. For membership information please contact Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. View a short picture video of Club activities and review additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org.
By Mike Stewart