By Terry and Laurie Carlson
Wednesday morning the 8th of November the marina staff at Useppa Island greeted the Cape Coral Cruise Club arriving boaters with both sunshine and calm seas for a wonderful cruise arrival. Eleven boats arrived at the Marina and were carefully nestled into their slips by the attentive Useppa marina staff. Cruise leaders Rich and Robyn McGloin greeted arriving members and assured a relaxing stay at one of the premier private islands in the area. Wednesday afternoon provided plenty of relaxing leisure time to explore the island along the winding, lush botanical trails. Some decided to lounge by the pool, walk the beaches or visit the historic Useppa Island museum.
Typical of most CCCC cruises the first evening meal consists of heavy hors d’oeuvres. This evening the group gathered on the porch at the Tarpon Bar “Watering Hole”. Members are known to bring fabulous dishes to accompany these meals. The two wonderful hams prepared by Robyn McGloin and Gary Taake were supported by many wonderful sides. As usual, there was more food than could be consumed.
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Following dinner, Rich McGloin got the post meal evening activities roaring with a revealing “Tell All” evening where all boating members were prompted to tell the group their Most Embarrassing Boating Experience. Many fun, exciting, embarrassing, and sometime “revealing” stories were told. Fact…if you have boated for any length of time, you have had an embarrassing incident, hopefully without harm.
Useppa Island greeted the attendees with another beautiful sunrise on Thursday and lovely weather for a breakfast on the porch of The Tarpon Bar “Watering Hole” at the Marina. McGloins and Taakes again presented a breakfast to die for, along with Mimosa’s and world famous Bloody Mary’s from the bar.
Thursday activities featured a Bocce tournament on two of the nicest Bocce courts in the area. These flat, clay courts are the best this Club has experienced. After some fierce competition among several teams, Bruce Longman and Doug Rhees survived the playoffs and rose to the winners circle.
Thursday evening, cruise leaders McGloins arranged with the Useppa staff for a fantastic buffet dinner in the beautiful and historic Barron Collier Dining Room at the historic Collier Inn. Presentation awards for the champions of the Bocce tournament were given as well as for the best embarrassing boating story.
Friday morning, cruisers found another beautiful day for their return cruise home, taking many fond memories of a cruise back in time at this historic SW Florida resort!
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. Read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.