by Bruce Longman
Pam & Armond Sikes’ objective this year was perfect weather, calm seas and no major boat problems. 9 boats arrived safely to enjoy the beautiful Naples Boat Club on Naples Bay September 17 – 20. The trip down bound from Sanibel was glass calm.
Chef Armond wowed everyone with his smoked BBQ brisket. Someone said he was up all night tending the smoker? Accompanying the brisket, Pam served potato salad, baked beans and apple pie alamode for the first night dinner in the Club House. It was Pam’s turn the next 2 mornings for breakfast. She served a crockpot breakfast sausage/egg casserole that was unbelievably good in addition to the usual array of fruit, juices and pastries, some provided by attending members.
After a day of pool lounging, cards in the air conditioned clubhouse, lunch out, shopping and exploring Tin City or just loafing, cocktail time brought the group together for heavy appetizers and any leftovers from the previous night’s dinner.
Our next night’s dinner was at the adjacent Wharf Tavern for their Wednesday Night Special – 2 whole Maine lobsters with accompanying side dishes. Bibs and claw crackers were mandatory.A few land yacht Club members drove down and joined the folks for the lobster dinner.
After dinner we adjourned to the clubhouse for dessert – mango cobbler and apple pie, both alamode.
Unbelievably, the weather held. But the wind picked up for the return and most boaters had 2–4 foot waves on the starboard forward quarter on the 28 mile run from Gordon Pass to the Sanibel bridge. This cruise was about as perfect as you can get other than some sea spray on the return. Many thanks to Pam & Armond. You did good!
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 our website, https://ourgrouponline.com/CapeCoralCruiseClub/