by Pam Sikes & Sue Longman
After washing out last year due to Hurricane Irma, Pam & Armond Sikes finally accomplished their objective this year. With perfect weather, calm seas and no major boat problems, 8 boats arrived to enjoy the beautiful Naples Boat Club on Naples Bay September 18 – 21.
Read more “Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Naples Boat Club”
The Cape Coral Cruise Club, founded in 1963, is unique among S.W. Florida boat clubs in that it owns a portion of a private island on the Caloosahatchee River east of the Franklin Lock near Alva. Over the years a covered pavilion has been built where members enjoy monthly elaborate picnics, bocce, horseshoes and other relaxing activities.
CCCC is a group of active cruisers. Monthly cruises are planned for September through June each season. If you have a boat with overnight accommodations, reside in the Cape Coral – Ft. Myers area, and would like to get out on your boat with fellow boating enthusiasts, take a look at the destinations of past CCCC organized cruises.
We regularly visit South Seas Resort and ‘Tween Waters Resort on Captiva Island; Pink Shell Resort and Snook Bight Marina on Ft. Myers Beach. Boca Grande Marina, Uncle Henry’s Marina, Burnt Store Marina, and Fisherman’s Village have all been on the Club’s list of favorite destinations.
Going further north on the GICW we’ve visit both Palm Island Marina and Gasparilla Marina, as well as attractive locations in Sarasota and Longboat Key. The spring 2015 trip had twelve boats cruise further north to Tarpon Springs.
Local short cruises include Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour in Cape Coral, as well as Legacy Harbor in downtown Ft. Myers. Naples is an annual fall tradition with a several day visit to the Naples Boat Club, or Pelican Isle Marina being favorite destinations.
Venturing further south the Club visited Marco Island in November 2015, and in the past has cruised to Everglades City. Marathon, in the Keys is a set destination for April, 2016.
Each year an extended cruise is planned. In 2014 that destination was to the South Georgia Isles. For 2016 the extended cruise in May will be to the Abacos in the Bahamas leaving from the Club owned island near Alva on the Caloosahatchee Waterway, with stops in Stuart, West Palm Beach, and/or Lake Worth, before making the crossing.
For those interested in extending their local boating distances, or who may be new to the area and are looking for an active boating group, the Cape Coral Cruise Club has had a booth at the Ft. Myers Boat Show in November at the Harborside Event Center & City Yacht Basin for several years.
The WORD IS OUT, this is an active cruise club, and it will assist folks new to S.W. Florida in how critical it is to start cruising with folks who know local waters. If you like to cruise in your own boat, and wish to do this with like-minded boaters, CCCC is the club for you!
The Club plans no December cruise as this is the when the Club has its only formal meeting, the Change of Watch, where current officers are applauded for their service and new officers are installed for the upcoming year.
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. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Led by Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy on Desperado, a flotilla of 10 boats cruised up the ICW to a club favorite destination, Palm Island Marina. Under sunny skies and seas that were surprisingly calm and slick as glass, many boats made record time. Many boaters voiced their surprise at the number of dolphins spotted during the trip. Joining in the fun were Commodore Lee Jetton and Brenda Butler on Moonlighter, Vice Commodore John and Pati Queen on Semper Paratus, Doug and Michelle Rhees on LunaSea, Phil and Lin Quick on Sunkissed, Bob and Carol Peterson on CR Side, Joe and Kelli Miller on B Mine, John and Mary Brehm on Panacea, Jeff and Joanne Ziemer on Still Crazy, and last but not least, Jim and Rear Commodore Edie Limbright made their maiden voyage on Princess, their recently purchased Viking.
Arriving by car were Brenda and Mike Stewart as well as Mac & Bobbie McEwen. Most of the boaters gathered at Leverock’s for lunch on Tuesday then adjourned to the pool or games under the pavilion shade which made for a leisurely afternoon. Gathering for our traditional happy hour, cruising tales and mechanical advice freely flowed. With heavy hors d’ouevres supplied by each of the boats made for a sumptuous buffet.
Wednesday proved to be another perfectly sunny day enticing many to visit the beach and have a bite of lunch at Rumrunners, take a walk, float and chat in the pool or play cards. As we enjoyed our happy hour, all members participated in two brainteasers. Winners of the “Name that Boat” and “Flying Colors” quizzes were Jettons and Ziemers. Congratulations! Mike Stewart demonstrated his Grill Master credentials by cooking 26 burgers to perfection. Many thanks to Edie Limbright for a wonderful Spinach Salad, Michelle Rhees and Brenda Stewart for luscious desserts. After dinner, crews toured Jim and Edie Limbright’s new “Princess”.
On Thursday, a continental breakfast of berries and sweet rolls started the morning followed by a polite game of keep away which quickly devolved into a rowdy dunking session providing entertainment for onlookers and lots of laughs for participants. Beach goers collected perfect and imperfect shells as well as sharks teeth. Since it was Red Nose Day, each couple posed with a red nose. During happy hour, crews chatted and revealed items remaining on our “bucket lists”, then headed to Leverock’s for a group dinner full of laughter, stories and good company.
Friday morning boats departed Palm Island Marina as a good time was had by all.
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. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
By Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy
Each spring the Cape Coral Cruise Club plans a “long cruise”, which is to say a much longer itinerary is planned than its normal three day monthly cruises to local destinations not more than a 3 to 6 hour boat trip. The Martins began planning the 2015 trip to Tarpon Springs last fall, making marina and restaurant contacts, searching for interesting places to visit at each planned location.
The two week 2015 long cruise began April 13 with fourteen member boats departing Cape Coral, bound for Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze, Florida. After all boats were secured in the slips, several club members enjoyed the marina’s pool, and on-site restaurant. Other members opted for the complimentary water taxi to the marina’s Gulf front beach. Four other members ventured off in a dinghy looking for the channel to Rum Bay on the beach. A minor incident occurred when the captain, wanting to get the dinghy up on plane, encountered the large wake from a passing boat that caused a wall of water to wash over the bow. The dinghy captain’s quick action, plus an efficient bilge pump, prevented almost certain swamping of the small boat. The only casualties were two wet women, and a cell phone that ended up under several inches of water on the bottom of the boat. On the second day of our stay at Palm Island, the cruise leaders prepared breakfast, and later, with help from other cruisers, grilled sumptuous herb-crusted beef tenderloin for dinner.
The next morning the boats departed Palm Island traveling north to the gorgeous Longboat Key Club Marina and Resort. Due to an unannounced bridge closing on the GICW just north of the Venice Inlet three boats went out the Venice Inlet and proceeded north to New Pass Inlet returning to the GICW and into Longboat Key. Most of the boats were in slips along a sea wall less than fifty feet from the beautiful pool and a fabulous restaurant.
The next morning, breakfast was provided by the cruise leaders before members headed out on their own; some taking the Longboat shuttle bus to St. Armand’s Circle for shopping and the many fine bars and restaurants. Others opted to borrow the resort bicycles, ride around the resort, and/or pedal the 3-1/2 mile trip to St. Armand’s. As a side note, on the way to Longboat Key, one member drifted out of the channel, and ran aground in soft sand. Assistance from a tow boat got the boat back in the channel with no apparent damage. Such is boating in the sometimes skinny waters of Southwest Florida! Everyone knows how important it is to stay in the channel, but it is so easy to drift out. Two days later the cruise leaders drifted not more than fifteen feet off channel and ran aground. Again, a tow boat was called, and the boat suffered no apparent damage.
Our third stop on the trip was Loggerhead Marina in St. Petersburg. Two boats could not clear a nearby twenty foot fixed bridge and stayed at Maximo’s Marina. We all gathered by the pool under the Tiki huts and cooked burgers and brats, with lots of tasty side dishes.
Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs was our northern most stop for three nights. On our first night the town was celebrating “Night in the Islands”; a very romantic Greek food themed evening where several restaurants filled the street with long tables and strung up small overhead lights. Odyssey, one of the best Greek bands in Florida, supplied soothing, sensual, traditional Greek music. While some people danced in the streets, others formed a large circle where local ladies instructed them on traditional Greek dances. All this, while the wait staff continually delivered tasty Greek food and wine to the large crowd made this a truly memorable evening. Over the next two days members were on their own to explore the town. One night, we gathered at Hellas Restaurant and Bakery. Everyone was able to select a Greek dish to suit their desire. Several dishes of Saganaki (flaming cheese) were delivered to our tables as shouts of Opa made the meal festive.
Turtle Cove Marina was very accommodating to our club, dock hands were prompt, helpful, and attentive. One night, with a threat of rain, the marina opened the lounge for us as Phil and Gary prepared their famous fish bites. We also used the lounge the next morning where the cruise leaders prepared a pancake breakfast. One note here; a guest on a member boat slipped on the ramp of the dock, and fell, injuring his leg. An ambulance was called, and he was transported to a local hospital for x-rays. Fortunately there was just severe bruising with nothing broken.
Our first stop on the return trip was a single night at Clearwater Beach Marina. The dock master was alone, and overwhelmed with our arrival, so it was up to the members to help get all our boats secured up in the slips. A short walk had several members taking in the fabulous Clearwater beach along with its several bars and restaurants.
The next to last stop on our trip was the always popular Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota. After breakfast by the cruise leaders, several members hopped on the shuttle to visit the Ringling Circus and Art Museum and the John Ringling Mansion. Others opted for the great shops and restaurants in downtown Sarasota.
The final stop before heading back to Cape Coral was Gasparilla Marina. A final happy hour under a huge canopy by the docks gave the cruising members the opportunity to express their thanks to the cruise leaders for arranging a great itinerary, and or course assuring that the winds were calm and the weather outstanding.
All boats returned home safely, ending the “Long Cruise” for 2015. Bonnie and I want to thank all the participating members of CCCC for joining us on this cruise, and we hope that everyone else had as much fun as we did! The fellowship and cohesiveness of our club is like none other, and is so apparent in a setting such as the CCCC’s long cruise. We can all be very proud of the courteous and proficient seamanship displayed at all times, by all our members!
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. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
By Robert and Bonnie Martin
Most months of the year the Cape Coral Cruise Club schedules a cruise to a selected destination where the boats typically tie up for 3 days. Once the boats are tied and secure the club members engage in socializing and eating and games and consumption of beverages. The destination for this first cruise of 2015 was Legacy Harbor in Ft Myers. At this high season this marina, as many others, is mostly full and it was a good work of logistics for the harbormaster to accommodate the group. The marina is very well maintained and the staff was ever helpful from assisting on arrival and answering questions. The marina is blessed with wider than usual slip fingers, making the process of boarding much easier than is the case in many other marinas I have visited in Florida.
10 Boats journeyed to Legacy Harbour on Tuesday January 20th. There are 3 boaters who live aboard at Legacy Harbour, so no cruising was involved for them. This cruise was organized by leaders Pat & Phil Kryger aboard Yknot. A lot of work goes into this planning of a cruise, and we thank Phil and Pat Kryger for their effort!
The weather was very favorable on Tuesday, making it a nice smooth ride. Docking at Legacy was handled efficiently by Erick and Lana; they got us all settled in with lines and electric on the floating docks. Ten others arrived by car, and joined the festivities. bringing appetizers and their favorite libations. Then it was 4:30 and time for happy hour under the Tiki Hut, and a great time to relax after a “long hard” trip. Then it was right into dinner with 4 different types of chili. There was hot sauce if you wanted to kick it up , cornbread, oyster crackers, cheese, onions, great salads and desserts. As always, there was plenty to eat and then some!
Wednesday morning we blew the circuit breakers because of a proliferation of electric skillets, while cooking the eggs, French toast and sausage. So, improvising, Gary Taake cooked the eggs on his boat, while Lee Jetton cooked the sausage on the gas grill, and Phil Kryger did the French toast on the electric grill. Add to this fresh fruit, juice and muffins, and that makes a nice start of the day, and the weather was very fine also.
Usually on these cruises there is a group game activity and this one featured an “ informational” scavenger hunt. There were 6 teams of 3. Teams deployed around the marina to find 20 different things like women’s names on boats, number of slips at the Marina, concrete swans (very tricky finding those) and other information. It took most teams about 30 minutes to complete the hunt.
We were joined by the same group arriving by car that came Tuesday plus others, bringing more snacks and libations.
After Happy Hour the group dispatched to Pinchers at Edison Ford Marina for dinner with 40 members. We were seated on a veranda with a beautiful view of the glorious sunset that day.
Thursday people did whatever they fancied; some had breakfast at First Watch or Bennett’s Fresh Roast, some played games and some walked downtown to Fort Myers, and some cleaned their boats or relaxed.
That evening many of us went to Firestone Restaurant and the Sky Bar for another sunset and dinner.
Friday was the return cruise to each individual’s home port. The weather was pretty windy but navigable for all, and it is this writer’s impression that a very good time was had by all.
By J. G. Brehm MD
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. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
On a beautiful October Tuesday, fourteen Cape Coral Cruise Club boats headed north on the GICW, turned into Charlotte Harbor, then on to the Peace River to Fisherman’s Village Marina. The good member turnout was because this remains one of the Club’s favorite destinations. With mooring assistance from Harbor Master Jim’s helpful crew, boaters completed the always present post cruise boat chores, then relaxed the remainder of the afternoon. The Pre-happy hour time at the Boater’s Lounge produced some groans with the announcement of a trivia quiz on Florida. Prizes were awarded to both the winning and runner-up couples. Happy hour was followed with most everyone’s favorite, heavy hors D’oeuvres. This is the occasion when the first mates out do themselves. The first night is usually an early one, probably because of all the fresh air.
Wednesday started with a midmorning walk through the park along the river in Punta Gorda to the Rte. 41 bridge and back. Appetites having been built, most members took advantage of the fine restaurants at the Fisherman’s Village Shops for lunch. It was then time for a wet “T” shirt contest on the dock behind the boats. Each couple was given a tee shirt and one of the two had to put it on. Seems simple but the shirts had been water soaked, rolled tight, then frozen. Only body heat and muscle power were allowed. Again prizes were awarded to the top two finishers. Their unique means to thaw the shirts – the winners sat on them, used body heat! Dinner was a mini-Oktoberfest prepared by the cruise leaders and helpers with fare including brats, sour kraut, beer-cheese soup, and Black Forrest cake. A few of the night owls finished the day with a rowdy game of “99”.
A breakfast of biscuits with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage links, fresh fruit and adult beverages started the day on Thursday. The bulk of the day was a “do your own thing” event. Some rode marina courtesy bikes to town, some shopped in the Village, some enjoyed the pool, and some just sat around and told sea stories, a few of which may have been true… The main feature of the evening was the group dinner at the Captain’s Table. Good food and excellent service were enjoyed by the boaters who were joined by ten Club members who arrived by car.
Friday morning saw the flotilla depart the marina heading homeward. Neptune must not have been as pleased with us as he was on our trip to the marina. Winds of 15 to 20 out of the northeast made the seas a bit snotty on Charlotte Harbor, but all arrived safely at their destinations. As usual, another great, safe Cape Coral Cruise Club trip goes into the books.
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 Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on our Facebook page.
By Mac Mc Ewen
Pink Shell Resort Marina on Fort Myers Beach was the February destination for 18 Cape Coral Cruise Club boats. Pink Shell, with its floating docks, white sandy beach, three heated pools, spa, restaurants and attentive staff, proved once again to be a great place for a monthly cruise.
Boats participating were “Happy Ours”, Cruise Leaders Gary & Kathy Taake; “Sunkissed”, Phil & Lyn Quick; “Sharon Ann”, Sharon & Len Palmisano; “Moonlighter”, Lee & Brenda Jetton; “Bow’t Time”, Terry & Laurie Carlson; “Lady Blue”, Mike & Brenda Stewart; “KDJ”, Mark & Sue Thompson; “Y Knot”, Phil & Pat Kryger; Hardee II”, Hal & Dee Moss; “Lady Mar”, Rusty & Marlene Glover; “Knot Again”, Larry & Mary Ann Habich; “Desperado”, Jon Lynch & Debbie Schwab; “Semper Paratus”, John & Pati Queen; “New Horizons”, Ted & Beverley Hutson; “Robyn M”, Rich & Robin McGloin; and “Daisy May”, Bob & Bonnie Martin. Also joining the group were prospective members Bob & Carol Peterson aboard “C R Side” & Paul & Stephanie Carrico aboard “Infinite Sea”, both boats completing their shake-down cruise.
Arriving at the Marina, members were given electronic arm bands that provided access to all the Resort’s amenities. Then, at 4:30, members met on the marina deck for cocktails and light snacks, before moving to a meeting room at 6:00 for a Pot Luck Picnic. Cruise Leaders Gary & Kathy Taake had prepared large pots of Pork Ribs and Smoked Turkey, and others provided side dishes and desserts, so it was an eat-all-you-can-hold feast.
After dinner, members were split into 2 teams, each with a “Brenda” Captain (Jetton & Stewart). Captains selected team members to participate in a series of eight “A Minute to Win It” games. Roars of laughter erupted during every game, with contestants trying hard to win in a one-on-one contest. There was the “Nose Dive” game where both contestants stick their nose in a pile of Vaseline, then pick up a cotton ball with their nose and deposit them in a bowl of water, a “Dizzy Mummy” game where one contestant turns in circles while being wrapped in toilet paper, and 6 other games. Each team won 3, so there was a final tie-breaker for the 2 captains.
Each Brenda was given a pair of panty hose with a penny in each toe. The ladies had to slip a panty hose leg over each arm and extract the pennies without crossing their arms or using hands on the opposite leg. After wild gyrations, Brenda Jetton was the first to extract the 2 pennies, so her team was declared the winner. Prizes were $100,000… (Small candy bars called “Hundred Grand”) for winning team members and “dum-dum lollipops” for the losers. Every contestant was a very good sport, and our thanks go to them for participating. Lots of laughs!
The second day began with a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs with bits of prime rib mixed in, fresh fruit, and assorted breakfast pastries prepared by the Cruise Leaders. Bloody Marys were also available to wake up the sleepy heads. The afternoon was free for members to go to the beach, swim in the heated pools, shop, play games, dink ride, or ride the trolley to lunch. At 4:30, happy hour began on the marina deck with Mai Tai’s provided by the cruise leaders, followed by a catered private dinner buffet poolside, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Joining the group by car for the dinner were members Bob Martin, Jeanie Douglass, Joan Prosser, Joan Raymond, Bruce & Sue Longman, Mary & John Brehm, Chuck Pollack & Sue Herzog, and Larry & Ana Maria Mitchell. Everyone enjoyed a great meal in a wonderful setting.
The third day began with another breakfast of French Texas Toast, fresh fruit and pastries. Then it was once again a choice of activities and a lunch on your own. At 4:30, members gathered at Hal & Dee Moss’s boat, “Hardee II” for a new boat name christening. Cups of champagne were provided by Hal & Dee to toast the removal of the old name and the unveiling of the new name. All who attended enjoyed the ceremony and wished them good luck on their new boat. Happy hour on the marina deck took place before “dinner on your own”.
The next morning boaters departed with fond memories and full stomachs following this fun-filled cruise. Thanks go to Dave O’Connor, dock master, and his great crew. And special thanks go to Gary & Kathy Taake for putting on a wonderful cruise. Their planning and special touches made this a cruise to remember.
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 Lee Jetton
South Seas Resort on Captiva Island was the January destination of the Cape Coral Cruise Club. Always a popular location, eighteen boats signed up for the cruise, however, illness or mechanical issues left eight boats unable to participate. The ten boats that made the cruise were MOONLIGHTER, Lee & Brenda Jetton – BOW’T TIME, Terry & Laurie Carlson – Y KNOT, Phil & Pat Kryger – MARKATE, Mark & Kate Lewis – DESPERADO, John Lynch & Debbie Schwab – DAISY MAE, Bob & Bonnie Martin – SHARON ANN, Len & Sharon Palmisano – SUNKISSED, cruise leaders Phil & Lyn Quick along with Phil’s brother Lee – HAPPY OURS, Gary & Kathy Taake, and STILL CRAZY, Jeff & Joanne Zeimer.
Unusually cool weather limited pool activities, so the first night’s activities began with cocktails and snacks in the Captains Lounge, where the group was joined by members Rusty & Marlene Glover who had rented a condo at the resort, along with John & Pati Queen and Rich & Robyn McGloin who had driven. This was followed by a resort trolley ride to Doc Fords for 6:00 pm dinner. After great meals and fine libations, the group trolleyed back to the resort marina for conversation and games.
The second day at South Seas began with a marvelous pancake and scrambled eggs breakfast in the Chart Room prepared by Susan Herzog and Mary Ann Habich. No one left hungry. A number of the ladies then played cards in the Chart Room while the men explored the resort or fished off the fishing pier. Competing with a large group of aggressive pelicans for the fish, several men caught a number of keepers even with the cold water and gusty winds. One group rode the trolley to the shopping center, and another group walked to lunch.
After cocktails at 4:30, a dinner of grilled pork tenderloin (expertly grilled by Phil & Lee Quick) was offered at 6:00 along with an abundance of side dishes and desserts prepared by the ladies. Here the group was joined by members Larry & Mary Ann Habich, Hal & Dee Moss, Mark & Sue Thompson and Sue Herzog who had driven to the resort. After this “feast”, a trivia contest was held. A prize was given for the highest score with Sharon & Len Palmisano winning a portable charcoal Barbeque grill. Another prize for the lowest score was won by Jeff & Joanne Zeimer, a 3-pack of LED flashlights. There were lots of laughs with some of the incorrect answers, including one by Gary & Kathy Taake who stated that one of the Triple Crown winning horses was “Trigger”. The night concluded with ten people playing “99”, and Lyn Quick winning the pot. The chilly night made the pleasant hum of boat heaters necessary.
The final day began with a light continental breakfast of pastries and fruit in the Chart Room. Then it was off for shopping, fishing, biking, or exploring, while a number of ladies concluded a game of Mexican Train Dominoes, with Brenda Jetton winning the pot. Several of the men had a great day fishing with Phil Kryger, Gary Taake and Bob Martin filling a large bucket with fresh fish. Two groups rode the trolley and then walked to the Green Flash for a late lunch or early dinner.
After cocktails in the Chart Room, left-overs from the Grilled Pork Dinner were served and again, no one left hungry. A few then went for ice cream at “Scoops & Slices” before retiring for the night.
Saturday morning, the group departed for home with fond memories of South Seas Resort. Special thanks go to Phil & Lyn Quick for their efforts in planning a great cruise, and to Harbormaster Charles Martz and his knowledgeable and courteous crew who made our stay so enjoyable. You can be sure South Seas Resort will be a club destination in the near future.
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 Lee Jetton
Cruise leaders Mark and Kate Lewis planned the Cape Coral Cruise Club (CCCC) November trip to Uncle Henry’s Marina on Boca Grande. This is a location the Club had not been to in several years. Getting into Uncle Henry’s is a zigzag path through the channel off the GICW north of Boca Grande pass, but it is well marked and dock master Paul Robbins keeps a good eye on your progress so you don’t stray into trouble. The marina has a long single concrete dock with many good, wide slips. For its age the central dock is in very good condition.
Twelve CCCC member boats headed up the GICW on November 19th including: Panacea, Knot Again, Four Bugles, Y Knot, Markate, Whatever, Robyn M, Knotatoy, West Leigh, Happy Ours, KDJ, and Sharon Ann. The weather was great, winds light, and the water was smooth. After docking, hooking up electric, checking in, and doing some cleaning and organizing, we discovered that members Bob and Bonnie Martin, on their 33’ Ranger tug Daisy Mae, had come in from Sarasota to join the group. They were on the final southbound leg of a several month Great Loop journey.
It was almost docktail time and Bruce & Sue Longman and Rusty & Marlene Glover arrived by land yacht. Tradition is that the blowing of a conch shell starts happy hour. Mac was not present to perform the ritual, so, with his approval by phone, docktails began without him. A wide variety of pre-potluck snacks was greatly enjoyed. At 6:00pm more dishes began to appear for the pot luck dinner at the marina provided picnic shelter, consisting of a variety of salads, chicken legs, a sandwich ring, tortellini with meat balls, and a special goulash. Mark grilled chicken pieces marinated in a delicious, secret Jamaican jerk recipe. The serving table was packed including desserts of key lime pie and cream puffs.
Wednesday’s breakfast, also at the marina picnic shelter, consisted of an egg casserole created by Kate Lewis, along with croissants, muffins and fruit salad.
Kate prearranged for seven rental golf carts so members could explore Boca Grande which were delivered shortly after breakfast. They all looked like new WHITE carts (remember the color) and would seat four adults. In Boca Grande locals and tourists use golf carts on special wide paved trails to move about the island. After breakfast a few went fishing, some played cards while others left on carts to explore the Island, some going all the way down to Boca Grande Pass. Lunch for some was at the Loose Caboose and shopping is always a treat in Boca Grande.
Later in the afternoon we were joined by Hal & Dee Moss, Sharon & Wes Rubenich, Susan Herzog & Chuck Pollack, Dianne Myers, Ken & Sonja Wright, Ted & Beverly Hutson for docktails and the ride, for some, via golf cart to PJ’S Grille for dinner. Everyone had had great dinners along with a favorite beverage. Then it was back to our boats in the dark, many of us on our golf carts. When we arrived back at Uncle Henry’s, someone, I won’t mention any names, had a RED cart…not the rented white one. There was a quick run back to PJ’S Grille for a hasty exchange before the owner discovered the mistake. Hal Moss was called on to meet them there, because with headlights on plus a full day of use makes short life for a golf cart battery. All went OK and they returned safe and sound.
Thursday breakfast was eggs, fruit salad and croissants. The rest of day was open for each couple to fish, explore, play cards or just relax. Many headed in the golf carts to the south end of the Island for lunch at South Beach and a visit to the Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum in Gasparilla Island State Park.
Docktails began around 4:30 with snacks and talk among members about the many interesting things to do in this old Florida atmosphere part of Southwest Florida. Dinner was on your own. Some went to the Tiki Bar restaurant and others remained on their boats.
Friday, the trip home was pleasant although due to breezy conditions, seas were just a little rough. It was another great trip for the Cape Coral Cruise Club. Thanks to one of our newest member couples, Kate and Mark Lewis, for their attention to detail making this a very memorable 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.
Words by Phil Kryger