Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Legacy Harbour

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!

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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.

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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.

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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

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Cruising

Living for the Present: Pleasures of the Avid Boater

By Chris Forman WXCW, Channel 6 & Vice President of SWFMIA

Twenty-six years ago, my wife and I took residence in Cape Coral, on the water to become year round boaters. Snow shovels, ice scrappers and winter coats became a thing of the past. What we discovered very quickly was the boating paradise that lay in our backyard.  In over two decades and  having owned several different styles and sizes of boats, one thing has never changed, when you leave the dock the fun begins.

Heading north up the Caloosahatchee River, there are several nice restaurant choices at Marina Town in North Ft Myers and the Downtown River District in Ft Myers.  A day comprised of a little lazy fishing (we’re not that good…doesn’t matter), cruising and a late lunch stop or early dinner seems to erase the stress of the work week.  We often joke that the cost of boating is way less than the couch doctor, yet they have the same affect.

Heading down the river there is JK’s Riverstop at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. It’s bathing suit casual and full of boating friends you just haven’t met yet.  Fun for kids and families, the picnic table laid back patio is a fabulous vista for a sunset and an ice cold drink and burger.  Also down river are the The Joint Restaurant and Rumrunners at Cape Harbor, where casual outdoor or inside fine dinning await in a relaxing waterfront atmosphere.

Just a 30 minute boat ride south from home is Sanibel Island, a routine stop on Sundays for a swim with our floaty-toys, some Jimmy Buffet on the stereo and a picnic lunch on the back of our boat.  Anchoring in waist deep water makes life easy and the view of the Gulf and lighthouse never gets old.  It’s a great rendezvous spots for other boating friends.  There is a no wake anchoring area, clearly marked by white buoys, that runs the length of the white sugar sand beach.  My wife loves shelling and this area of Southwest Florida is heaven.

Estero Island, or Ft Myers Beach, as it’s commonly known, is also an excellent destination for lunch or dinner by boat with numerous boater friendly stops for the simplest of fare to full elegant meals.  Several boating facilities and fuel stops are convenient as well.

Heading north up Pine Island Sound lies the barrier islands of Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva and Cayo Costa with beautiful beaches that seem to go on forever on the Gulf of Mexico side.  Inside the sounds lies some of the best fishing grounds in the country.  The channel is well marked and easy even for the novice boater.  The fishing for snook, trout, snapper, redfish and dozens of others is plentiful.  It’s a haven for the serious sportsman or a fun day for easy fishing for mom, dad and the kids.

The Gulf side of North Captiva and Cayo Costa has thousands of my footprints in the sand.  It never grows old for me, the hazel colored water and soft sand beach is where my toes belong.  These islands are only accessible by boat, are home to waterfowl, a light tackle paradise and perfect for an afternoon snooze in the sand.

Summarizing for those of you who have yet to venture out by boat or don’t get out too often … even decades later it’s still fun, therapeutic and the stuff family memories and stories are made of.  It’s the wind in what’s left of my hair, the sound of the water, the sheer pleasure of just driving my boat and my wife getting to read her book. So maybe we’ll see each other on the water next Saturday?  I know I’ll be there. — Chris Forman.

 

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Cruising