Ft. Myers Yacht Basin
We spent these remaining days in Ft. Myers Yacht Basin (marina) relaxing, tinkering, and meeting fellow boaters. Not too different from what we’ve been doing, but this is the longest we’ve stayed in one spot. We have been off the boat for longer, but never have we just chilled in a marina. Kind of like camping on vacation as a kid, we would see people come and go every day or two, while the majority of the folks, who are retired and find the warm weather and friendships enjoyable for extended periods.
Amanda ran into this hunk on the beach one day and tried to trade me for him.
We enjoyed getting to know Tom and Susan Law. They own a nice 43’ American Tug. From Massachusetts, they’ve retired and bought a home in New Bern, North Carolina. They enjoy traveling the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolina’s. Their soft, gentle spirit and warm hospitality made our time in the adjacent slip most enjoyable. Across the dock, were Steve and Pam. Steve retired from GM, working in the prototype department. He was involved with working on and building cars of the future. A hands-on guy, his old 1994 Grand Banks could easily pass as a new boat. Like mine, she has lots of high-gloss varnished wood on the rails, and transom. Steve is an extremely patient, detail oriented guy, and would have made a great teacher. I had mentioned to him I needed some wood repair work done, but the guy that was supposed to come had fallen through. He encouraged me, telling me I could do it. I was doubtful, but he came over and got me started. Loaning me tools, taking me to West Marine for the right products, and explaining step by step the process, I learned much about bright-work repair and maintenance. Steve’s temperament perfectly describes a shop teacher. He explains, demonstrates, allows me to try, critiques and corrects, and then gets out of the way. Several times per day, he would hop on board and check on my progress. The more progress I made, the more he would explain about the next step. Though my skill set is far from perfect, I’ve learned much about the process and will enjoy practicing the trade of bright-work as time goes on.
Pam, Steve’s wife, equally gracious, was kind enough to take Amanda to the grocery, as well. They both treated us like…well, like most boaters treat each other: eager to assist, cordial, and friendly. It was my honor to get to know both couples, though briefly.
We didn’t get a picture with Mark & Beth, but did enjoy meeting them, as well. And I admit I want a boat like theirs when I grow up AND when the stock market hits 40,000.
The most exciting thing that happened (shows you how exciting boat life can be sometimes) was the evening the cyclone blew through the marina. We had invited our friends from Vitamin Sea and Salty Dog over for a visit. The winds started picking up, and with the possibility of some rain coming our way, they decided to get on back home (boat) before the storm hit. Two minutes later, the winds were blowing 40-45 mph. Our boat was trying to turn sideways in the slip. Concerned that it might actually hit my neighbor’s boat, I jumped on the finger pier to tighten a couple lines.
I had just finished when BAM!!, I was hit in the head, back, and arm…by a flying kayak! I was stunned, literally, for a couple seconds, not seeing it coming, not knowing what had hit me.
The junk boat with the unsecured kayak on the bow. 
The kayak…after it almost took me out. They decided to tie it down here.
The kayak had been lying on the bow of the boat adjacent to us. The people had not bothered securing it to the deck. Based on the appearance of the boat (someone referred to it as a man-made floating reef), nothing else was secure either. The boat is poorly maintained (if I can use that term) by folks who live aboard. Actually, one of their children lives on the boat, and the parents live on the next boat, one slip beyond. Bleeding from the hand, and throbbing in the head, I managed to get back on our boat without further incident. In 5 minutes, the storm was gone, and all was back to normal. My hand throbbed most of the night. I kept it iced, expecting an X-ray and cast the next day. Fortunately, my hand was fine. It could have been so much worse. I was thankful I escaped with a couple scratches and a sore hand.
A little theatre is located across the street from the marina. It’s play season. So, one Friday night, Amanda and I saw a play called, A Gentlemen’s Solution to Love and Murder, or something close to that. A musical comedy, I laughed a little, dozed a lot, and rolled my eyes at some of the disgusting “humor”. Neither of us enjoyed it very much, but it was something different to do.
We enjoyed dinners out with Greg and Pam, and also with Ed and Kathy. We ate pizza at Capone’s, where they use machined guns (Al Capone vintage) as door handles. We ate burgers at Ford’s garage, where the door handles there are gas pump handles and the cloth napkins are rolled up in a hose clamp. Great meals at both places, with great atmosphere, equal service, and as always, good friends.
This watering pot (and many others) was in a window downtown. Cute…as Amanda often says.
Downtown Ft. Myers has a nice charm and feel 
Burgers are their signature dish and I was happy to oblige. 
The full moon was a nice backdrop to the festive downtown atmosphere.
Our third and final Sunday in Ft. Myers, we attended First Christian Church one last time. The congregation was encouraged to elbow bump or “chicken wing”, instead of shaking hands or hugging, in an effort to limit the potential of spreading the virus. Most of us were really just starting to understand the seriousness of what was going on, including no longer gathering as a community of believers, for a season of time yet to be determined.
After the service, we went to Taco Fest, across from the marina in downtown, Ft. Myers. The weather was beginning to warm up and it was fun to be outside.
The 4th Annual Taco Fest in Ft. Myers 
The Marimba Band added much to the atmosphere, under the overpass. 
The music really brings out the best in my bride. She couldn’t keep her hands off me the rest of the day. 
Greg & Pam, our Indiana potato farmer friends, from the Salty Dog. 
This guy wasn’t so in to the Reggae music. 
Really good Reggae band, and I don’t usually listen to that music much. 
Honey packing away the Mexican Street Corn.
We wrapped up our stay in Ft. Myers on a Monday night. With Marathon, Florida, as our next destination, we would leave at daybreak Tuesday morning, planning 2 anchorage nights getting to Marlin Bay Resort & Marina.