The Gulf Coast

 

 

Shimmering water, sand, and sea birds. This is laid back Florida.

 

 

As we make our way south, we slow down to enjoy the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Having never been on this side of Florida by boat, I am impressed by the open expanse of empty beaches and the abundance of herons, ospreys, gulls, and cormorants.

South of Sarasota, we pull into the Palm Island Marina on the Intracoastal near the town of Cape Haze.

We were treated like royalty, sitting by the pool and jacuzzi, sipping drinks from the bar (free beer on Saturdays), and listening to live music.

Now this feels like a vacation!

 

 

Working our way south, our next stop was Tween Waters Inn and Marina on the island of Captiva.

 

 

For years, this has been a favorite place of Floridians and Snowbirds with it's miles of white sand beach, two restaurants, pool and scattered cottages. This is old Florida.

There were three loopers here so we biked the small town, went for ice cream and enjoyed each other's company.

That evening, the resort hosted a cocktail party for guests by the pool, and our friends on Sea Gypsy, Paper Moon, and Jackets II, enjoyed prime rib night at the Crows Nest Restaurant. A farewell dinner as we all move on our way in the morning.

As the sun came up over Captiva Island, we all head out to new destinations with memories of good times.
 

 

and fun places.