February 5

We were up early today and got a bunch of stuff done on Catrina.   After breakfast, we gave her a good scrubbing outside till she was sparkly clean.   With the strong winds, didn't take long till she was all dried off.    I got a manicure.pedicure while Mark ran errands and then we got some piddlies and groceries at a Super Target.  

Hunkered down this afternoon as a very heavy rain came thru and lasted a few hours.   But no complaints when we know what the folks back home are dealing with and especially out East.   After the rain stopped around 6:15, we walked to Parrot Key here in the marina for nice dinner (we both had grouper - Reuben for me and fish 'n chips for Mark)!    I love grouper and this was my first since we arrived in FL.  It's just not as common on the east coat.

February 4

Today Liam is 5!!!  Wow.....he's growing up sooo fast!

Liam 5 years ago today - 2/4/05

Liam - 5 years later all tuckered out after his pre-school birthday party

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sweetie!

Spent most of today traveling on Alligator Alley (I-75) from Fort Myers to Fort Lauderdale.   Took Philip and Annette home and then back here for 2 loads of laundry and just enjoyed the pretty warm day.    We are in a great location here at Salty Sam's with 2 restaurants/bars and live entertainment each night!

February 3

Woke up to a cool, dreary Wednesday morning - walked to breakfast downtown and enjoyed a good meal at The Oasis.    Came back to Catrina and started the last leg of our journey over to Fort Myers Beach where we are now settled at the Salty Sam Marina for the month of February. 

Salty Sam Marina and Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

Turned out to be a gorgeous day.......while Mark and Philip changed the oil in the engines, our friend, Paul came and picked Annette and me up and off we went to the airport to get our car.    Later in the afternoon, we met the guys at "Big Game" a sports bar for drinks, appetizers and dominoes (Philip was the winner)!    Walked around a bit and enjoyed the pretty sunset.

Mark, Annette and Philip at "The Big Game"

Beautiful sunset over Fort Myers Beach

Back to  "Big Game" for dinner (Annette and I shared some very good pizza).   Played one more game of dominoes on Catrina won by Mark.

Ryan called yesterday from Thailand - he's on shore leave for a few days and the aircraft carrier is on its way home....yeah!!!    LONG trip as it won't come onto mainland USA till late March.

February 2

Today started out sunny and we were underway around 8:30 with Annette preparing delicious omelets in the galley as we cruised along the waterways.

Annette (Catrina's chef)!

Other sites along the way...

Lift bridge that looks like a "guillotine"

Sugar cane field

Swampy areas

Philip's bandaged toes from his marathon run

Our crew.....

Ahhhhhhh, the skyscrapers of Fort Myers!

We cruised 102 miles and had a few hours of rain - went thru 4 locks and saw some interesting wildlife including one alligator.   After settling in at the Yacht Basin Marina, we walked around downtown and had a wonderful dinner at The Morgan House.   Back to Catrina for 2 games of dominoes won by Philip and Annette!

Looking forward to fun times here with friends from back home who are here for the winter or have retired to this area!

February 1

We left Lantana this morning in the rain!    Picked Philip and Annette up in West Palm and they cruised with us today going thru one lock in the St. Lucie Canal.    It rained off and on all day.   We arrived in Indiantown, FL around 3:15.   Mark and Philip went for a walk and Annette and I took a nap!    Played 2 games of dominoes with Mark winning both!  

Happy Birthday to my brother Ron who is celebrating a big one today???

St. Lucie Lock