Cape Haze Don Pedro

May 5 - 7   We motored almost all the way to Cape Haze in company of Caprice, a Catalina 36 crewed by Mike & Jan Savino and friend.

In the morning, Caprice continued to Palm Harbor.  Joanne & I loaded the dinghy with lunch, beach chairs and umbrellas to a short ride to Don Pedro State Park.  With a light breeze to keep us cool, the beach was ours to enjoy!

The next day, I elected to return to Punta Gorda rather than continue to Venice as our engine has been overheating somewhat on the trip up. Joanne was less than happy.  I was hoping for a spinnaker run up the harbor but it was not to be.  Almost no wind!  Adjusting the throttle to keep the engine temperature from running much above 185 F or so, brought us all the way home. 

Caprice experienced a few minor adventures on the to Venice: first with the Tom Adams Bridge that failed to open and then with a grounding while waiting for a Venice bridge opening.  Joining them by auto at the Venice Yacht Club , Joanne, now in better spirits, & I celebrated our anniversary with dinner and dancing.

Boot Scootin Boggie & The No-See-Ums

May 1 - Last night we broke down and turned on the air conditioner.  This afternoon, we hung out at Blind Pass Beach and went for a swim in the Gulf.  Although the our pool water is still on the brisk side, we are jumping in to cool down!

Last weekend we attended the first annual ILSE at Burnt Store Marina where Joanne as well as others entertained the crowds.  We also entertained the no-see-ums playing frisbee golf! Itchy lessons learned, I hope.  

The walls are up on our new house! Check the pictures in the Piscaa album. We now wait for the trusses that are being built in Venice and a 40' steel beam being manufactured in Bonita Springs before construction continues.

Boot Scootin' Boogie

Blind Pass Beach

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