On to Fort Meyers

We left around 10am from the Bradenton area with plans to do an overnight trip in the gulf to the St. Charles Yacht Club in Fort Myers.  This overnighter was completely different than our first one this tirp.  The wind was out of the north and blew us down the coast at a good clip.  We were able to sail for about 18 hours then the wind petered out and it became a motorboat ride.  The waves were very low so not a bad ride at all.  For some reason, neither of us had much luck sleeping on our off watch time so we were fairly beat when we arrived at the club.  After a bit of lunch, however, we tackled a myriad of housekeeping chores.  I thoroughly cleaned the interior including the fridge and stove.  David did the same for the exterior, including the ports (windows).  We also managed to get all our laundry done as well.  Still not totally exhausted, we cleaned up and dressed up planning to treat ourselves to happy hour in the club bar only to find the club closed!!  Oh well, we stayed gussied up and ate turkey sandwiches and watched the last episodes of Parks and Recreation on Nexflix.  I really love this wi-fi extender.

front of St. Charles YC

David on the spreaders-note the knotted rope he used to climb up to the top.  I was helping boost him up on a halyard but he did most of the work.

club cabana, houses nice showers, laundry and meeting room

the name reminded us of Mary and Eric in Australia

channel into the club

St. Columkille

Sunset on the houses next to the club marina

this gigantic house has been under construction for years-it is directly across from the marina.  We rode past it and saw 11 garage stalls-truly amazing in scope

We managed to sleep soundly and wake up refreshed Sunday morning.  We again gussied up and rode our bikes to St. Columkille for Mass.  It is a beautifully designed church that makes the most of natural light.  The priest gave a meaningful yet humorous sermon so it was easy to pay attention.  It is getting warmer as we head farther south so riding in the early morning wasn't too bad.  We came back to the club and paid bills, filled out logs, etc until it was time for brunch.  Yes, the club was open and we enjoyed a great meal.  Ironically, the only other diners while we were there were also visitors from other clubs.  I guess all the locals are off on holiday.  David decided he wanted to adjust the wind vane at the top of the mast.  I think he just wanted to show his prowess at climbing but the job was done.  Unfortunately he had more practise than he planned on.  Once he was down, he noticed a bulb laying on the deck.  Turned out to be our foredeck light and the base was damaged.  Out comes the spare, back up the mast goes David and then all was finished!  Finally, an afternoon of riding the bikes to buy a few things then ride around the neighborhood.  Most of the houses in this enclave are beautifully built and landscaped.  We saw very few people out which seemed strange.  I guess they were enjoying their castles.