We arrived in Naples late afternoon on Sunday – well, 23
miles southeast of Naples “city center”.
This is a private, out-of-the-way location sitting on the edge of The
Everglades! In fact, the first wildlife
sighting we had was an 8-10’ alligator swimming in the canal at the marina!!!
YIKES! I didn’t have a camera handy but
trust me there will be a picture soon!
My first impression upon arrival was not favorable…but I was
tired, hungry, hot & frustrated – so I admit, I was an “its-me-not-you”
moment. We had an easy dinner on the
boat, hot showers, a Hallmark movie (me) and a good nights’ sleep. Top of my to-do list on Monday was to sleep
later than 5:30AM – CHECK!!! How does 9:15AM sound? COMPLETELY out of character for me but
apparently my body was in agreement!! Yes, I do feel better!
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| A baby coconut! Smaller than sunglasses!! |
We went for a walk around the property & neighborhood
then checked in with the resort office.
After a great tour of the property we decided to stay for the
month! We will certainly need to rent a
car for a week or so since the closest store is 18 miles away – just like our
dirt life! But for right now we have
plenty to keep us busy-cleaning the salt from the boat is top of the list! We are far enough inland so the water is
brackish and that’s better for the boat bottom.
We will have a diver come in a couple weeks to inspect everything
underneath. Given the alligator sighting, the diver will bring a spotter…gulp!
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| Resort Pool - I think we can deal with it! |
There are great bike/run/walk lanes
on the well-paved roads (read: can see a gator crossin’), plenty of palm trees
for shade and a constant breeze. The
resort has a very inviting pool, tennis courts and indoor club house with
business center, fitness room and sauna.
Check, check, check and check!!
The boat neighbors could not be nicer!!! They were a positive first impression!! In
fact, before we ever hooked up to shore power, Kelly (next door) offered her
car to us if we needed provisions! She
has been here 18 months and still doesn’t know a “short cut” to town. She’s going to be a great source of
information & comedy!! The other
neighbors came to the slip to catch our lines and secure the boat – it was VERY
windy when we tried to dock! But with everyone’s help we were successful
without damage to any boats, pylons or dock…docking requires teamwork!! Nice feeling!! Although we did “bow in” due to the wind –
the marina prefers boats “stern in” (back in).
We will turn around if the winds calm down – if not, count your
blessings that we don’t try it!!! LOL!!
While cleaning (inside) and washing (outside) the boat Kelly’s
husband Harold stepped outside. Super
friendly gentleman and…as expected by their hospitality…they are LOOPERS!! Not just Gold Loopers (one completed loop) but
PLATINUM LOOPERS!! They have completed
the loop THREE TIMES!!! Thank you Lord
for the up close and personal local knowledge we will receive from them!!! He has ALL kinds of information and she has
quite a story! A hard grounding with the
boat in Canada left her badly injured – 3 surgeries later she’s still on a
boat!! We can’t wait to spend a little
time with them – I predict blessings!!
With any luck – it will rain! This area is in desperate need of rain – like
most of the southeast. The water levels
are at “historic lows” according to the locals…but we discovered that on our
own yesterday!
More pictures for the next post – the boat was too wet &
slippery for me to safely climb (yes, climb not step) off & on. Once we can “stern in” that problem will be
corrected.
Keep Smiling &
Happy Monday!!
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