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Published: February 18th 2013
The Mermaid's Gala
Mermaids and Pirates gathered to raise funds for breast cancer research. At one point they tossed sprigs of rosemary - for remembrance - into the bay!
Since this is about our 10th time in Pine Island, I am trying not to bore blog readers with old topics so here goes with what's new on Pine Island and vicinity. The photos should speak for themselves. I have been getting some feedback that readers like to know details like "How much did it cost?" So I am trying to remember to add fees for attractions. We're here at the KOA / Encore during the high season. The daily rate is about $70 for full hook up, great activities (dinners and music in the club house, trips, etc.), wonderful pool, lending library, store (with a gift shop and modest selection of wines), health club, laundry and newly installed hot tub. There are cabins for rent and we do notice some people "tenting" out in the back. We are within a few miles of fun restaurants; many with live music! There are tennis courts and a great off road bike path that spans the length of this flat island.
Through the activities office at the KOA (Thank You, Sandi), we enjoyed a Dolphin Cruise to North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Useppa and environs leaving from
Barefoot Boys Brian and Charlie
Two former Yard Doggers played at the Three Fishermen in North Fort Myers along the Caloosahatchee River. Brian's "suitcase" is an instrument with thumb keys of his own invention. He wears a glove to play it; neither musician favors shoes!
a Marina at the end of Maria Drive off Stringfellow Road. The total cost, including transportation to the boat and margarita's at a resort in North Captiva, was $22 each. Great value. Very well informed Captain, total crew of three, free iced water bottles, great wildlife viewing (but the dolphins were a little shy this day).
We paid $7 for transportation (KOA's red bus) to Lover's Key which is a bit south of Fort Myers Beach. It's a lovely, wild state park. Nice amenities at the beach including a snack bar and clean restrooms (accessible by ramp or stairs). A free tram took us from the parking lot to the beach. It was a Saturday and the driver avoided Fort Myers Beach in getting to Lover's Key as the cars on the bridge access to the beach were in gridlock. We did return via FM Beach. It's a rockin town - probably even more so next week when tons of families with kids on their Presidents' Week break descend.
I paid $5 for a shopping trip with Shirley to several area thrift stores. We used the red KOA bus and had fun
Friends at Three Fishermen
Such a fun time with neighbors from home, Bill and Kathy Ross, and two musicians from the former Yard Dogs band. Bill, Brian, Charlie, Kathy & Wes! We sat on the deck overlooking the Caloosahatchee River! shopping under Shirley's guidance. It's such a fun way to spiff up the wardrobe. One sad thing, I bought a neon palm tree for $25 at "Sal's Place" (AKA Salvation Army) but it broke on the bus on the way home - broken neon tubes are not repairable! I would like to find a replacement; but being so fragile; the RV isn't probably a good home for neon art!
We can't say enough about the friendliness of our neighbors. It's a nice balance of being neighborly but not overly so. You can easily find someone to chat with in the pool or at breakfast; or seek your solitude and hide in a book if that's your preference. We had a bit of car trouble while we were here and one of our neighbors loaned us her car! Now THAT'S friendly! Our stay is nearly up; but we'll be back!
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