More Pine Island Snow Birding

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Pine Island is history for 2011. In recapping, we loved Coast Connection - almost in Bokeelia - music, a food cart with the freshes shrimp prepared grilled or fried; BYOB or pull a beer out of a cooler for a "donation," these laid back casual "finds" are just that! SUPER finds!

Back at the Pine Island KOA/Encore RV Park, we were treated to the "house" band which does a free concert - called "Friday Night Life" each Sunday evening. These pix and those from the previous two blog entries give an idea of what to find on this treasure of an island.

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Photos

Lovegrove Garden at Night
Amazing - Saratoga Water bottles with irridescent paint on the bottom, plopped onto dowells drilled into posts. A "black light" type system makes them "pop" at night. This is from the Leoma Lovegrove web site - Lovegrove Gallery, Matlacha!

Us at Lovegrove Gallery
Yes, I am wearing a white veil!

Gyotaku by Heather Fortner
This artist was at Wild Child Gallery in Matlacha on Creative Coast weekend, an extended "art night" type event held on Pine Island each month.

Fish Art by Scotty
Scotty ownes Coast Connections. He's a musician (the wash board), artist, renter of kayacks, supplier of beverages, changer of TP in the co-ed restroom and all around handy man.

Collection of Mini Originals
The Pine Island Art Association has their members paint at least 6 "mini's" to donate to the annual art show. The Association mats them and sells them for $10 - Great fund raiser - we love "mini" paintings - we have little wall space left.

Scotty on His Washboard
Scotty owns Coast Connection. He plays in the band, rent the kayacks, sees to the cooler full of beer (available for a donation), and sees to details like tissue in the unisex restroom. The place is amazing.

The Fiddler & I plus Scotty on Washboard
Becky is a riot, she's a talented musician and an artist (I bought a felted purse from her), Patrick is a superb fiddler. They call themselves The Fiddler & I. The genre is mostly folk, Irish, early rock, country! Cool!

Lined Up For Fish Dinners
The shrimpers keep their boats here at Coast Connection. FRESH!

Open Shutters Coast Connection
The band played inside, but those in the parking lot sitting in the sun could hear the music as they basked.

Three Ways to Get Around
The sailboat was coming in through a narrow passage with his sails up. His "mate" handled the tiller, he took down the sails, and the Evenrude never touched the water. Very skilled sailor couple!

Returning From a Watery Weekend
You get to the various islands via water taxis like this.

The New Biria!
This is my Christmas present. Wes found it on-line - it's used and reconditioned. I love it. It fits me perfectly, has hand and coaster brakes, three gears that are a breeze to change into, and a very, very low cross bar.

Pine Island is Growing Ground
Palm plantions abound! Wholesale landscapers can still afford to farm here!

Guest Artist at the Sunday Concert at KOA
These concerts are fun and free! The music ranges from great to hurry up! Mostly great - as with this guest artist from Buffalo.

St. Jude's Trail, St. James City, Pine Island
The signage was confusing, but this little half mile hike through a mangrove forest was worth it.

Jamin' at the KOA
Residents have great band. Free Sunday night concerts called "Friday Night Live!"

Comments

[Jan Castiglione]

Vows
So happy to see this picture. What a magical night! Jan