Fort Myers     April 10, 2016

We got lucky on our timing crossing Lake Okeechobee.  The wind has been strong since our arrival, white caps off the marina. Waves yesterday in the gulf were to be 5’ to 7’.  We rock here in the marina even though we are at the street side dock.  Gnats are a problem here also, although not as numerous as some spots.  Our location here gives us lots of walking time to the facilities.  We do have the shade of a building until noon.  Unfortunately, the building is being rehabbed and there is construction dirt.  Fort Myers City Marina cannot compare at all with Halifax Harbor in Daytona (also a City marina.)

Thursday is the city's outdoor market day.  The strawberries were wonderful.  One of the vendors has a great deal going.  All the veggies and fruit are in bowls.  Bowls are $3 each.  You can take a bowl and mix it up.   I got a lime, a yellow squash, green pepper, a tomato and an onion for $3. What a great deal, and no waste for me.

Our bike riding has ramped up since docking here.  The first day we rode 5 miles to ACE Hardware to get clamps for the water hoses on the head faucets.  We had a hose pop off on the way to Clewiston and the fresh  water tank emptied.  With the engine running we did not hear the water pump running.  When the tank was filled the water pump would not prime.  Dave worked on it; the motor ran but no pressure.  We were lucky to be in the right spot.  This marina does have a good ships store.  They had the right water pump and Dave also purchased a spare impeller for the raw water pump. We are back pumping! The hoses are double clamped!

Coming back from Ace Hardware we came by the stadium.  (See picture)  The Tabebuia trees are in full bloom.  They are sometimes referred to as trumpet trees due to the flower shape.   We have seen some lavender ones but the yellow is so spectacular.

Yesterday morning we took the bikes to tour a sculpture exhibit around the downtown area.  To see the metal sculptures go to www.allureexhibit.com.  Carmona’s attention to detail is meticulous; as is his sense of humor.  During the afternoon, we took the free trolley around the loop to see the town.  This trolley runs ‘during the season’.  The season ends April 27.

Today our big bike trip was to Publics Market and restock. The Public Store is closer here than in Bradenton.  So on return, all cupboards rearranged as well as the freezer and the icebox.  Those of you who boat  understand that chore.

Dave is planning the next leg of the trip. It looks like an overnight on the hook near Venice and Bradenton the following day.