After waiting for this and having to do that we are finally on the water. This past weekend was our first outing other than returning up river from our winter storage and repair center, Island City Harbour in Sabula, Iowa. That day trip was an easy one, about four hours and a two foot lift at Lock and Dam 12. This past weekend was really nice including a short raft ride to visit the Volken's and their crew for a few cocktails.
It was pretty quiet with the exception of the occasional jet ski, ski boat, jet boat, bass boat, or Baja. Once in a while we would get a bit of a rock from their wake, but they're just out have fun doing what they do, just like us. All in all it was relaxing and fun. I even managed to trouble-shoot a lighting issue, which ended with ordering new ones. Boat projects, what would we boaters do without them?
Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, Ky. The sights and sounds are unique that's for sure, with a dress code that covers everything from high society to the rest of us. The cashiers were very patient with novice betters like myself. Let see, to place a bet you need the track name, the type of bet, the number of the horse, and the number of the race,and it's got to be in the right order. It was a big surprise to the four of us that we didn't loose it all. Much to our amazement we actually all either broke even or came out ahead, unless you add in the bourbon consumed and the valet parking. Over all it was a lot of fun. It was a mild day sunny but breezy making it feel a bit on the cool side. The shaded grand stand made it that much cooler as you might imagine. On the other hand the bourbon warmed us from the inside. After cashing in our bet slips and getting our truck from the valet we headed TO Lee's Chicken for a quick bite for dinner. Lee's Chicken is a southern franchise that really serves up great fried chicken. Lee's was first discovered by Tony in Rolla, MS off interstate 44 just west of St. Louis. If you love your fried chicken you need to give them a try. After dinner we returned to our rooms and started putting our toga tying skills to the test in preparation for the Makers Mark toga party that night. I cheated a bit and wore a costume after having a fabric malfunction a toga party years ago ..... apparently it takes a bit more than a twin sheet to tie a toga around a barn, who knew? Sure it's funny now but going to a toga party dressed like a sumo wrestler is a real character builder.
After a few days visiting our friends Jane and Tony at their beautiful new home over looking Bull Shoals Lake, Flippin, Arkansas, the four of us went on a pilgrimage of all things bourbon. During the weekend of April 11th Makers Mark held the 22nd running of the Makers Mark Mile complete with a reception / Toga party the evening of the race. The race was held at the Keeneland race track in Lexington, Ky. about ten hours drive from Flippin, Ar. The ambassadors reception / Toga party was right in downtown Lexington about a half a block from our hotel. I'm guessing that nearly half of the 800 to 1000 people wore their togas with gusto. I think more people would have but the night temperatures dipped down into the upper 30's. It's a good thing bourbon has a warming affect. On that Saturday we loaded up and headed west to Loretto, Ky. to tour the the Makers Mark Distillery, drink samples, and dip our bottles in the trademark red wax. The tour was interesting but there were lines every where we went because so many ambassadors were in the area for the weekend. With our freshly dipped bottles in hand we got back on the road to Paduach, Ky. to rest up for the drive home. If your ever in Paduach and looking for a great steak you half to try Logan's. just a couple blocks west from interstate 24 on Hwy. 61.
Fishing the White river just below the dam at Bull Shoals Arkansas with Tony. We had a great time on the river and guessed that we hauled in about 40 to 50 Rainbow trout while out for a half day trip. We booked a local guide to put us on the fish and he did. We were fishing with Tim "Hotdawg" Curtis of www.hotdawgguideservice.com. Please check out his web site to see some really amazing fish. We caught our trout on a single hook rigged with a power egg and a few pieces of canned corn. A number 8 egg sinker was just enough to get our rigs down to the bottom where the fish were tucked in out of the fast current. We would drift over a stretch of water with gravel bars on the bottom to pick up our fish. Most of the fish were 14 to 16 inches.
As previously mentioned Lisa and I detoured out to Sanibel and Captiva the day before our Fort Myers Beach trip do to the traffic. To get out to the islands just pickup County Rd. 867 in Punta Rassa which will take you over San Carlos Bay via the Sanibel Causewat Blvd. Once your on the island you can choose left for Sanibel or go right to tour Captiva.
Because there is just so much to pass along about this destination for cyclists, beach comers, hikers, camper, surfers and much much more I enlisted so help from a online Florida travel guide for the islands.
Captiva Island and Sanibel Island Florida are a Gulf Coast Paradise. Captiva cottages sanibel island fishing, and world-class shelling are just the start. Nearby Ft. Myers and Naples offer golf, museums, cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Geography and tides make these islands famous as some of the world's best shelling grounds. Even beginners can find exquisite conchs, whelks, and coquinas, especially after storms, although go for the empties: it is illegal to take live shells from beaches.
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel displays more than a million shells from around the world. Exhibits feature displays of tribal art, sailor art, fossil shells, and medicinal mollusks.
On both islands the majority of land is preserved in their natural state as wildlife refuges, and are favorites of bird watchers. Noisy personal watercrafts are prohibited here.
Ponce de León is said to have named the larger of these two barrier islands "San Ybel," after Queen Isabella of Spain. Sanibel Island is accessible from the mainland via the Sanibel Causeway.
Along Periwinkle Way, the main drag, you’ll find art galleries, shell shops, open-air shopping complexes, one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants under a thick canopy of flowers and shady ficus, whispery pines and gnarled oaks. For an alternative to hotels, look into Florida-style cottages at Sanibel's Seaside Inn, Island Inn, Waterside Inn, and Shalimar.
The Sanibel Historical Village & Museum includes a 1913 home, a1926 General Store with antique gasoline pumps, and Miss Charlotta's Tea Room.
Popular beaches include Gulfside Park and Old Lighthouse Beach.
The 94-foot Sanibel Lighthouse dates back to 1884, and features a wildlife refuge, fishing pier, nature trail, and restrooms.
Tarpon Bay Beach provides excellent swimming. The island’s most secluded beach is Bowman's Beach, on Sanibel's northwest end.
The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club offers an 18-hole course, seven clay tennis courts, and pro lessons. Luxurious spa treatment packages are available at the Sanibel Harbor Resort & Spa.
A good half of Sanibel is take up by the 6300-acre J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Birdwatchers come to see roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, great blue herons, ibises, and white pelicans. You can ride, walk, bike, canoe, kayak, or take an open-air guided tram through the lush ecosystem, which also features alligators, bison, panthers, manatees, loggerhead sea turtles, bald eagles, and even crocodiles.
Cross the bridge at the north end of Sanibel to reach Captiva Island. Legend says Captiva’s name came from women held captive here by notorious pirate Jose Gaspar. Here lush vegetation of Key lime, coconut palms, and Australian pines hide palatial private estates. On the south end of the island, Turner Beach has good surfing and excellent sunset views.
While walking the beachs of Captiva I was able to capture a rare photo of a Flatlander Beach Bunny in Florida
One of the last days of our recent Florida trip Lisa and I managed to get out to Ft. Myers Beach. To get there just get on Hwy 865 and follow the bumper to bumper traffic. Our first attempt the day before was foiled by the traffic so we detoured to Sanibel Island and Captiva, more to follow. On this particular day the traffic seemed to be moving a bit better, probably because we were about an hour earlier. Parking on the other hand is a different story but we spied a spot in a restaurant / bar parking lot from the bridge while creeping into town in traffic. Yes we needed a parking spot and we were parched and it just so happens we new the drinks were good at this haunt as we had been there when bringing Aqua Villa home from Forida. Once replenished with tropical libations and seafood snacks we were off to the beach. While we technically didn't step on the beach we did stroll out the board walk to take in the view. I will say that a twenty mph wind and cool water didn't stop the spring breakers from getting the most out of the vacations. Now, before you go all bongo, wongo Lisa, love of my life and chief photo editor had the camera for most of the day so the girls gone wild shots will have to wait. For the ladies there were plenty of shirtless hard bodied young men to admire and for the guys it was like living life from inside a Venus swimsuit catalog. The only down side was,I think I may have sun burnt my eyeballs a bit. Oh to be young again and full of energy. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't been cruising the depths of the north Atlantic when I was their age I would have been right there with them. You just have to trust me there's not a lot of beaches in Scotland,and even if there were I just can't picture those Scottish lasses playing beach volley ball in thong bikinis with unshaven underarms. Sorry for that visual. Back on the main drag we searched through the shops to find the usual vacation T-shirts. When our shopping urge was fulfilled we decided to quench our thirst one last time before heading back to the mainland.
Aqua Villians on Vacation Moose and Lisa/Beach Monitor
The day of our arrival in Ft. Myers, Legacy Harbour Marina we were greeted with hugs, laughs, and generous libations from our friends Rick and Pam aboard the Tourist and their guests, and mutual friends Mike and Nancy Flanagan. After a welcome cocktail or three and introductions to the B dock contingent during dock-tails we were off to Joe's Crab Shack. Joe's Crab Shack is very close, about 200' right next to the marina making it the perfect stumble in and stumble out eatery if you don't feel like testing your DUI skills. Besides the great location right on the water they offer a large selection of seafood, sandwiches, appetizers, and two for one cocktails during happy hour. The end of our travel day from Ft. Lauderdale to Ft. Myers was topped off with some very appreciated foot rubs for the girls and it was time for bed, I found the salon sofa to fit just right. The other nice thing about sleeping in the salon is your all set for morning coffee without moving from your bed.
If your looking for a great meal in downtown Ft. Myers you can't go wrong with the Morgan House. The Morgan House Restaurant and trading post is one of downtown Ft. Myers oldest landmarks, converted from a private home in 1923. The old Florida setting is casual and offers great local flavor. Everything from soup to steak its all great.
An other restaurant on the water is Marker 92 at the new Tarpon point Marina and development. The first thing to catch your eye are the teak and holly floors in the main dinning area. Next you catch the aromas from the fire grill in the open style galley. Some of their signature salads come to the table in a extra large clear poly drink shaker with your choice of ingredients inside. Table side they add your dressing and shake it to mix and serve it onto a large plate. I had their grass fed beef frank with sweet potato fries and it was excellent. This fire grilled dog didn't even need a topper, perfect. They serve a pretty good mojito too. The day we were there we arrived by boat, it was sunny but breezy which always make docking the boat a challenge but Capt. Rick made it look easy as always. The rest of the day was spent leisurely cruising back to Legacy Marina and with the sun out it was really nice. After dock-tails where the B dock boaters congregate, ruminate, and flat out tell stories over drinks we ventured out to sample the local Mexican fare at Cantina Laredo. At Cantina Laredo they make your guacamole fresh table side with whatever you want mixed in and serve it with homemade chips. I have to say fresh is best. Their menu offers something for everyone and the Cabo Wabo margarita's were quite tasty. To finish off they serve a cinnamon spice coffee with a good selection of fantastic deserts. For breakfast or lunch try to find a First Watch Restaurant the daytime cafe. This was a first for Lisa and I and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. They have a friendly staff great food and they always try to have somethings that you just wouldn't think of. We ate at First Watch several times in Ft. Myers and enjoyed our meals every time.
If you dream about barbecue like I do you must try Rib City. Lisa and I had ribs a few times and found their style mighty savory. They don't quite match up to Moose's ribs, but they place well and their barbecue baked beans speak for themselves, no pun intended. All in all they put out a good plate of food at a good price.
I just can't have a post that glimpses into Ft. Myers restaurants without saying Carrabba's Italian Grill. If you want Italian food prepared in a traditional Italian style you have got to go. I could go on and on about the steak marsala that melts in your mouth, or the perfectly prepared seafood, but it's just easier for you to browse their website and drool. I will say this, lemonchello bread pudding with rich vanilla ice cream and cappuccino for desert, yum, yum, yum. Lisa and I finished our dinners and desert but had wine left. Not to worry in Florida they pop the cork back in tightly and seal it in a sealed clear bag so you can take it home. If you find your self in the Ft. Myers area and can't get into Carrabba's may I suggest Sasse's Italian Restaurant. Sasse's is well known for satisfying droves of customers with its heaping portions of delicious cuisine. Offering all the Italian favorites, like scaloppini, prosciutto, angel air pasta, Sasse's defines the idea of Italian food in Ft. Myers. Jerry and Barbara really treat you like family! A young chef, trained at Johnson and Wales Culinary Institute is turning out fabulous cuisine and it tastes as good as good,..... better than it looks. And It looks beautiful.
Our latest trip to Florida seemed at times to be a tour of restaurants. Between Ft. Lauderdale and Ft. Myers we had the opportunity to visit favorites from past trips and sample some new eateries. First, I have to say the one of the best breakfasts that can be found in Ft. Lauderdale is at a diner on hwy. 84 called Lester's. Lester's has been serving up great food since 1967 and is conveniently right across the street from Boat Owners Warehouse a great place to shop for all of your boating needs.
After a great breakfast we did our best to help the local economy with stops at the Ft. Lauderdale Galleria, Bluewater Charts, and the local West Marine store. The great thing about Ft. Lauderdale is the relative close proximity of shops of all kinds, beaches, and great food. Nothing gets your appetite primed like power shopping and we new just where to go to get lunch. The 15th Street Fishery located at the Ft Lauderdale Marina is a great place to get lunch. We like this place because your right on the ICW (Intercoastal Waterway) just north of the 17th street bridge and you can watch the boats going up and down as your have a bite. This is all so one of the many stops for the water taxi. Did I mention that the food was great and their long island ice tea is one of the better I have sampled. For dinner the first night in town we opted for something simple at Waxy O'conners just across the street from our hotel. We really didn't know what to expect and were pleasantly surprised. My fish and chips were as good as my memory serves from when I was in Scotland in the navy and Lisa's baja fish wrap was good to. Why she ordered a baja fish wrap in a irish pub I will never figure out. They had a good selection of wine to choose from and the Jameson and Guinness were great to boot. Sorry no photo of Waxy's, first night in town after a hellish travel day. For our evening meal we chose Casablanca Cafe because it's a no brainer. Simply put I don't know if a better dinning experience could be found. The food and the service here is top notch all the way. Lisa especially liked the truffle oil in the clarified butter served with her crab. All this while looking out to the ocean right a crossed the street. Had it been warmer and less windy would have tried to get second floor outdoor veranda seating that offers even better views. Everything on their menu sounds so good my mouth is watering just thinking about it but I had to have the roasted Black Grouper just like the time before. Another great place to dine on the ocean side is a place called Trina in the Atlantic Hotel. The valet parking is a great help when your in that area and is validated by the restaurant. This an upscale trendy place that serves Moroccan and Mediterranean style cuisine. Unlike the Casablanca Cafe Trina requires a reservation. The good news is, you can make your reservation online and get a conformation before you travel. Our waiter was kind enough to snap a picture of Lisa and I after our meal. After a great meal It's time to head over to the Florida Cigar Comp. Lounge for an after dinner cocktail and a good smoke. They have a great selection of cigars and a very friendly staff to make your evening complete. They have a great website with up coming events and entertainment. I think you can find them at floridacigarcomp.com on Google This pretty well wraps up The Ft. Lauderdale dinning experience. Next up Ft. Myers and more to eat.
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