Fishing

Yesterday Jane and I and Trevor and Abby went fishing at a new spot near our house. The day was perfect for fishing, overcast and not too hot. The fish weren't biting too well, but within minutes Abby caught a momma catfish who was about to lay her eggs. She was 18 inches long and about 3 pounds. Abby caught her on a 2lb. test line. The fish fought well and tried to snag the line on the weeds and around the pier pilings. It took a lot of finess and the help of three experienced fishermen to land her. They were pretty embarassed because they hadn't caught anything but a few baby Bluegills all day. They all rubbed her head for luck. Trevor landed a small Largemouth Bass with beautiful markings by himself and Abby caught another baby Bluegill. Abby got the biggest fish of the day. Trevor landed the most beautiful fish and also won the prize for the most patient, handsome, and best dressed ( for his magnificent T-shirt) fisherman of the day. We released all the fish (especially the momma) to live and fight another day. A good time was had by all!!!

Key West Part 2

As Jane and I toured Key West we loved the improvised, Rube Goldbergesque (Jane says "Funky) atmosphere of the buildings and streets. We found ourselves especially drawn to the surprise views of the water around every turn and the gingerbread on so many of the houses. Notice the gingerbread on the last house. Its gingerbread-man gingerbread! We loved the island so much we're thinking of moving here. Jane thinks anyplace you can walk down the street drinking a beer and end up in front of a bar when its finished is as close to paradise as you can get. (We're just kidding about moving... unless we can bring the grandkids with.)

Key West Part 1

Here's a few shots from Key West. Hemmingway's house and the Southernmost Point were definitely highlights.

Key West Express

We arrived at the Key West Express before sunrise, and because we already had our tickets we boarded immediately and got to watch the sun rise over the shrimp fleet... that alone was worth getting up for. Jane enjoyed getting some sun on the rear deck. I slept for about an hour on the way over and was awake to photograph our arrival in Key West 31/2 hours after we left Ft. Myers.

Pelican Antics

This isn't the world's best video, but its the best I could get. I'd wait with my camera poised for 15 minutes with nothing. Then as soon as I'd but it down or go swimming... along would come a pellican. I could watch them all day but not with my camera ready constantly. I have great respect for nature photographers. Bec, maybe you'll have better luck.

Mike Swimming in the Gulf

I love swimming in the Gulf. If I lived here I would definitely do it every day!!!

Captiva Island

Here are some pics of the beach and the pool we visited for the day on Captiva Island. As you can see the weather and the water were absolutely perfect. We enjoyed swimming, walking the beach to collect seashells, watching the pelicans, and having lunch and drinks by the pool. Just another perfect day in paradise!

Doc Ford's

Mom and I ate dinner last night at a restaurant owned and operated by my favorite Florida author, Randy Wayne White. The restaurant is named after the main character in his mystery novels, Doc Ford, who is an ex CIA operator whose cover is marine biologist. He supposedly lives in this area. RWW actually does live on Pine Island. As a former fishing guide he has accumulated a lot of great recipes and the seafood and drinks were absolutely first class. The live music and the view of the shrimp fleet at sunset made for a perfect night.

Waterside Dining

Here's the view from the Nauti Turtle a great little waterside restaurant. We were really jealous of the people who pulled up in their boats to eat dinner there.

Beachside Bar

This is a great little spot right on the beach with live music and the best Rum Runners in town!

Pirate Ship

Lots of pirates down here. Here's one of their ships we spotted from the bech.

Horseshoe Crab

Here's a Horseshoe Crab Mom and I spotted while we were walking on the beach in the evening.

Sunset on the Beach

Everyone loves to gather in "Times Square", or on the pier and the beach itself to view the sunset. It's like a big party and the show is different every night!

A Shady Spot

I love the sun, but it's always good to find a shady spot to take a break. No matter how hot it is here it always seems to be pleasant in the shade. And there's almost always a nice breeze off the Gulf.

Sunset Cloud

More Condo Pics

Hesr are some more pics of our condo including the view west ovet the golf course from our lanai. Its a great place to eat breakfast and read the paper after our morning walk and a great spot to watch the sunsets in the evening and the moonsets in the morning. It's the perfect place to begin and end our days here.