What did F&O do in San Carlos, FL? It seems like an eon ago, and if this author kept up on the stories this would be much easier. In an effort to keep from boring our readers to death, we shall cover the highlights of the visit and include a boatload of pictures.
Paddleboarding for the very first time. They say that one can stand up on these planks of rocking plastic boards, but that was not to be as sitting down was just peachy keen. While on the tour, F&O were visited by dolphins (could touch them, so close), spent some time on a seashell beach, and had a blast in the sun.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands were on the visitation list. Each had their own vibe, and each had contractors outnumbering the residents and animals as the damage was severe. F&O attempted to go to the beach on Sanibel, however the dynamic and ‘exclusivity’ of the island made this nearly impossible (limited parking, too many people). Captiva was easier to navigate, smaller, and seemed to be more open to visitors. They walked on the beach, ate some pie, and talked to the locals.
Down the road from the RV was a cool breakfast/lunch spot “Mom’s”. They were working out of a FEMA trailer because:
It was a strange experience to be driving down the road and see boats in the bushes. A lot of boats in bushes.
Wonder Gardens was a stop one day. This is a tourist attraction of the oldest variety, with a variety of animals to gawk at, especially birds. Generally, Flynn opposes ‘zoos’, however was assured the critters here we rescued and not releasable, per various government agencies and veterinarians. They spent quite a bit of time talking to a staff member about how they handled hurricanes, moving animals to high ground, stashing them in the admin building and the bathrooms.
Fort Meyers Beach (not to be confused with Fort Meyers) was on the schedule as well. Flynn and Ollie found an accessible huge beach that didn’t require parking dollars and soaked up sun and floated in the gulf waters for a few hours. The mention of parking is relevant as the main parts of this tourist beach/strip was costly. Instead they parked along with many others on a site where a condo complex had stood prior to the hurricanes. Gotta take the good with the bad, right?
The four nights at San Carlos flew by, then it was off to the east to the Florida Keys!
The Jolly Roger RV resort is on Grassy Key (small) and just north of large, fully equipped Marathon Key. Marathon is just about dead center between Key West and Key Largo, making it an ideal place to stage for all the adventures. Flynn and Ollie had 11 glorious days to spend frolicking in the sun, sand and water and they made the most of it. That is, after they repaired the casualty of the trip.
Dry Tortugas National Park had been on their bucket list for years, and having made reservations months in advance, F&O headed out for the 2.5 hour boat ride on the Yankee Freedom. The experience was better than anticipated – the boat provided breakfast and lunch, snorkel equipment with great instructors, tours and history of the property. Flynn and Ollie did it all, and have the SPF long-sleeved t-shirts to prove it. The boat ride back was chill as they sat on the upper deck in the cold ocean spray, and watched our neighbor get seasick. Back on Key West before sunset – which as we all know is the most important time of the day in that town.
Flynn had visions of learning how to stand up on the paddleboard during the stay. A paddleboard and a kayak were rented and delivered to their RV site the second evening they were there, and there they sat for 3 days without use. Why? Because beginners shouldn’t paddleboard when wind is over 8mph. They were sent back, with much regret. Turns out, the wind on the gulf side was strong, but the wind on the ocean (mangrove central) side was not. F&O hotfooted it down to John Pennekamp State Park, rented the same toys for 2 hours and… Flynn promptly fell in the water just trying to sit on the darn board. Ollie was smart and got a kayak. Not deterred, soaking wet, Flynn tried again and got the butt on the board and off they went. A good time was had, albeit a little embarrassing start to the day. Not as embarrasing as for the two guys who tipped over their kayak in the middle of the mangroves and could not get back on. Just sayin’.
Beaches were visited. For the inquiring minds, Sombrero Beach on Marathon was the best swim beach F&O were able to find – quite perfect. They also visited Bahia Honda State Park, The Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, and of course Key West for a day. Ollie spent time fishing. Flynn shopped for surfer bracelets and anklets (new obsession).
Of course there was island food. The goal was to eat nothing but seafood for the duration, although some pork snuck its way in as Cuban food rules in the keys. Stone crab, snapper, shrimp, and mahi mahi were predominant in the F&O diets, ranging from home cooked (seafood markets) to food trucks to sit-down open air restaurants. Did the author mention real Cuban coffee?
The day after Thanksgiving, F&O hung up their towels and headed north. It was hard not to cry. There was not one single disappointment during the time in the Keys. Except not learning to properly paddleboard.
Fin
Flynn