Yak Attack



Something Like This Maybe

 Awoke earlier just around 12:30 a.m. with renewed thoughts of getting that kayak to put on the top of the Jeep just for places like this -- and some lakes or streams in Colorado.  Googled some kayak dealers in the Ft. Myers area and looked over some selection of Ocean Kayaks or fishing kayaks -- ready to stop at a couple places on the "mainland" to begin the search (on my way to Sanibel Island).  It is some 36 miles around to get to Sanibel Island and Google says a little over an hour each way (probably because of all the stop lights and small roads with low speed limits).

Maybe I will take one out for a spin at some place off of this not even quaint or friendly island -- most likely spot seems to be Bunche Beach just before going across the causeway to Sanibel Island.  That way I can see if I can handle one of the 11 or 12 footers that would fit nicely on my Jeep -- then, hope the stock market treats me favorably for a couple days to cover the costs.  Making a list of all the accessories (maybe even a GPS and fish finder) to get it outfitted properly -- sand colored "Prowler 11T Kayak Angler" looks like a good one (if it comes with rod pods) and it is trans-ducer friendly.  Wonder how much good a wind-sock is like the one on the kayak I saw at Fiesta Key?  Will have to read his blog to see what I can learn from him and his travels.

On this note, for those of you interested in reading his blog, his name is Josh Tart and his blog is http://www.paddleforwells.com/.  Thanks to Mike Holland in PEI for digging this out as I attempted but, didn't catch up with Josh before I left Fiesta Key and his kayak was still there the morning I left (minus his fishing poles and video camera it seemed).

One thing I recalled (when I awoke earlier too) on my journey back to the mainland from Fiesta Key is meeting this guy at the Racetrack gas station in Homestead -- I had just turned onto FL 997 from the Overseas Highway and parked on the shoulder to scope out the layout of the gas station to see where their diesel pumps were located, when this rather scrufty and scrawny guy came down the grassy hillside by the station as I stepped out of the Winnebago.  He came to beg for a few dollars to get him some gas so he could drive down the overseas highway to Big Pine Key where he worked as a shrimp boat sailor -- I looked him straight in the eyes (while he showed me his scars on his arms) and his eyes were the color of the light greenish (turquoise) color of the water in the Keys.  He acknowledged that no one else had looked him straight in the eyes -- Whoa!  What they missed.  I gave him about a third of my laundry change and he blessed me (maybe a seaman's blessing).  Hope he brings me good luck on my kayak hunt -- and the stock market too.

So, now to go back for a little more sleep and see what additional thoughts I will awake with -- Good night to all and good fishing (or hunting).  Will let you know later about Sanibel Island and if the beaches there are really "shell-lined" and worth the stop.

Pine Island - No Fisherman's Paradise

Pine Island KOA - decent space

Well, after dealing with a minor flood in my townhouse this morning, I drove to the southern tip of this island and then later to the northern tip of the island and found this to be the most "Visitor Unfriendly" places I have been to in Florida -- office person calls it a "Highly Protected" island but, the lack of public access to any of the waterfront is way overdone and hard to believe taxpayer dollars would even pay for the maintenance of roads to nothing but private residences, nurseries, farms and restaurants.

No parking along any roads near the water and everything that looks open is marked "Private Property" or "Tow Away Zone".  Too bad I couldn't get into Periwinkle Park on Sanibel Island because that apparently is the island with access to beaches and waterfront -- have to go back to the mainland and circle back around to the south to get there (maybe 30 or 40 miles each way).  This place is tauted as a "Fisherman's Paradise" in their advertisements but, that is only true if you have a boat or want to pay for a charter (seemingly are somewhere else too -- maybe Sanibel Island or in Fort Myers Beach).

Missing Fiesta Key

However, if you like going to Lazy Flamingo Restaurants, there are four in the area -- one on the northern end of Pine Island, two on Sanibel Island and one at Ft. Myers Beach (Whoopie).  Maybe the drive around to Sanibel Island will prove to be worthwhile and get me to some fishing spots -- otherwise, I guess I will be hanging out at the pool and feeding the cats some tuna fish (wouldn't waste my money on buying fish at the local markets -- might risk getting a ticket for parking in the wrong spot).

Too bad I had to leave Fiesta Key (do need to get to Denver by May).

Next to last day - Full time Kayaker

Picked up a couple dozen shrimp early this morning in case the latest invasion of scouts were to take them all before I got some -- then, dropped the bait bucket with the shrimp in the canal by the bridge along with a chum bag I had set up.  While getting those set and tied to the bridge, I met a kayaker who has been out since July paddling from Cincinnati, Ohio -- down the Ohio River and over to the Tennessee River, connecting to the Intracoastal waterway.  He had just paddled across the Florida Bay yesterday from Flamingo in the Everglades -- a 27 mile stretch of water, mosquitos and shallow water.  Certainly makes RVing look like the life of luxury by comparison.

My Gin and Tonic

I went looking for the kayaker at Sunset Point and to the Cantina afterwards to get his name and his blog information but, couldn't find him so will continue the search tomorrow morning -- hope I catch him before he heads to Key West (his next destination from what I learned while talking to him this morning).  He had stopped here to do laundry and get cleaned up -- think he took a swim in the pool too from what I could tell when I last saw him (as I attempted to catch more Snappers).

Couldn't resist trying to catch those more hard to find "keepers" as I had seen a small school of large ones under the bridge when I talked to the kayaker (name to come, I hope).  Came back for my fishing rod and immediately hooked a really nice keeper (compared to the numerous runts lately) but, he flopped off as soon as he hit the top of the rocks near the bridge before I could get my hands on him.  The commotion seemed to scare off the rest of the school and I left with only the vision of that 12 or 13 inch fish being so close.  Only thing I could catch after that were two ugly, large Puffers which at least were entertaining enough to watch when they puffed up to the size of a cantalope -- fun to throw them back in the water and watch them float upside down until they deflated themselves and swam back to the bottom.

More small Snappers completed my two trips to fish the canal -- between getting things ready for my departure from Fiesta Key on Monday morning.  Brushed the outdooor carpet, rolled it up and stowed it away, put away the small grille and a couple of the chairs, stowed my printer in the travel location and cleaned, straightened the mud flap I had to take off in Key Largo.  Now cooking a pot of brown rice with onions, peppers and tomatoes to go with one of the Snappers cooked last night.  More wine and just chilling out for the evening as I wait for the rice to finish cooking.  Cheers to you all and hope you have a great weekend -- I am for sure.


Threat of Thunderstorms tonight.


Threat of rain had me attempting to get outdoor things cleaned and stowed before they could get wet and require extra drying time or have to be put away wet.

Leaving Fiesta Key

After spending most of the morning yesterday trying to get a spot reserved somewhere on the Gulf Coast, I finally settled on Pine Island, St. James City, Florida -- tried to get into Turtle Beach Campground (my first choice) but, they wouldn't even answer my calls (3 or 4) and finally their voice message said they had "No Vacancies" so, attempted three more places closer to Sarasota and Siesta Key ("Whitest Sand Beaches in the U.S. according to a neighbor and friend).  Holiday Cove in Cortez had an opening from Mar 1st to the 9th;  Punta Gorda was full until April; and Periwinkle Park only had an opening for Mar. 4th to the 7th with a possible "Causeway" spot (1 of 4) available without electric.

Rather than taking one of those 4 spots on the causeway at Periwinkle and risking the possibility of running the batteries down, I settled on Pine Island even though they only have 30 amp service -- it's close to Sanibel Island's "shell-lined" beaches and is tauted as a "Fisherman's Paradise" (some of Florida's best Tarpon fishing -- not good eating though -- haven't told Tiger and Molly).  Hopefully, I'll catch something edible for all three of us.

Didn't take any pictures yesterday as I worked through the details of where I will be heading after leaving Fiesta Key and then went fishing in the nearby canal at the marina -- had to drive over to the nearest bait shop as the store here had no "live shrimp" to entice the Mangrove Snappers.  I caught over 2 dozen snappers but, all were too small and the biggest thing I got into my bucket was a big Pin Fish -- ended up realeasing it later.  I did however have an exciting moment when I hooked into an 18 inch Barracuda and nearly had him up onto the pier before he pulled free -- beautiful fish but, again not really edible as it is at the top of the food chain and carries some disease (which I will have to look up as I forgot what it is).

Made it to Sunset Point last night but, didn't take my camera as the sky seemed really clear and didn't anticipate a colorful picture -- hoped the "Green Flash" would appear and thought to keep my eyes focused intently for that split-second occurence -- the guy next to me even mentioned he had seen it this past Wednesday evening for the first time in a couple years (think I skipped sunset point that evening).  You can probably guess what happened -- more little clouds appeared just as the sun dipped to touch the horizon so, no Green Flash.  There's still tonight and tomorrow night here at Fiesta Key -- and then, the Gulf Coast.

Will start getting the RV ready today and tomorrow for an early drive up the Keys and back to mainland U.S. (until I get to Pine Island) -- maybe some late evening fishing after sunset tonight.

Dash to the Airport(s)

Early Wake-up Call

Wednesday morning started early with us getting up at 5:00 a.m. and leaving Fiesta Key by 5:30 to get Laura to Miami airport for her 9:00 a.m. flight back to VA -- followed by an extended trip up to Ft. Lauderdale airport for Tim's 1:30 p.m. flight back to Denver.  We arrived at Miami airport a little before 8:00 a.m. so, the traffic wasn't quite as bad as it could have been coming from the Keys but, the driving definitely had me a bit blurry-eyed and longing for a brief nap in the car after arriving at the Ft. Lauderdale airport and getting Tim to a breakfast table in the airport.

Tim at Blue Heaven



Laura enjoying the shade of our Palm tree at Key West



Southernmost Point of U.S.

Guess I should have broken the days down into individual stories and entries in my blog so I could have injected more pics but, hope these will supplement the previous entries.

Tim at the "marker"

Just another sunset without Tim and Laura

Made it back to Fiesta Key around 12:42 p.m. Wednesday afternoon and immediately needed a nap to start recovering from a throughly wonderful visit from Tim and Laura -- wore me out but, really loved having them here and miss them.  See them again in Denver for Tim's wedding in May -- unless they either want to join me again as I start the journey around the Gulf Coast.  Next stop is Pine Island Resort in St. James City.

Fruity Feasting at Fiesta Key

Last Saturday, I woke early and did a little walk about as I thought about the arrival of Tim and Laura later in the day at Miami Airport.  As it turned out, Tim called a little later in the morning to let me know he would be arriving 4 hours earlier at 6:15 pm instead of the 10:30 pm time he first informed me of -- phewie, that was good news.  That would have put us back at Fiesta Key in the early morning or middle of the night.

I left Fiesta Key around 3:00 pm and on the way had decided I should stop at the local favorite fruit stand (Robert is Here) in Homestead to stock up on some of their exotic fruits (they close at 7:00 pm and we could not get there in time otherwise).  Also, made a quick stop at Walmart in Homestead before the additional hour of driving to the airport -- made it into the parking garage as Tim was arriving.  He seems so much taller than me now as my "old age shrinking" seems to be accelerating -- maybe it's that extra long hair he has now too (reminds me of my younger days of more hair, long hair and perms) -- chuckle, chuckle.

An hour or so later, Laura arrived on her Delta flight at the other side of the airport -- Tim and I had already taken the walkways and stairs or elevators around to await her arrival.  She was beaming and radiant as she joined us there -- both had big smiles and perhaps tickling thoughts of the warm weather they came to enjoy.  Both too were wearing slightly warmer clothes for the climes they had left behind.

After another quick stop at the Walmart in Homestead (bathroom stop for the old man), we continued the trip back here to Fiesta Key and arrived around 10:30 pm -- much better than the 1:00 am time I had orignally thought we'd be arriving.  On the way, we enjoyed some of the sliced Mango from Robert's while catching up on the latest news from each other as we drove through the dark night on the Keys (thinking of getting to bed and getting rested for the few short days ahead).

We decided to stay close to the RV park Sunday and walked about after a blueberry pancake breakfast -- made with gluten free bisquick we had picked up at Walmart the night before.  Then, we headed over to nearby Anne's Beach on the other side of the Channel Five bridge -- stopped on the way at the fishing bridge to show them where I had fished some of the days and evenings.  Didn't remember to take my camera to Anne's Beach so, didn't get pictures of us just lazing around on towels and blankets as we caught up on some Zees and waded the shallow waters just off the beach (didn't get a picture too of Tim up in the nice tree we had laid our towels next to).

We headed back to Fiesta Key and the RV mid afternoon for a small cookout of burgers and hot dogs (turkey and chicken dogs).  Later, we made it to Sunset Point that first evening and enjoyed a nice fish dinner afterwards with lots of the abundant fruit as a sort of desert -- think Tim and Laura really enjoyed the fruit and the varied selection (looked forward to another stop there the next day to restock).

We decided that Monday, we would go to the Everglades for the morning and then head to Little Havanna in Miami for the afternoon -- stopping of course, at Robert's for a fruit smoothie (I rested my eyes in the car while they waited in line for the popular smoothies).  As usual, the Royal Palm stop in the Everglades provided the best wildlife though, this time there were not the usual 2 dozen or more alligators at their picnic spot -- seems there was a lot more water from the recent rains and maybe that dispersed the gators to spots farther away from us gawking spectators.  Still enjoyed the walk around the Anhinga Trail so Tim and Laura could get their own look at the beauty of the flora and fauna -- Tim liked the trees again.

Should have taken a picture of Robert's and maybe Little Havanna but, will keep the pictures in my mind.  We did enjoy some good Cuban sandwiches and shared three different ones after doing the walk of the Latin Stars -- and getting two Cuban cigars to enjoy later in the evening (while star gazing and getting a lesson in constellations from Laura's iphone).  Now I have a few more stars or constellations to recognize whenever I look up from some beautiful spot along my continuing journey and remembering that evening with Tim and Laura -- may have to get a couple more cigars somewhere along the way too.

We decided that Tuesday would be the day to visit Key West (mine and Laura's first time there) and we got an early start with the plan to get a brunch there in the old town section.  Laura again used her iphone to identify a nice little place (Blue Heaven, I think it was) where we enjoyed the gardens and quaint, rustic surroundings with wandering roosters scurrying under the tables and around people's feet and legs.  After a scrumptuos breakfast, we headed for the "Southermost Point" of the continental U.S. for a quick photo-op and then on to "Smathers Beach" for some more sunbathing (on a real sand beach) under our very own Palm shade-tree -- Tim didn't try to climb this one.

Afternoon delight time followed at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville where we each enjoyed a drink and I just couldn't quite finish my cheeseburger -- a few bites shy and a half dozen fries left begging.  I of course, had on my Jimmy Buffet Christmas shirt (compliments of Tim, Kathryn and Laura) and the gift certificate to cover the drinks.

Made it back to Fiesta Key for another sunset and enjoyed a few of the snacks provided by the campground before cooking a couple of those steaks Laura had sent for my birthday (and I decided to save for their visit) -- followed by another fruit feast (that still left me with an abundance of fruit to enjoy over the following days).

Sunrises and Sunsets -- In Betweens

Did manage to get some early morning shots off the point of the marina while I scouted to see if any feeder fish (Mullet) were around or moving out of the harbor -- didn't see them this morning but, had seen a school one morning this week that had to be in the high hundreds or a thousand or more (it took a couple minutes for the school to pass in front of me as I watched from the point).

Charley's Boat

Now getting dark here and the weekenders have been arriving since late afternoon -- families with kids filling the section just on the other side of the road in front of the section where I'm parked.  Took pictures of the empty section this morning, after being cleared by all the wind-surfing group -- club from Tallahassee, FL.

Tried fishing the canal again this morning and this afternoon -- only continued into the afternoon after getting one keeper in the morning (had to go back for another dozen shrimp after taking a break and getting another load of laundry in the washer/dryer unit).

Suset still didn't produce that "Green Flash" but, there were some tasty horsdeovres including a chicken and crab roll with pecans that one of the camp store workers (Linda) had made from scratch -- would like to have brought that home with me for snacking later this evening.

Tim and Laura will be flying into Miami tomorrow night and it will be nice to have their company -- soo looking forward to their visit over the holiday weekend.  By the way, Happy Friday to all of you still working and hope your week went well and that you have a great weekend -- Know, I will.

Day On the Water -- Another Beautiful Day

Not worth mentioning anything about Valentine's Day since I had no cutie at my side or family nearby to acknowledge it happened -- other than another sunset and still no green flash hit my eyes.  Last night, I decided to make a French Martini for the gathering at Sunset Point and would like to share it with you -- whenever you might stop by (will have to get more Whipped Cream Vodka so let me know, please).  Did get an invitation right after the sunset last night to join my next door neighbor (Charley) and another camper (Bill) on Charley's boat for a day of fishing -- gladly accepted (even though I had planned an evening of fishing after sunset).  I caught 10 Mangrove Snappers last night and released all ten of them -- too small (though one may have been a squeaker decided not to keep him).

Today's outing on Charley's boat could only have been better if the season on Groupers wasn't closed.  I caught at least three -- one Black, one Red and one Grey.  Bill caught the biggest fish -- another huge Grouper about 2 feet long and he caught a Spanish Mackerel as well as other Grunts, Runners and the only keeper Yellowtail Snapper.  He had another really big Spanish Mackerel on and it got off before I could get to his side of the boat with the landing net.  I had something really big on my pole too and it turned me around and twisted me hard enough that I fell into the back end of the boat -- hitting my head and shoulders on the boat -- even though I held onto the rod, it broke the line and all as it tore across the back end of the boat and the twin motors.  One or two others got away too which had me wishing I could have brought them in -- maybe big Spanish Mackerel.  Cooking two of the large Grunts now for dinner -- they're bigger than any of the Mangrove Snappers I've caught here at the canal of the campground.

The wind was a bit more than we had anticipated and some of the swells made it difficult to stand and fish without falling overboard.  One huge Rogue Wave washed over the bow as I attempted to set the anchor and it nearly threw me off the bow and into the forward area -- the wave broke a couple feet above the bow and totally soaked me -- good thing I had the anchor rope firmly in my hands.  I almost dried out by the time we made it back to Fiesta Key's marina and harbor.  Charley promises another trip with Bill before we all leave here by the end of the month -- bait is already in the freezer and we'll only need more shrimp to catch those Snappers (hopefully we'll find a less windy day too).

Monday The 13th -- War on Mildew

Made it to Sunset Point a bit late to get the best shots of a colorful sky and clouds -- sun completely gone behind the clouds once again and the elusive green flash remains on the list of "Things to See" (someday).  Half of my day was consumed by the arduous and heartbreaking task of digging through a lifetime of stamp collecting materials which I had mistakenly (or stupidly) thought to be safely tucked away in one of those secret compartments in the master bedroom.

The "Yuengling" box and numerous folders, albums, glassines, folders and mini-storage albums from my dad's life of stamp collecting had to be inspected and opened to air-dry -- some things will have to be "steamed" apart in the weeks and months ahead when I make any lengthy stops along my winding route(s) but, with some luck the worst has been avoided.  The Yuengling box, many of the brown folders, one of the stamp album covers and some pages from the same album (foreign collection) didn't survive but, they may have soaked up much of the moisture that otherwise would have destroyed the remaining materials -- so glad I had remounted and relocated that postcard collection of Grandma Cunningham's to an overhead book compartment.  Thinking now that I need some more small plastic bins and dessicant packs for additional protection in any compartments to avoid future incidents like this.

Will spend this morning getting rid of the mildew in that secret compartment and tuck things away in dresser drawer bottoms temporarily while drying out the carpeted space -- get those plastic bins as well.  For the time being, that roll of wax paper will be put to use in these early hours of darkness.

Had a late dinner last night and had cooked the last three fish caught on Sunday (I think) so, have two more fish dinners ready for tonight (Tuesday, Right?) and tomorrow night.  Tiger and Molly got their usual share last night and were both on my bed until I got up a little early this morning.

Only fished a couple hours yesterday afternoon and only caught one of those Lizard fish and a Grunt.  The winds had died down then but, the coolness of the air and the colors of the sunset had me quitting early with little activity from the targeted Mangrove Snappers -- besides I had cleaned enough fish for the day (Sunday's catch that had been kept on ice).

Still No Green Flash

Although one woman behind me claimed she saw the green light, the guy with her insisted it was just the "dirty" martini and nothing more.  Stopped fishing early enough to get the camera and go to Sunset Point just in case my eyes or camera might see the phenomenon -- Superman didn't show up either (or Superwoman).

So, I went back to fishing for a little while to see if I could catch one more keeper to go with the one I caught before sunset -- managed to get lucky and catch one just under 12 inches to go with the earlier 10 incher (Mangrove Snapper).  Another guy fishing on the pier with his kids gave me another fish he caught which turned out to be a Sheepshead.



Best of the Day -- for me



Sheepshead

As you can see the fish have been put on ice until tomorrow morning -- probably late morning when the temps get into the 60s (supposed to be 55 tonight).  My toes are cold still from standing on the pier with just sandals and wind whipping the water -- should have a hot toddy or a little brandy.  First, some popcorn.

Just Another Sunset at Fiesta Key

It's a Pontberry Martini

Well, it's a lot more breezy here this evening but, the sun nearly made it to the horizon until the clouds once more took away the chance of seeing that "green flash" we all have yearned to see -- one short second is all it lasts so we need to pay attention.

Unless we are having martinis or fishing into the evening (as I have done on at least one occasion).

Today, with the wind blowing steadily, I managed to catch three more keepers and sent three back to get bigger -- didn't fish until this afternoon as I did some house (motorhome) cleaning.  I did go up earlier this morning to check my bait bucket and see if my shrimp had lived the night -- seemed half were missing and when I checked again later, someone had taken the lid off and taken all the shrimp (suspected it was one of the youngsters and had some confirmation from one other camper of that).

What's in the bucket?

Most of the wind-surfing group has packed up and headed back to the Tallahassee area, though a half dozen or so were having their last martinis together at Sunset Point -- should be much quieter this evening (except for the gusty winds).

Another Sunset at Fiesta Key

And another day of fishing in the canal -- winds still pushing showers through all day long and again this morning (did see some sun a little while ago but, the light rain is falling again).

Managed to catch four keepers yesterday (one less than the limit of 5 per person per day) so, there are two in the freezer and two marinating in the fridge -- with one already cooked from night before ready to warm up for this evening.  My first shrimp (one of the smaller ones) landed me the biggest Mangrove Snapper to date of approx. 13 inches -- had my heart pumping to get that guy out of the water and into my bucket (could barely get my hand around its body to hold him while getting the hook out).  Also, caught another 4 or 5 that I had to release -- adding to the fun of the day.

Made a trip earlier in the day to Marathon to the south and stopped at the Home Depot there to get an outdoor carpet to cover the ground outside my RV as I get ready for Tim and Laura's visit over President's Day weekend.  I'll have to breakdown some of the kitty-cat play house structures at the end of next week to make room for the futon bed to fold down and give son and daughter a place to sleep for each.  So looking forward to some company and know that Tiger and Molly will probably just go crazy having them here as well.

Rain has stopped for time being so, will make a trip to the marina to see if Mama and baby Manatee show up this morning -- remember to take my camera too (forgot the last time they showed up).