We reached Fort Myers Wednesday, after spending one night anchored in the Caloosahatchee river at a spot determined by engine failure. Worked out fine though, we were able to get the dogs to shore and stumbled on an off season kids camp. Plenty of room for the dogs to run free. Very nice. Pleasant to anchor for a change, so quiet and peaceful. Lots of pics on the river. Birds galore, no alligators though. Not this year. Too cool and water too high we think.
The next day we limped along, same engine problem, seems better at slower speeds. We arrived in Fort Myers early afternoon and have settled in Legacy Harbour marina. A beautiful marina, well run, nice facilities, nice people. We were able to enlist the help of Rob Brylinski, a marine diesel mechanic who was on site fixing another boat. He was kind enough to come over and listen to our tale of woe. He thinks we have a fuel restriction problem, and gave us several ideas for fixing it.
Very shortly after we arrived a couple appeared at our door, Canadian sailors from Sudbury on a Gem! Brenda and John on "Some Dream". They have a 97 Gemini 105M in absolutely perfect condition. What a lovely boat. Inspired me to clean up the mess and scrub our boat today while Tom golfs. Last night we attended a boater's potluck at the Tiki bar and met more people, including more Canadians. As a matter of fact, Tom ran into someone from his home golf club, Devil's Pulpit and they have gone off golfing today.
We have decided to stay a week. We rented a car yesterday and ran errands, picking up various bits and pieces for the fuel system. That will be today's job I guess. Poor Tom, he has become a diesel mechanic and general fix-it guy despite his best, life long efforts to avoid fixing anything. Not really much choice on a boat.
We will probably give Naples a miss. Tom can drive down to visit his friend Don and get a few golf games in. I will likely come along and get in a shopping day.
Pictures at www.picasaweb.google.com/bcaldoc