Wow!

After sitting for several days at Cape Coral waiting out a "blow", we hoisted the anchor and headed up the ICW to a friends home.....aka....Villa Key West on Pine Island.

Parker and Liz had purchased this breathtaking home about two years ago and were gracious in allowing us to come anchor in front of their home on the ICW and use their home to "re-provision". Every boater delights in the day that they have clean laundry and a full pantry/freezer and refrigerator. I cannot explain how difficult it is to find laundromats and grocery stores that are within walking distance of a dinghy landing.

This little oasis is so breathtaking as it has the views, the screened porch, the pool, the water toys, the Cabana (which they VRBO), the main house which is perfectly appointed and for my enjoyment....2 laundry rooms (one for the main house and one for the Cabana). The landscaping is impeccable which includes a large variety of tropical plants/palms and various other trees to include a rare rainbow eucalyptus tree.

Parker took us on a little tour of Pine Island which included a trip to the French bakery and lunch at the Blue Dog Bar and Grill. Once we finished lunch Parker and Greg headed to pick up the newest toy which was a 37 foot Boston Whaler Outrage with 900hp. Greg would get a ride in the fast lane on the water as they would bring it home and I would then drive to the local Winn Dixie and purchase some provisions for Ti Amo and for dinner.

We all converged about the same time at the house and Parker got to work his magic on the grill with our steaks, sheepshead fish, shrimp and asparagus. Liz warmed some multigrain bread and set our table as I finished up laundry. What a meal we had......complete with Josh Cabernet and a fruit tart from the French bakery.

It was getting late and time to bid farewell. Jaxon had a big day as he had the run of the screened porch area and facilities all day. He would rest well. We make our plan to head a little further north to Pelican Bay as we await the winds from the south tonight along with some thunderstorms.

We will miss this little oasis and our friends but will always keep it on our radar for a place to visit! Thank you Parker and Liz.....we hope to return the favor!