The night was again mild. The sun was again magnificently bright to start but around 8:30 fog like clouds formed but were burned off by late morning. High 70s by mid-day. Another fine day.
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Well today is the tale of two trips - by dinghy. And I have a bunch of photos. Trust you enjoy lots of photos as much a I do.
The sun shown brightly on this first day of daylight savings time - but fog like clouds came in on the southerly winds - sounds just like home in Maine. But fortunately, and unlike Maine, the sun soon battled to the lead and dried out the offending clouds.
We headed for the first adventure of the day - lunch at Cabbage Key Inn - can you guess were it is located? Wow you guys are good - yes it is located on Cabbage Key Island, which is about three miles south of us.
We made it rather quickly in fast mode (about 14 knots) in the dinghy. You can see in the photos below the approach to our destination and the clouds I spoke of earlier.
Shags apparently like to guard entrances to marinas as you can see below. Remember the shag on the sign at Longboat Key as few days ago?
Looking back to Cayo Costa
And we had a welcoming committee greet us. They were most friendly - felt like we were at Walmart! PS Have you heard that Walmart is doing away with greeters? I am disappointed.
The restaurant sits on a nice rise - actually strange for land around here.
It is even a historic location
The island is actually famous for four things. The first is the water tower that you can walk up for a wonderful view ..............
... as you can see from these photos
This is the frame of the water tower that you look through. The water tower - and it is still used - sits a top the tower.
The grounds are very nice
The second thing that it is famous for is its resident colony of Gopher Turtles. As you can see many of them have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles names - too funny. And if you don't know about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles you can look them up here up to complete your understanding of children's favorites 80's characters.
The third thing it is famous for is its open air bar that has thousands of dollar bills stuck to its walls and ceiling. According to the wait staff, approximately $10,000 falls off each year and it is donated to local charity.
And as we came early we were able to get a front row seat on the patio overlooking the bay.
One interesting fact, like Cayo Costa, you can only get to the island by boat - and here comes a boat load now.
And the fourth and most important claim to fame is to be found on the menu. Any guesses as what it may be?
Well some of you got it I am sure, but this is reported to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet's famed "Cheeseburger in Paradise." If is not true then I will have to write my own song since it did seem surreal and like paradise to be enjoying our wonderful lunch in such magical surroundings.
And after lunch it was time to walk around the nature trail. Faye didn't notice the last several lines on the directional map. Just as well - and no we were not graced in meeting the acquiescence of any of the infrequent guests.
You can see that the marina has become very full on our Sunday - apparently we are not the only ones that enjoy a good cheeseburger in a wonderful setting.
Our ride back to the boat is now in nice blue skies with a very little mild breeze.
Back at Cayo Costa there is a beach that many locals come to hang out on. Can you see any interesting thing flying in the breeze? Even in paradise the political winds blow as there were Trump 2020 flags a flying - you can't get away from it can you.
And after a bit of sitting, we are off again for some more hiking (walking really as there is no elevation rise) on Cayo Costa. We took the roadway that went closer to the beach this time. You can see the vegetation is much sparser and scrub like.
There are rustic cabins for rent for camping guests.
And more beautiful flowering cactus.
This is the Gulf of Mexico side of the island - it is beautiful.
And finally back to Home Sweet Floating Home. And we walked at total of 5.77 miles today. Feels really good to be out and about.
And as you can see from the weather conditions back home, we would not be doing much "getting out and about" there.
So having spent another day in Paradise (with a cheeseburger no less) it is time to say ..........
Good Night and May God Bless
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