We took advantage of low airfare ($150 RT on Continental) and our friends' hospitality (we could stay with them at their house in Port Charlotte) and spent a few days in Florida. Although it was still technically spring, there was already a tropical depression, and we got thunderstorms and showers most afternoons, which kind of put a damper on some of our afternoon plans.
Our friends Susan and Peter worked in Kwajalein of the Marshall Islands for 10 years or so, and they have quite a few friends who also worked there during that time period. We met for dinner with Sy and Karen who live in Melbourne, each driving 2+ hours and waiting for an hour to eat at the Olive Garden. We also visited Carita and Emil in Punta Gorda. Our church's (former) interim pastor, Al and his wife Miss Ruth, also came down and stayed a night at the house. Now I know six individuals/families who lived in the Marshall Islands! Who would have guessed.
The Boca Grande beach and lighthouse were as serene as ever. Except there were 30 or so fishing boats waiting for the tarpon run. I found out the channel between Boca Grand and Cayo Costo was very deep and a favorite path for the tarpon. That area is actually known as the Tarpon Capital of the World! (Not sure if it is official, though.) Susan was so enamored with the shells on the beach that she collected quite a few of them.
We took a cruise on the Peace River (which flows into Charlotte Harbor). It was a quiet and restful nature cruise. We did see a huge alligator, several spoonbills, and the usual assortment of egrets, cranes, vultures, and ospreys. At over three hours, the trip was a bit long.
Sanibel Island was also quiet. We did the drive-through of the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This probably wasn't the correct time of the year to visit the place as there were very few cars, and even less wildlife.
It was nice to spend the time down in Florida. Susan and Peter are gracious hosts, and we really enjoyed the visit from Pastor Al and Miss Ruth.
There was a storm in New Jersey (Florida doesn't have the monopoly on storms) and our flight leaving at 8 pm was delayed to about 10 pm. So we gave up our first class seats (upgrade) and took the 5 pm flight which was delayed till 9 pm. I was given a last minute upgrade, and Anne had to suffer in coach (she actually had an empty seat next to her.) Don't feel too bad for her, we are flying to Asia next month, she'll be in business class (at her company's expense), and I'll be in coach.
