Tortuga Tour Special Edition, Days 12-20: Ft. Myers Sojourn

Ft. Myers Sojourn

Betty Lou and her crew made an extended visit in Ft. Myers–the first time Fred and Sue had been able to visit Fred’s parents in 17 months (pre-COVID). When we arrived at the marina, Safe Harbor Cape Harbour, in Cape Coral, FL, across the Caloosahatchee River from Ft. Myers, the folks drove over to meet us. Since none of us knew where we would be docked, it took several minutes on cell phones to figure out where we were and finally reunite in the parking lot.

The next day we picked up our rental car, and spent the next 10 days, including Mother’s Day, visiting with Fred’s parents. One day in particular stands out–the boat tour.

Boat Tour

May 5 was a perfect day for a short boat ride.  Cape Coral has about 400 miles of canals, third most in the world.  Mom and Dad really wanted to get on Betty Lou and go for a short voyage.  They had been waiting for this moment for over a year.  We were more than happy to accommodate.  Fred’s parents were avid boaters until about 12 years ago when it was more work than energy available.

Dad is now 91 with some mobility issues and uses a walker for support.  Fortunately, the marina has a handicap dock – a rare amenity for boaters.  This made it at least feasible for him to come aboard.  Mom is 90 but moves well for her age.  With the Captain’s strength and guidance everyone boarded safely.

Once on board, the Captain gave them the grand tour including the engine room.  Delight is an understatement.  They got comfortably settled in the pilot house and the Captain started the engine while the Admiral handled the lines.  We then had the choice of going out to the river, (through the very narrow lock (stressful) or exploring the canal in the other direction – peaceful, relaxed, no stress.  The canal won 4 to nothing.

The canal voyage was everything Mom and Dad hoped for and more.  What a treat it was for me and Fred to witness their face wide smiles!  Dad claimed it was the best boat ride ever!  He couldn’t thank us enough.

So how do you make a perfect day better?  There is a restaurant, Rum Runners, right next to the marina.  We had all been there several years ago and liked it very much.  They have outdoor seating by the water, and the time was early enough to be ahead of the Cinco de Mayo evening diners.  Understand that none of us had eaten in a restaurant since March 2020.  This would be a big step!  We went, were seated on the porch in the shade by the water with a lovely breeze.  This was a celebration in so many ways, and we thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of our dining experience.

The fun didn’t end there.  The Smiths are well known for their appreciation of good ice cream.  It just so happened that we had to pass by a place called “Ice SSSCreamin” on our way home.  This would also be the first time since March 2020 that any of us had gone for ice cream at an actual ice cream shop.  There were so many choices, it was hard to pick just one.  Two very patient young men waited while we made up our minds.  Four generous, two scoops hot fudge sundaes later, the day was complete!

There are no words in my vocabulary to express the satisfaction and miracle of the day.  What could have been impossible in so many ways became possible, successful, and enjoyable with pure grit and determination!  The Captain and Admiral both hope if we reach our nineties together that we can be as beautiful an example of caring and living.

Captain’s Comments—Supplemental:

The entire week visiting with my parents was a special joy, but the boat ride (a two hour tour, not three), dinner and ice cream was incredible.  After so long, those moments are even sweeter.

Betty Lou celebrated her 200 hour anniversary at the same time.  It took 18 months to reach that milestone.  Waiting for COVID vaccines definitely slowed down the pace; with our previous boat it only took 11 months—and I was still working!  The next 200 won’t take as long.

The Cape Harbour marina we stayed in this week was great (except for the WiFi), but a significant change from what we are used to.  It is the focal point for a condominium community that includes restaurants, shops, boat rentals, and bars.  Everyone seems to be on perpetual vacation (uh…we should talk).  Each night when we drove back from my parent’s home in the evening, the outdoor bar had a band playing plenty of rock and roll, but by 10:00, all was quiet. 

This was the one stop where we unloaded the bikes we hauled along for the trip. And yes, the Admiral went for a bike ride (or two). Peace fks