Sailing Last Mango

1-21-20       We departed Fort Myers Yacht Basin at 9 AM on 1/15 and arrived in Pelican Bay also known as Cayo Costa State Park 6 hours later. Since that time we’ve been wrestling with weather, more exactly strong winds. We moved Mango to a new more secure anchorage Saturday anticipating strong north winds and I’m glad we did as winds have since touched 30 knots. We had thought to move down to Fort Myers Beach however according to reports there is no room available due to the weather issue, so here we sit safe and secure. Mango has faired well in the new anchorage and so has her crew since there is considerably less swell.   Flag hasn't needed a change the last several days Beach crab ready for a rumble Yesterday the wind fell midday allowing the crews of Mango and Fracas to visit the beach for a walk. After exiting the dock which was crowded with departing Boy Scouts the beach was deserted due to cool temps and strong winds. It was nothing like last week when I c

1-10-20   Sober January lasted only 10 days as it came crashing down on my body the following day. It all started off so innocently as Karen wanted to try a place called the Skybar which is an open air bar located atop a 5 story building in Fort Myers. The weather seemed to be cooperating and we mentioned that we were going there and our boat neighbors asked if we would mind their tagging along. They are a very interesting couple, Doug is from Colorado and Kayleen is from Guatemala. They apparently met down there when Doug was cruising and the rest is history. Doug spent 17 years cruising the Caribbean and Central America and since has sold his sailboat and currently living aboard a 45 foot Hatteras but misses the sailboat. I have been cooking with the solar oven made by GoSun My Baguette just out of the GoSun They have been quite tasty. Still perfecting the recipe Once the elevator delivered us to the rooftop there was a group o

1-1-20     I want to wish a Happy New Year to everyone. Since splashing Last Mango back on December 11 Karen and I have had our good days as well as bad. Karen quickly learned to embrace what the boating gods give and accept it. When it comes to matters like this I tend to be stubborn or stupid, you make the call. There are times that I have recognized that certain issues are out of my control and I roll with it. I’ll give you an example. Our trip west on the Caloosahatchee was going perfect, white cotton ball clouds dotted the otherwise bright blue skies and depending on the winding of the river the breeze cooled the 84 degree temperature. Mango passed through Franklin Lock without any delays and the bridge tenders lifted the bridges with cheerful wishes for Christmas. Mango quietly slipped through the water towards our last bridge of the day and the happy tender squawked on the radio to make way near the bridge and he’d be ready for Mango to pass under the raised spans. Kar