Punta Gorda

Once again, the dolphin come to escort us during our journey.

This time we traveled to the city of Punta Gorda, on Charlotte Harbor.

 

 



 We had to "hover" here while the Dockmaster figured out what slip he was going to put us in.

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed the Christmas lights at Fisherman's Village, conveniently located right next to the marina.

 

 

 

 

 Festive lights adorned the entire shopping promenade at Fisherman's Village.

 

 

 

 

Fellow Wet Hen Jo Mogle and her husband Dale joined us on Spiritus soon after we arrived.

 

 

 

 

 Dale & Jo were kind enough to drive us to the supermarket for provisions.

The First Mate decided she wanted a ride in the dock cart to dinner afterwards!

 

 

 

 

 The Mogles & Johnsens share a wonderful sunset at a Punta Gorda tiki bar!

 

 

 

 

 Surfin' Santa at the tiki bar!

 

 

 

 

 A beautiful mural at our marina in Fisherman's Village.

 

 

 

 

 

 Dale & Jo brought us a papaya from one of the trees in their yard.

  

 Linda wasted little time in using the papaya to make a favorite dish: papaya chicken!

 

 

 

 

A view of the calm, serene moon rise from our slip at Punta Gorda.

 

 

 

 

 

 While the Captain takes time out to change the oil in the engines . . . . . .

 

 . . . . . . . the First Mate takes time out to remove the oil from his clothes!

 

 

 

 

After two days in Punta Gorda, we relocated to Burnt Store Marina.

It was only a two hour cruise to the south end of Charlotte Harbor.

 

 

 

 

 The marina's "Trading Post" has locally made ice cream that we felt obligated to try!

(several times, actually!)

 

 

 

 

 A special night out at the Cass Cay Restaurant.

 

 

 

 

A view of the lighted boats from our table at the restaurant. 

 

 

 

 

Burnt Store is actually a planned community with over 1500 homes of various price ranges.

The grounds in every "neighborhood" were immaculate, kept so by invisible elves that apparently only come out at night when everyone is asleep!

 

 

 

 





 

 As we walked throughout Burnt Store we often felt like we were back in Hawaii.

 

 

 No matter where you choose to live, water is almost always visible. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Yes, it is December but the weather keeps the flowers blooming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where is Spiritus?

 

 

 

 

 Our tropical, "secret" walkway from the boat to the marina complex . . . . .

 

 

 

 

. . . . . and the farmer's market where we pamper ourselves with fresh fruits & veggies! 

 

 

  

 The local fire department displays the donations they've gathered to make less fortunate children's Christmas a little merrier.

 

 

 

 

A rainbow provides a reminder, other than the lush green tropical vegetation, of Hawaii.

Mele Kalikimaka everyone!