Parkside Friends

We had the opportunity to spend time with friends from Parkside Marina, Wabasha, MN!  Mike and Roxie, friends from the 100 Boom arrived Saturday.  They were vacationing in Florida and stopped in Fort Myers to see us.  Over the years at Parkside, Mike has given us boating advice and always had an encouraging word when we were planning for the Loop.   

We enjoyed time on the dock and with friends Jerry and Billie Jerome, whom Mike introduced to us a while back when we were planning to do the Loop.  The Jeromes completed the Loop a few years ago and Mike was kind enough to set up a lunch date in Wabasha so they could share their Looping knowledge with us.  Now a year and half later we have connected with them in Fort Myers.  They are slipping at the end of our dock at Legacy now too before heading  to the Keys.  So the Jeromes coordinated a dinner with all of us and Marv and Carol Market, who live in Fort Myers.  Marv use to slip at Parkside years ago and he and Mike have spent time together boating.  Below is our group dining together at The Blue Coyote.  Thank you Billie and Jerry for your gracious hospitality.

Left to right - Marv & Carol Market, Mike Seiser & Roxie Knutson, Tom & I, Jerry & Billie Jerome.

Sunday we took BELLA out for a little cruise up the Caloosahatchee to the Franklin Lock.  It was the first time out of the slip since Dec 2!  Since we arrived in Fort Myers, we've had a few things repaired, replaced and fixed, so we all were in 'boat listening mode' for the first part of the trip  for sounds that weren't quite right!  We also were on the watch for dolpins, manatees and alligators!  

Mike and Roxie watching for dolphins!

Before heading to Fords garage for dinner Sunday we took advantage of a photo op with the four of us below.

It was a busy fun weekend with family and friends.  It's wonderful to be able to see folks from home and connect with them down here.  
​More later~