West Coast Florida

Happy 2010 Everyone!

Pine Island, Cape Coral, Bradenton, & Orlando Florida

Getting off the boat for a month on the west coast of Florida came at a nice time. We were ready for a rest from traveling and the tight quarters of the boat were beginning to wear on all of us. Uncle Dana and Aunt Wendy graciously allowed us to stay in their home on Pine Island, FL. It was right on a canal and close to Tarpon Point Marina where we were keeping Hook.

The time off the boat was well spent with gutting Hook of everything in her lockers to do a good cleaning and to give her two coats of varnish on the top-sides. She looked like a brand new boat after! Aaron and his family and Steve's Dad were only 1.5 hours away in Bradenton, FL. It was great to be able to spend time with them. Aaron's new house is in a great spot for both the kids and parents alike. It was nice to be able to see where they will be hanging their hat now that their house sold in Canada.

The girls enjoyed the community swimming pool and the local library right on Pine Island. Nana found bicycles for $5 each for the girls to "ram" around on in Dana's culdisack. They were perfect. We left them with Dana in hopes some of his grandchildren would put them to good use. We definately got the $5 worth!

As we were coming to the end of our time on Pine Island we were informed by the Bahama Government that they had made a final decision on our family pet Noodle. Noodle would not be allowed to enter their country. She is considered an exotic pet. Poor Noodle!

Thankfully, we were able to find a wonderful woman named Dominee that agreed to take Noodle for 4 months. We were very grateful, as this allowed us to pick Noodle up on our return, and keep her as part of our family. The girls were of course upset but understood. Their worries about Noodle were put to rest after meeting Dominee. She was great with the kids and excited about Noodle.

It took us 2 days to move back onto Hook. We had bought all our food and supplies for the Bahamas on Pine Island and we had to figure out where all of it was going to go! Every locker was filled and then some. So Bahamas or bust!

Downtown Disney moments...

Visit with more of Steve's family, Betty and Reg Gaulton. Great to see you!

Here's to 2010!

Spectro Magic Parade

Mickey's Move it, Shake it, Street Party.

Beautiful Maddie in her masquerade mask.

A sleepy Chesire Cat...

The Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL

The boys New Year's "Dip!"

Brrrrrrr......

Happy New Year everybody!

Cheers to Willy and Bea Scholten.

Plenty of food for all. Thank you for hosting Aaron & Kathy!

New Year's at the Corr's in Bradenton, FL.

Jacob helping Uncle Bud make coconut cups!

Santa found Noodle too...

Milk and cookies for you know who....

Our Christmas book made it to Florida! Thank you Nana!

Thank you Uncle Dana and Aunt Wendy for letting us stay in your wonderful home over the holidays!

Yum! Santa cookies

Christmas light parade in Pine Island, FL.

Christmas Elves!

Welcoming Aaron and Kathy to their new home with a healthy dose of oysters!

Visit with Papa II and Oma in Bradenton, FL over Christmas.

Happy Birthday Kirsten!

Hook getting two coats of new varnish.

Tarpon Point Marina pool!


Swamping out Hook. Preparing to move ashore for 1 month for the Holidays and prepare Hook for the crossing to the Bahamas in late January/early February!

Tarpon Point Marina, FL

December 13, 2009-January 12, 2010

Pine Island, Cape Coral, Bradenton, & Orlando, Florida