We were just riding along on the ICW and I said to Captain Mark, “Hey look, there’s Kim and Kathy’s house”…now if you believe that, I have some newly purchased land (swamp) that I can sell you really cheap from here in Florida. The actual story is that our friends Kim and Kathy from P Dock, Burnham Harbor in Chicago very graciously invited us to spend several days with them at their Florida home. It is indeed located on the Intracoastal Waterway with the most wonderfully peaceful view of the passing boats. 
Kim had threatened his neighbors and us with a high school marching band to act as our official greeters and knowing Kim, we would not have been surprised to see a band on his pier. Fortunately, for his neighbors, it was spring break and the band was off to Disney World…Kim, Kathy, their friends and neighbors were all on the pier as we arrived to welcome us and tour the boat.
Their home is beautiful as is the view from their lanai overlooking the Waterway. Kathy immediately gave us the tour and set about to make us feel at home and comfortable.
As soon as we got settled in and showered, it was off to dinner with several of their friends. We went to the White Elephant which served the most wonderful salmon that I have had in a long time. While at the restaurant, we were successful in convincing the people at the table next to us (previously strangers) to join us for an impromptu party at Kim and Kathy’s home where more friends would be joining us to hear about the Lolligag Adventures.
Captain Mark, usually quiet and laid back, comes to life when talking about our adventures. We love sharing our mishaps and funny stories with whoever wants to hear them.
Kathy very thoughtfully offered us her car. So the next morning, Mark and I were off to Wal-Mart for provisions. Then Kathy did the most thoughtful and generous thing of all…she offered to allow me to use her washer and dryer for the mountain of dirty clothes that I had. There is NOTHING that can be offered to an itinerate nomad boater that is greater than the use of a washer and dryer. Kathy, THANK YOU AGAIN!
The second evening it was out to dinner again. This time it was to Farlows on the Water where we sat outside to enjoy the most delicious of dinners. Following the meal, we were back to the White Elephant for karaoke night where friends were partaking and having a very good time. It seems that several of Kim and Kathy’s friends are from the Chesapeake Bay area. Since it is our hope to spend the summer in the Chesapeake, we made plans to meet them when we arrived. We are all diligently trying to convince Kim and Kathy to also join us in the Chesapeake during the summer.It felt so good to relax, knit and enjoy the company of friends. To sleep in a real bed and to take a bath was heavenly. Kathy and Kim were the perfect hosts. When we first arrived on P Dock several years ago they made us feel welcome and once again, at their Florida home, they made us feel like the most special boaters to ever travel the Intracoastal Waterway.
Hours on the water: 4.5
Nautical miles traveled: 29.5
Number of locks: 0
Time spent waiting at locks: 0
Next Destination: Sanibel Island
What we're listening to: The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
What we watched: Nothing
Lesson for the day: There is no place better than being with friends
Obligatory knitting report: Carol Anderson Tunic Sweater for me
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