Two Days in Naples and Marco Island

Mark and I are so fortunate to have the most wonderful friends who are welcoming, generous and just happen to also own homes in Florida. As we worked our way down the western coast of Florida, our friends went out of their way to make sure we were able to visit with them. This included postponing their plans to return to the Midwest and allowing us to dock at their private piers. This is Fireman Jim showing us were we are to dock upon arrival at Peter’s house.

We have two connections with our dear friend Peter - we lived in the same condo building in Chicago as well as being members of P Dock at Burnham Harbor. Peter hosted a party for us in January which included other mariners from P Dock, but unfortunately we (as guests of honor) were unable to attend as we were still in Mobile due to the crummy weather. However, this did not stop the group from having a great time without us. Now that we finally made it to Marco Island, Peter once again went out of his way to show us a special welcome and genuine hospitality. He came out to the Gulf to meet the Lolligag and then guide us through the maze of canals back to his home.



He very generously docked us on his pier and opened his home to us for the duration of our stay. As if that was not enough, he then treated us to dinner before returning to Chicago.





Not to be outdone, our dear friends and Lolligag crew members Terry and Will have a home in nearby Naples. Peter had to leave to make his flight back to Chicago so unfortunately he was not able to meet Terry and Will when they arrived at the restaurant to fetch us and take us back to their home in Naples to spend the night. They have an absolutely gorgeous condo overlooking the second tee on an immaculate golf course.



Terry and I talked well into the night as we knit and enjoyed the Florida wine that I purchased in St Petersburg.

The next morning it was out for breakfast followed by more knitting and laughter while we relaxed on the lanai watching the golfers. Upon taking us back to Peter’s home in Marco, Terry and Will stopped at Wal-Mart so that we could restock the Lolligag pantry. With many hugs, we thanked them for a great visit and all of the chauffeuring done on our behalf.

One of the first things that Peter offered to us upon our arrival was the use of his washer and dryer. Needless to say, I always have plenty of dirty clothes and as I mentioned before, this is the biggest favor anyone can offer to me. It was a delight to relax next to the pool and enjoy the peaceful calm of the canals on Marco Island. Peter’s home is lovely, huge and most comfortable. Captain Mark and I had serious thoughts about permanently taking up residence at Peter’s home but we could not decide which of the five bedrooms to pick…



Hours on the water: 5
Nautical miles traveled: 41
Number of locks: 0
Time spent waiting at locks: 0
Next Destination: Everglade Anchorage Number 1
What we're listening to: Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
What we watched: Nothing
Lesson for the day: We are so fotunate to have such wonderful freinds!
Obligatory knitting report: Carol Anderson Tunic Sweater for me