What to do today? Joan wanted to take the scoots over to SPI and go for a beach walk. I wanted to go out on the kayaks. We compromised. So, here we are getting ready to head out on the scoots...
By the time we got to our swing bridge to get off the island, it was swung nearly all the way open, and continuing...
When the bridge is fully open, here's the view looking down the ICW...
If you look close, you can see a tug pushing a couple barges beyond the bridge. Getting closer...
Passing on the other side of the bridge...
A few minutes later, the bridge closed and we were on our way. Across the causeway, and a stop at - Captain Donut...
It passed the first test: it smells like a bakery. Looks like one, too...
Joan appreciated the smell of fresh coffee. I just wanted to sink my teeth into one of those chocolate donuts. I know what you're thinking: let's be watching our figure, Jim. Hey, you don't get a body like this without maintaining it! The couple running this donut shop are smart - here's a look at their tip jars...
Just in case it isn't self-explanatory: you can vote for Apple or Android with your tips. Yeah, I voted for Apple. ;-) Besides tables and chairs, they have a couch and a couple Euro-chairs with foot-stools. And this sign...
I may have to get a sign like that for the boat. OK, for every boat I drive. Oh, and the donuts were good, too.
We rode the scooters up the island, and walked a couple miles on the beach...
Came across this star...
Pretty good construction - it survived a change of the tide. Not a lot of people on the beach today, and it was a beautiful day. Not clear, but partly cloudy, and in the upper 70s, very light breeze. After the walk, we had lunch at Clayton's - a bacon cheeseburger with a view of the beach and the sound of the water. Yep, this is definitely our new favorite beach bar.
Back on the scoots, across the causeway, across our swing-bridge (it wasn't out), and back home. Time for the second part of the compromise: some kayak time. I didn't know if Joan was going, but she was up for it; first time we've had the kayaks out since we got home...
Headed down our canal...
And around to the next canal. Joan took a shot of me...
And, I took a shot of me...
I was recently asked about our island... it used to be an Outdoor Resorts, a high-end RV resort. Shortly after we bought here, the owners association took over from Outdoor Resorts. At that time, the place was almost entirely RV lots, with a few park homes. Then, they changed the covenants to allow small homes to be built on the lots. After spending a few winters here in our motorhome, we decided to build a house on our lot. Now, about 80% of the lots have permanent structures. Not much building happening here the last couple years, but it is picking up again...
We paddled and pedaled our way around the canals. You can see the occasional RV amongst the houses...
Out into the Intracoastal Waterway, this boatyard is across that from our island...
If you need any over-priced done on your boat, they are the only game in town - the only place with a travel-lift. They can charge whatever they want for bottom jobs and any other work that requires a boat that is too big for a trailer to come out. Looking left down the Intracoastal Waterway...
That tower you see towards the right is a drilling ship in the turning basin. That is the end of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
Paddling (pedaling) back into our canals, we went by this...
The sailboat in the middle of the image is home for the couple that owns it. They did put a small RV on the lot, but they live in the boat (it is bigger).
Back around and down, and into our canal. The access for the kayaks is pretty easy at our dock - this is the first time we've put them in here without working around the boat. Our neighbors across the street had invited us for a sailboat ride yesterday, but the wind was kicking up too much to go out. I was telling Joan, "I didn't think I was going to miss having our boat here, but I do." I wondered (hoped) the kayaks might be enough to keep me somewhat content. Yeah, I think so.
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