Contributing Writer Laurie Carlson
Cape Coral Cruise Club
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Cape Coral Cruise Club - “Where boaters become friends and memories last forever.”
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Cape Coral Cruise Club Adventures:
Champagne, Shark Teeth, and a Shamrockin' good time!
The Cape Coral Cruise Club wrapped up February and kicked off March with several fun-filled events on the water and ashore.
February Cruise to Venice
Our February cruise was a three-night adventure to the Crow’s Nest Marina in Venice, led by cruise leaders Terry and Lori Johns. On Thursday, February 19th, eleven boats made the journey north, with several vessels rendezvousing at Marker 101 along the Intracoastal Waterway before continuing together toward Venice.
Along the way, the Carlson’s vessel, Nauti By Nature, developed an issue with its hydraulic steering. Fortunately, the boat was able to continue safely to the marina. Once docked, several great nautical minds gathered to diagnose the symptoms. Captains Terry and Tad made a quick trip to West Marine to pick up hydraulic fluid and a tool needed to refill the system.
Unfortunately, the store did not have the tool in stock—but fellow member Captain Gary Haring came to the rescue with exactly the tool the Carlsons needed. Yet another great reason to boat together!
Thursday evening began with a potluck dinner and happy hour on the docks, followed by a traditional vessel renaming ceremony to appease the gods of the seas and officially christen the Carlsons’ boat “Nauti By Nature”. Champagne flowed, along with plenty of laughter and good-natured jokes.
Friday morning began with a delicious dockside breakfast of biscuits and gravy, assorted jellies, and fresh hot coffee, provided by our cruise leaders and some mimosas with the remaining champagne from the prior evening.
Later that morning, members made their way to downtown Venice—some by bicycle, some walking the two miles—where everyone gathered for lunch at TJ Carney’s. After lunch, the cyclists rode back to the marina while the walkers enjoyed a bit of shopping before deciding an Uber ride back sounded like a great idea.
Friday evening brought a wonderful dinner for 22 members at the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, complete with great service and delicious food. As the sun set, some members gathered aboard the Carlsons’ boat for a bit of rum sipping, others headed to the Bartholomew vessel for card games, and a few decided to turn in early.
Saturday morning featured another enjoyable breakfast on the docks. Afterward, Lori Johns, a Master Naturalist, gave a fun and educational presentation about the history of Venice and the famous shark teeth found along the local beaches.
Soon it was time to cast off lines and head to the final destination for the weekend. Some members anchored at the popular Pelican Bay anchorage off the coast of Cayo Costa, while those traveling with furry friends aboard docked for the night at Boca Grande Marina. Fourteen members gathered at Miller’s Dockside for dinner, storytelling, and plenty of laughs.
With a forecast calling for high winds later in the afternoon, members departed early Sunday morning to enjoy calm seas for their journeys home.
February Lunch Bunch
Our February Lunch Bunch gathering was held at Chen’s China Bistro, where 21 members enjoyed great food and fellowship.
March Hidden Island Picnic
March began with our Hidden Island Cruise and BBQ Ribs Picnic. Picnic hosts Terry and Laurie Carlson, along with Terry and Lori Johns, provided a “Shamrockin’” good time for 43 members, including first-time picnic goers, Russ and Bets Taylor.
Seven boats arrived for the weekend, enjoying a potluck dinner Friday evening, while additional guests were ferried to the island by pontoon aboard The Capt. Phil on Saturday.
The picnic menu featured barbecue ribs, cinnamon apples, baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread, followed by ice cream and blueberry loaf for dessert.
Members enjoyed lively rounds of Wizard card games, followed by Nautical Trivia with John Queen, where the winners received scratch-off lottery tickets. After lunch, Commodore Harry Hargreaves provided a brief update on club activities and upcoming events.
The afternoon concluded with a fun surprise: a hidden gold coin hunt. Members checked under their seats to see if the luck of the Irish was with them. Those who discovered a gold coin were rewarded with scratch-off lottery tickets.
Coming Up Next…
Our upcoming March cruise will take members back to Boca Grande Marina for another fun-filled weekend on the water. Stay tuned for more stories and escapades from Boca Grande in the next issue!
Laurie Carlson
Come Join The Fun!
If you have a vessel with full overnight accommodations, and would like more information about joining our Club, please contact our Membership Chairperson, Laurie Carlson, at 239-910-5543! You can also check us out on our Facebook page or our website at: www.CapeCoralCruiseClub.com
