Day 134 Goodland, Fl

Owner -- Stan on Stage






Stan's in Goodland Fl






Lanum's and our Safeharbor nieghbors Klockau's








Glenn and Teresa Perkins







Today at Stan's





Today at Stans








Tom at Snook Inn






Diann at Snook Inn







Saturday we rode bicycles around the area investigating possible seasonal rental properties on the island for our future use. Next we navigated over the very popular “Snook Inn” for a beverage and appetizer. They have lots of docks so it is a popular place for boaters to enjoy. We enjoyed live music while dining outdoors along with a view of the waterfront activity. That was so exhausting we biked back to the boat for a nap before setting off to the Dolphin Tiki Bar located at the condos “Anglers Cove”. Dolphin Tiki Bar also enjoys waterfront open air dining with a great view of Factory Bay and the marina where “Noah Genda” is moored. I had excellent fish tacos and Tom had a no bun diet plate (hamburger patty smothered in onions and green peppers). We saw a sign posted for Sunday breakfast which perked my interest.

Tom here, Diann has asked me to finish this blog, so I will give it a shot. Today (Sun) we did in fact jump on our bikes and rode to Dolphin Tiki Bar for open air dockside breakfast. Breakfast was exceptionally good and the open air salt air environment was a great way to start the day. Our stay here at “The Marina at Factory Bay” has been an exceptionally pleasant stay. Not only a great experience visiting friends but this marina staff has extended tremendous hospitality. I would highly recommend this facility to any looper or snow bird traveling by water. Today, Curtis (Harbor Staff) assisted us with the dreaded head pump-out chore.

We were sorry our friends Pat and Terry from Naples couldn't make our meeting this week-end. I hope you feel better Pat.

Diann was most assertive that we find a way to venture to Stan's in Goodland FL Stan’s is located on the south end of Marco Island six miles away. Goodland is too far to walk, tough bicycle ride round trip, and the seas too rough for the dinghy. I was able converse with marina staff to find a vehicle to use. This truly was a unique experience. Stan projects a very patriotic celebration. Festivities do not start until all patrons are asked to stand for the playing of the National Anthem. Quite a cross section of personalities, lots of motorcycles, restored cars and partiers of all ages. While we were standing watching and listening to the live band, Diann heard her name called through the crowd. This voice was Teresa Perkins and her husband Glenn from Pleasant Harbor. Also with Teresa and Glenn were our Safe Harbor neighbors John & Judy Klockau. What a pleasant surprise. They arrived earlier in the day, secured a table and were about to leave Stan’s so they were gracious enough to offer us their table which we gladly accepted.

Also on the premise was a farmers market with fresh produce. Another lucky find. Since we had a vehicle, on our way back to the boat, we stopped at Publix, purchased a few provisions for our soon to be venture to Marathon. Tonight we again dined at "Gino’s Old Marco Trattoria" about a block from our marina. Kevin's Dad, Bill greeted us and we had a wonderful Chicken Oscar with asparagus and fresh crab. Service was excellent as well as the food.

The winds were very strong today and the weather projections appear to be too windy to venture on to Little Shark River tomorrow. Monday we will leave here for sure and do a shorter trip to anchor between Marco Island and Indian Key, wait for a calm weather window before setting sail for Little Shark River anchorage and on to Marathon. Safe or comfortable cruising days in the Gulf are so dependent on weather