Day 7 - Thursday 19th May 2022
Everybody's up by 8.00 am today and we have breakfast before walking to the marina for a cruise to Cabbage Key. We wanted to do the Useppa Island cruise that we did last time we were in Captiva, but they are not offering that at this time. It's a very hot morning so the sea breeze when we get underway is very welcome.
We cruise along Pine Island Sound while the captain gives us information about the area. He says if anyone falls overboard he will throw them a life ring and offers 2 pieces of advice:
1. Don't panic
2. Stand up and walk to the ring
It's amazing that this whole massive body of water is an average of 4 1/2 feet deep.
On the way to Cabbage Key we see a few dolphins, but they are a considerable way off. On arrival we have a couple of hours and to be honest this is plenty. There is a small nature trail (which isn't especially pretty) and a water tower which you can climb and get nice views across the small island.
The only other thing to do is visit the restaurant which is supposed to be the inspiration behind Jimmy Buffet's 'Cheeseburger In Paradise'. Obviously with this in mind we all have to have one for lunch. There are bank notes (mostly dollars) decorating all the walls and ceilings.
Back on the boat we sail home. Just as we near Captiva a group of dolphins joins us, leaping and cavorting alongside the boat. This is the main reason why we (and maybe most people) take the cruise. Watching them would surely bring a smile to the most cynical of faces.
Back at the villa I listen to Port Vale v Swindon in the second leg of the playoffs. Typical of Swindon to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by losing a penalty shootout after needing to score just one of their last two penalties. Ah well, always next season to look forward to for more disappointment.
Down to The Mucky Duck at 7.00 pm to watch a lovely sunset as there are some low clouds and the colours reflecting off them are beautiful. There's a man playing live music and he's very versitile as he plays keyboards, trumpet, flute, steel drums, cornet and guitar.
You may have noticed a pattern here. Sunset at the Mucky Duck most nights. There's a very good reason for that - we love sunsets!
Very ladylike straddling of the bench there Tam.
We eat at
Cantina Captiva, a Mexican restaurant. It's quite basic and again
has money pinned up everywhere. Is this a Florida thing? In times
of recession do people start taking the notes down rather than
pinning them up?
We have margaritas and they're ok, but of the large and sweet
variety. I have flank steak and the others have fajitas, shrimp
tacos, enchiladas and burritos. The food is good, but not great,
but this is ok as the total bill is $185 including gratuity, so
not bad at all. Strangely the bill arrives unrequested before we
have finished eating with no question as to whether we want
dessert or more drinks.
Back to the
villa where we have a final drink for the evening while listening
to Disney music, after all we'll be there soon.
Bed at 11.30 pm.