SONATA: February 5-February l4, 2016 ::: Pine Island,Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples

SONATA came around the tip of Pine Island and turned into a very small canal. The purpose was to visit with one of Charlie's nephews that he has not seen in some 22-25 years; Charlie Boucherele. When we were on the loop in 2012, south of Pine Island on the way to Naples, Charlie called Charlie and found he had already passed his nephew. Promises were made to made the stop the next time.

When Charlie called this time we received exact instructions on where to find Charlie Boucherle; we were to time up at Charlie's hotel dock behind his boat. We came up the narrow channel, secured SONATA, and met some of the finest people ever. We were invited over to Charlie and Jenny's home for dinner and there met their lovely daughter Leslie. We enjoyed a delightful evening of stories, drinks, food, and more stories before we returned to SONATA for the evening.

The next day Charlie took us on a tour of Pine Island to include his two hotels; a view of where Charlie and Jenny married, and then in the evening another fine dinner at a local resort. We were treated like royalty and the guests at Charlie's hotel where SONATA was tied were thoughtful and inquisitive.

Following two days and three nights it was time to move on down the waterway. Charlie and Jenny were so terrific and thoughtful. We had been hopeful that Paul Boucherele would be able to get away from work and join us in Florida for the several day's visits, but alas, work prevailed. Possibly on the next loop around.

SONATA and MANANA

More stories about all the wonderful people we meet on this trip, and this is a great example of such people ... Dave & Sue aboard MANANA, met Rudy and Bev Willert who are Canadian this past summer in Little Current on the North Channel and they invited Dave and Sue to dock at their winter home in Cape Coral ...We have been traveling with MANANA and were invited to dock there also ... It just so happened that it was SUPER BOWL weekend and they were hosting a party ... well, it ended up we, SONATA, were the only Americans watching the super bowl, everyone else (17) were Canadians ... what a hoot!!! We had such a great time and Rudy and Bev were fabulous hosts and everyone we met were great fun!

Rudy and Bev

Rick and Mary

Mary, Hilda and Bev

Dave and Sue

Traveling from Cape Coral to Fort Myers, we pass one of the old beauties of the sea!

We dock at the Edison Ford Estate Marina in Fort Myers. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had their winter homes here side by side and were best friends. A view of SONATA from the estate