Happy New Year!

Thursday, 1 January, 2015                                                                  0,0 SM

The idea was to stop in Fort Myers, tie-up and relax–just chill–for a couple of days.  Maybe three.  After pushing hard to cross the state from Stuart, it would feel good to sit for a while. Through Christmas or the day after, perhaps.

Steadfast rests at ease under the palms.

There was that poster on the door to the office, though: Downtown New Year’s Eve. Sounds like a big party, downtown’s just a couple of blocks away and everybody on the pier—the liveaboards, the Snowbirds who roost here every winter—all say it’s not to be missed. And the staff turns out to be most accommodating, “We’re totally booked, captain,” says Brian the dock master.  “Butcha know, there is one slip up in the corner there that just might work.” As in, too small, too tight, for any other boat to squeeze into.

So Steadfast motors off one pier at the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, around to the west side and tucks in next to a 47-foot-Something big enough to block the mid-afternoon sun. But that’s okay.

Downtown Fort Myers’ celebration is complete with “ball drop.”

New Year’s Eve turns out to be as advertised, downtown blocked off, a music stage on every corner and a steady stream of happy folks having a good time. The fire department hoists a big sparkly ball to the top of four-story ladder truck to drop—not seen—at midnight. That sets off the first fireworks display—not heard—of 2015.

It’s a good week, make that eight days, in Fort Myers.  Sunny, 80-degrees.  Short stroll to Bennett’s Coffee Shop, a mile to re-provision at Publix.

Bennett’s fresh roast coffee + homemade doughnuts: Breakfast of Champions!

Good weather to add a coat of varnish to the teak rails.  Friendly folks here, too, like Denise and Roy three slips over on Cool Change.  Another coat of varnish and before you know it, eight days becomes nine; then ten—the blue tape’s already on, so why not one more coat—and there you have it.

Nice spot.  Heck, Steadfast has been in Fort Myers since last year already!

Go figga.  Happy New Year!

Steadfast out.