Brave CMCS pirates invaded Danger Island (aka Pelican Bay) over Memorial Day Weekend. Boats arriving on Friday were Alborada, Ambiance, Avanti, Between the Sheets, Bridget O’Toole, Four Seasons, Jolly Mon, Lazy Susan, Lionheart, Windswept and Zydeco. We kept 2 grills pretty busy at our grill night at the beach with lots of good food shared. It’s been awhile since we grilled at the beach; I forgot how fun it can be. In true pirate fashion, I Sheet You Knot arrived in the cover of darkness Friday night so as to avoid detection.
On Saturday morning at promptly 10am play commenced at the annual Black Tie Croquet Tournament hosted by Bev and Bob Duff. The Duffs created a wonderful challenging course this year with one doozy of a sea grass trap toward the end of the course. Although intense competition ensued, Steve Roake prevailed and is the Black Tie Croquet Champion of 2017. Lots of great black ties were “worn”. While we were playing croquet at the spit at the entrance to Pelican Bay we were able to welcome Calusa and Salty Soul as they sailed by to join the fun for the rest of the weekend. We really moved in at the beach with chairs, umbrellas, sun shelters, and coolers packed to the brim. A rousing game of Bocce followed the Croquet. Most retired to their boat for part of the afternoon to rest up for our namesake event of the year.
Saturday evening, we held the traditional CMCS Chowder Contest. If you call it chowder, it’s chowder. We had all kinds of chowder and yummy food. We had to taste everything a few times before voting for the Grand Champion. Big drumroll please: The 2017 Chowder Champion is Ms. Linda Raymond of Zydeco with her West Indian Peanut Chowder. I think some of us would have liked to lick the pan clean. Her name will be engraved on the Chowder Champion trophy for all to admire. A couple of years ago, we started voting with $1 bills. Proceeds go to Friends of Cayo Costa whose members volunteer and contribute to one of our favorite cruising destinations. This year, we raised $115 for this worthy cause. Thanks to everyone who made chowder and start thinking about next year!
On Sunday morning , some dinghied to the Tunnel of Love. The tide was high enough; all were able to make it through without portage and enjoy some time at the beach. Others headed to Cabbage Key for an early lunch. Thanks to Jay and Kathy Light for calling ahead so that we avoided the ferry crowd. As we sat down to lunch, we watched the boats and the people just keep coming and coming. We heard later that the restaurant served 880 lunches on Saturday, 950 lunches on Sunday, and on Monday they ran out of food. The remaining cruisers enjoyed the beach or just relaxed on their boats. Happy Hour was at Dog Beach.
Some boats stayed on Monday and some headed for other parts. Thanks to everyone who came, brought wonderful things to share, helped set up and clean up and brought a good time. A special thanks goes to the Weather Gods who brought us lots of sunshine and cool breezes. When’s the last time we had a northerly on Memorial Day? What a great weekend!
Theresa and Steve Roake
s/v Lionheart
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