Notes From the Gulf of Mexico

Last Night at Sea on the Legend - Tampa Tomorrow

Mr. Johnson:

I miss our evenings on the deck staring at the stars and trying to wrap our brain around the mysteries of the Universe. I was just sitting out there, yes, without a drink in my hand and looking at the stars and thinking of the million light year thing that we talk about and I still don’t get it. I mean, I understand it, but it’s just too big for my thought pattern so I decided to let you know that I miss you.

It’s a special night, as they all are and it’s really dark. The stars are bright and the sea is flowing by. Just like in a Michael McCloud song, “I can just see his ol’ face as he’s laughing because the ocean always makes him feel so small…”

So that’s about it. If you’re following this trip, I wanted to tell you personally that you were missed. Sure the brandy on the deck is a nice touch and someday we’ll share that again.

I love you Brother…

Paul

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

 

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Our Last Stop Before Tampa, FL - Costa Maya

Remember you can click on a photo to enlarge it in a new window.

So, ok… I’m relaxed to the max. Today’s stop in Costa Maya was just the ticket to get you in the mood for doing nothing and taking in the sun and hang by a pool. I guess I’m ready to come on home.

We had plans on getting a nice slow start and heading through the “Carnival Mall” and head into the little town and check out the locals… The best laid plans…

On the way out from breakfast Pat ran into an old friend that has been traveling with us, taking care of us and singing to us every evening, Ken. He is the top dog in the dinning room here on Carnival and we’ve sailed with him before with the gang. He’s a great guy and has once again taken very good care of us and it was good to run across this Irish wonder.

We started out right. We slept in till 9:00 a.m. and then had a slow breakfast and wondered off the ship to get our day started. That’s about all there was to that. We walked the half-mile dock to shore and hit the first shop. We met Carmen. She was a light in our lives.

Carmen was a gentle soul. She helped put everything and I mean everything in prospective. After buying some stuff and falling in love with her Spirit, we asked for her email address. No computer, so we asked for the phone number. No phone. She said her daughter had a computer, but no Internet access. So we asked for her daughters phone number, but her phone had been stolen. So we put our high tech brains to sleep and asked for her mailing address. She had moved from Cancun with her family 3 years ago and said she is poor and no ever sends her anything so she didn’t know her mailing address.

Yet, she was one of the richest people we’ve met on this trip. She loves the world and where she is. She has that special glow that amazing people have. She’s healthy and happy. We gave her our address and told her when she figures out where to have mail sent, drop us a post card and we’ll continue to correspond. Thanks Carmen for opening our eyes and connecting with us.

After we left Carmen, we walked about 100 feet and found that the whole plaza we were on had a huge pool in the center with swim up bars and good music. That’s as far as we made it for the rest of the afternoon. We’ll have to come back here to see what the town is like.

After enough sun, we headed back toward the ship with a quick stop to say good-by to our newfound friend and teacher.

Back on the ship, we had a bite to eat and Pat hung on the back deck pool to visit with our new table partners. I headed to the room and kicked back on the deck.

The ship left this evening at 6:00 p.m. and is now headed to Tampa. We’ll be there around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Tomorrow is a sea day so I guess we’ll just… Relax!

As much fun as every cruise we take is, we will be ready to get back to Fort Myers Beach and settle into our little house on the beach. As Buffett says, “It’s Been a Lovely Cruise.”

After dinner, I have been taking a couple of laps around the ship on deck 3. Even with 2,000 people onboard, it’s the best-kept secret on the ship. I maybe will see maybe one or two couples on my nightly walk. Somebody forgot to put that deck on the map. I’m so glad. I was standing out there tonight looking at the stars, listening to the water move by the ship and gazing at the planets and Milky Way. A great peacefulness came over me and I shard that moment with all the friends and family that have passed before me. It was a special moment and I’m truly grateful for my life and blessed to be here now. I guess I’m always here now, and it’s a great place to be. I’d love to meet you here.

So grab the phone and give me a call at 888-582-9046. I’ll be on the other end of that number on Sunday and we can talk about getting you out on the best sailing vessel in Fort Myers Beach. I want to take you sailing. Get to it. If not now, when?

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach will take you to a place you can’t even imagine and that’s a good thing. You can also get more information at the website at FantaSeaSailing.com. So come on, let’s go sailing on the Gulf of Mexico. Talk with you soon.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

 

We Fell In Love - Rotan, Honduras

Rotan, Honduras… I guess we'll be heading back to this island. From the moment we pulled into the port, Pat and I fell in Love with this place. It’s kind of like a place that rolls in Cozumel, Jamaica, Barbados, and Saint Kits all into one island.

The channel was so narrow that the pilot backed the ship in to the dock. Yea, I know that they have bow and stern thrusters, but it was a joy to watch the skill that went into the docking process. While we were coming in, we passed a couple of good sized wrecks that I guess missed the deep water by, “Just that much.” They were rusty ol’ wrecks, so it happened a long time ago.

This is one of those stops that we didn’t have any plans or expectations. So we got off the ship and found a taxi driver and said, “Show me your island and get us to a beach along the way. So we cut a deal and away we went.

 

We traveled up into the mountains to get some great photos, narrow streets, dirt roads and a at the local store for water and a pencil sharpener. Pat tried to buy one, but the price was 6 for a dollar so she kept 2 and gave 4 to the driver for his daughters.

Downtown was a kick to see. He showed us schools; churches, hospitals and the way people live in his country. Forty-five minutes later, we were on one of the most amazing beaches Pat and I have ever seen.

Yep, it was at a resort. Yep it was groomed. Yep we had to pay, BUT it was perfect. Great water, sand, sun and a rainstorm to give it texture. We hung there for an hour or so and then took the trip back to the ship and “Carnival Mall.” They bring the phrase, “Please exit through the gift shop to another level.” To say the least.

After getting back on the ship and an hour before we set sail the captain came on the loud speaker and informed us that Hurricane Richard caused damage to the port in Belize and we would not be going there tomorrow. Our new destination is Costa Maya, MX. We’ve heard good things about this port, so we are looking forward to the experience. Belize will have to go back on the bucket list for a while.

In any case, our stay in Rotan was a blast. We know we will be back and I guess we’ll have to put together some friends to come with us. Here we go again…

I’ve been keeping track of the weather in southwest Florida and it’s staying warm, so it’s time to get those sailing reservations in. Check the reservation calendar on the front page of the FantaSea Sailing site. There you will be able to start planning your calendar to go sailing in Fort Myers Beach.

I look forward to talking with you when I return next week. Just give me a call and discover how easy it is to book a cruise with me, sailing on the Gulf of Mexico.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

And as you can see, there was a lone boat in an incredible anchorage, just sitting there enjoying life.

It could be us you know...

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Vacation Continues - Cozumel, MX

You can click on a photo to enlarge in a new window.

We love Cozumel. We’ve been here four times by ship and three times we rented a villa, with friends. We fell in love the first time we came and even though it’s changed a lot since we first started coming here, we still love this place.

The one thing I forget is the amazing color of the water down here. Being on the 7^th floor of this ship, when we pulled into the dock, Pat called me to the balcony and pointed out the water below. It was perfectly clear and so blue. We watched a large school of Parrot Fish swim by just to let us know that we were welcome.

We took our time to get off the ship. Seemed like the best way to start the morning. We headed down to the dock and strolled by all the “Carnival Shops” and grabbed a taxi to head down to Mr. Sanchez’s Beach Resort. It was recommended and we’ve never been there before, so we took the $15.00 dollar ride there.

I was a great place to kick back for a few hours and spend some time on the beach and in the water. Great pool on the property too. Just a relaxing day or should I say another relaxing day…

 

We left and headed back to the ship for a late lunch and a quick nap. Working to hard, I guess.

After cleaning up Pat headed down stairs and I hung for sunset on the deck. It was a great sunset too. Lots of color and changes were created to make it a beautiful sunset. Right at sunset, a lone sailboat floated by to give me that classic shot.

Watching the sailboat cruise by with just a jib up, got me wondering where he/she came from, or where he/she was going. At 5 knots that little vessel was still several hours from any landfall or maybe they were just heading north to somewhere. In any case, they had great conditions and I’m sure enjoying a great sunset too. I was just thankful and grateful to be able to share that moment in time with them, knowing I have a wonderful boat waiting for me to take the lines off the dock and enjoy those moments right in my back yard.

Dinner with new friends, a show to catch and a walk on the deck finished off the night. Now in our cabin just enjoying the rest of the night.

Tomorrow will be docking in Honduras at 11:00 a.m. I’ve never been there before, so it promises to be another great day.

So on that note, I want to remind everyone that it’s time for you to call and get on the sailing calendar for this year. Sailing in Fort Myers Beach will continue to be the thing to do if you are looking for an exciting adventure while you are in southwest Florida. Panacea sails on the Gulf of Mexico all year long, so don’t hesitate to give me a call give me a chance to share my neck of the sea with you and your guest(s).

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

 

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

 

Checkin' In From the Caribbean - Grand Cayman

It’s October 26 and I’m sitting in my stateroom on the Carnival Legend thinking about all my friends back home. It’s good to slip away every once and a while with my wife Pat and spend some real quality time, just the two of us, together, alone, by ourselves.

We left last Sunday at 4:00 p.m. and here we are 48 hours later just getting ready to leave our first port, Grand Cayman.  The cruise has been great.  Weather has been perfect and sea conditions couldn’t have been smoother. So far we wouldn’t change a thing.

Grand Cayman was a great stop.  Pat and I have been here before with friends and this is our 2^nd time of being here with just the 2 of us.  We went to xxxxx and hung out at xxxxx.  The beach was white and beautiful and the water was clear, and contained all those amazing shades of blue.  How does that happen?  I’ll have to do some research on that and get back to you.  You can see in the photos that you can’t describe the water here.  We just enjoy it every time we have the chance to.

 

Pat caught me “hangin’” on our deck at the room somewhere in the Caribbean.  I’m thinking of putting this up as my FaceBook Photo for a while.  That’ll bring business in and scare off the kids at the same time.

Tomorrow we are going to be in Cozumel.  This little island is one of our favorites.  We’ve been there several times and have enjoyed it by cruise ship and also by renting villas over the years with our friends.  We know it pretty well and are looking forward to going somewhere we haven’t been before.  We got a tip from some new friends we met today and so we’ll check it out and put up some photos for you to be the judge.

That’s about it for today.  The vessel is warming up the engines, so I’d better go plop myself out on the deck and watch Grand Cayman fade off into the sunset.

Keep in mind this is just a holiday for Pat and I.  I’ll be back next week sailing in Fort Myers Beach.  I’ll be there for you and we will be able to get you booked for your next vacation down here in Florida.

Panacea is bucking in the shoot ready to sail on the Gulf of Mexico, so call early and let’s start a dialog about what you want to do.  Your stateroom is ready now.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

 

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Catching Up...

You know it's interesting with all this social networking stuff out there, FaceBook, Linkdin, Twitter and then keeping up on a blog seems to keep me in front of a computer screen more these days.

I'm feeling like I may have to get stronger glasses. But the sailing season is upon me. The call of the sea is making me itch and I'm going to have to go back to sailing and dropping quick lines on my sites.

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach is as good as it can get right now. I just had a wedding last Saturday and married a wonderful couple that have sailed with me a half dozen times in the past years. We've become friends and family so it was an honor to tie the knot between Fred & Erika from Ohio.

At the beginning of last week, I was watching Paula moving up the through the Caribbean and wondering if she was really going to take that turn to the east, which she did. At that point it was smooth sailing and has been ever since. We are in our hay day here in Fort Myers Beach. The highs are in the 80's and lows are in the 60's and the winds are running between 9 and 15 mph. Seas are smooth and marine life is everywhere. I love it down here.

Yesterday I took a personal sail down the coast to North Naples and back. It was great. The wind did die out on the way back, but weather happens. There's just something special about pointing your bow out into the Gulf of Mexico and then settling back and dreaming all those great sailing dreams you have and let the thoughts flow. Ahhhh... Nothing like it.

While we were out we munched on nuts and cool water and I sacrificed a mango and pineapple for a cool treat. Life is simple and in the conditions we were in it couldn't get much better.

We've added another sailing buddy... Cindy is one of Pat's road managers for the Garlic business. Cindy is spending some time in and out as she does shows here in Florida. So as an added perk for us and her, she sails with us and keeps everyone happy as she helps around the boat. Oh it's good to be captain.

We will be running again next week and playing along the way, so call and book your cruises early. If I don't answer the 888 number, just leave a message. I may be out of the country for a few days, so if you are looking to go sailing right away, just call Capt. Dan at 800-975-5824. He is the captain of Star of Orion and may be able to get you on the water the same day you call. He's a great captain and you'll enjoy his company and as the former owner of Star of Orion, I can attest that she is a good sea going vessel.

So dream those sailing dreams then act on them. Just call FantaSea Sailing, the premier sailing experience here in Fort Myers Beach. I'll take you out and you can experience the best cruising grounds in the state of Florida. Sailing in Fort Myers Beach is just the beginning... The horizon is the destination.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

Catch us on FaceBook: Just enter FantaSea Sailing in the search box or CLICK HERE.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Home Again... And Again...

It's good to be home.

We took the 2.5 day drive from Minneapolis, MN to Fort Myers Beach, FL and moved into a little 2 bedroom house on the beach. Well we're about a block from the beach. Pat and I are enjoying the morning walks and Maggie is figuring out how not to eat the salt water. But she likes it.

I spent the afternoon yesterday on Panacea making a list of what needs to be done and checking it twice. She has some sailing to do and so do I.

Her sails are off at the moment. I took them down before I went to MN and had the head sail re-stitched and repaired. My sail guy said she's good for another 3 or 4 years. That was good news.

Alex laid a couple coats of varnish on the wood and fixed a hatch as well a waxed the top decks, so she's looking really good and clean.

The divers were down yesterday and cleaned the bottom as well as inspected her. A new zinc was added to the running gear and that was that.

A new dock box will be going in next week to keep all the "extra stuff" poked away and out from under foot in the vessel.

I'm going to wash her hull up and she'll be shinning

I'll be changing her oil, cleaning her strainers and inspecting all the hoses, clamps, wiring, etc. to make sure everything is in order for the sailing season.

After all that, I'll start working on the list of projects that need to be done this year.

I love touching her in all the places that haven't been touched in years. I think she likes it too.

So call early. Let's get your sailing trip together. Sailing in Fort Myers Beach is an amazing experience that I love to share. Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico will rest your soul and mine too.

I'll be on the other end of the phone with the information you need.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida