Jan 8, 2015 Hamilton AUYC Meting in Florida. 26◦38'.903 N 081◦52'.119 W

We made it through the gale force winds with no problem at all. Jim found us a wonderful anchorage protected from the North winds which are what blew us around all night. The strongest winds registered on our wind meter was 36 mph and although we dragged a bit, we certainly did not have a rough night. Our trip to Fort Myers was also uneventful, but at one point the wind was so strong that we were heeling like a sail boat!
The shopping in Tampa bay is pretty good, as you can see by the picture, you can get bait pretty much anywhere.

We arrived in Fort Myers just before noon and went to visit some old friends; Rick and Margie at the marina next door. The highlight of our day today was a meeting of the Hamilton AUYC at the Al Capon restaurant. The AUYC is the Gold yacht club (AU being the periodic table of elements short form for gold....in case you did not know) which we belong to in Hamilton. Many of it's members winter here in Florida. It was very nice to see all of them. Cathie and Gary, whom we had dinner with on the 5th belong as well, but the 2hr drive was a bit too much for 1 dinner. Anyway we had a great time and it was lovely to see them all.

Left to right: Fran, Steve, Morag, John, Jane, Jim,Mimi, Ross, Janice and Doug. 

Check out the Tommy Gun door handles

We will be spending another day here in Fort Myers before starting our trek down the west coast and ultimately to the Bahamas. Time for another oil change as we have now traveled 425hrs and Just over 3000 miles on our journey. We are hoping to find some butter melting temperatures real soon.
Night all.

The Sanibel Bridge