Do not feed the Alligators 26◦27'.585 N 081◦57'.526 W

We set out quite late today. We spent our morning with Jeff and Susan at the Manatee River park and then going out for brunch. We had a really nice time, and saw hundreds of Manatees. 

I got to hug one 

and Jim decided to feed the alligator despite the sign telling him not to. 

We even got to see  couple of bunnies who were likely escaping the alligator!

When we got back to the boat we filled the water tank, then filled the fuel tanks and set out for a short run. We almost had an extra passenger with us, but fortunately  he was able to get back off the boat before we actually left.  

So here's the story:  After we fueled up, we were desperately trying to get off the fuel dock while the wind was desperately trying to push us back onto the dock. Jeff was helping us by pushing on the boat with our boat hook. He lost his balance and went to fall into the water, so he grabbed on to the railing of our boat. With his heart rate now at about 200 beats per minute and our boat hook in the water; he quickly ran up to the bow and jumped back off onto the dock...all without missing a beat. I then grabbed our other boat hook, which Jeff promptly grabbed from me, retrieved the original dropped boat hook, handed me the long hook, threw me the short hook and we were off. WOW, it does not look like much in print but it sure was entertaining to be there:) Really glad that Jeff was safe and unhurt through all of this...although I will call him in the am and see if anything actually got pulled!

We are now in Fort Myers Beach Florida, we are making our way down the west coast and will be going to Marathon to meet up with Sherrie and Randy, Jim and Sharon. This will take us about 3 days. In the meantime we will check out a few sites along the way. Hope you all have a great night. Sleep well. 

Our Anchorage in Fort Myers Beach