We haven't gone long distances, but we have been on the move. Yesterday, we went over to the Manatee Park. Sue and I had been there on our own and with Kris. Each time, we had seen manatees and stingrays. Yesterday, no such luck. The combination of warmer weather and lower water levels seems to be keeping the little nippers out in the river, rather than in the area where they can be seen from the park. Howard had seen manatees before in his earlier times in Florida, but it was still a bit disappointing for all of us.
On to plan B. We traveled about 15 miles to the northeast to the Franklin Locks. This is where water craft of various sizes are taken from the water that is coming down from Lake Okeechobee and put into the water that is flowing to the Gulf of Mexico. (or vice-versa) Usually, it's only a difference of a couple of feet. The locks are surrounded by a nice park, with a beach, picnic areas and even a small campground. A really nice area. The locks are not in the same category as the Panama Canal, which Howard sailed through on a cruise last year, but they were interesting just the same.
Today, we made the 30 minute trip to Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda. There, we met Chuck and Agnes Peterson, long-time Moomy clan friends, for lunch at Harpoon Harry's. The Petersons have been spending winters near Arcadia for many years, but have decided that this will be their last year there. We had a great time catching up on all the activities of the Moomys, the Petersons and the Halters. Lunch was good too.
Sue's dad's week with us has flown by. We have to get him to the airport by 8:30 tomorrow morning, so I may not be able to watch the end of Jay Leno tonight. We really have enjoyed having him visit us.
Tomorrow is the big "Upheaval" celebration to mark the time when most of the snowbirds start heading home. That name causes me some concern, because beer and food are a large part of the celebration. I have been told, however, that it is just a play of words on Upriver, not reference to anything that happens during the festivities. Whew!! It is a day long affair that includes a parade where people decorate their bicycles, motorcycles, seg-ways, etc. Some of the park musicians, including yours truly, are providing music by the pool from 2:00 to 4:00pm. That is followed by a dinner with all the fixin's. Then, to top it all off, there is The Branson Review. This is a 60-90 minute show, featuring performers and entertainers from the park. My friend "Gator" and I are doing three songs in the second half of the show. I sat through some of the rehearsal last Saturday and there are some very talented people who live here. I'm sure that there will be pictures and information later. Check this blog on Thursday. (not to be confused with Stupid Thursday)
Happy Birthdays, Dave(3/18) and Kris(3/19)
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