We were able to get a slip at the only functioning marina in Ft. Myers. Prior to the recent hurricanes over the past 15 months, Ft. Myers was a favorite stop for boaters and Loopers. Our marina was next door to the Edison Ford museum that we had visited on our first trip together, and later with our kids when visiting their great-grandparents in Ft. Myers.
Once we got under the bridge, we saw a boat parade on a Monday. Rumor is that it's worse on a weekend!
The boat parade included "sea tow" ready to rescue these boats!
As we were turning into the channel for the marina, our friends on ACT III passed us by and then sent us these pictures. ACTIII is days away from crossing their wake in Stuart, Florida.
Edison Ford Marina, the only marina open in Ft. Myers. In the most recent hurricanes, all boats in this marina were lost either ashore or were broken apart.
The next morning we rented a car and went to stay the night with our Looper friends from Full Moon in Punta Gorda. Ted and Laura's first road trip was to Punta Gorda in 1994.
We went to their Yacht Club and saw their names listed on the American Great Loop Cruiser's Association plaque behind us.
The next morning we said good-bye to wonderful friends with Full Moon in the canal.
We had a wonderful tour guide share the history of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates that were right next to where we were docked.
These concrete pilings were from a dock created in the late 1800's! Edison had a bungalow at the end of the dock and at one point had extended it 1,500 ft into the water. Most of the goods he used for his estate were transported by water.
Laure never tires of this amazing Buynon tree. We came to an evening event to listen to stories about baseball spring training in Ft. Myers for the Red Socks. Ted's grandfather participated in hand-eye coaching of the Senators during spring training in Tampa in the 40s-70s.
We stumbled upon this unique hanging garden establishment with the most wonderful signs.
We learned from the owner that the establishment is open 24 hours a day, but if you are load he will turn the sprinklers on you to go away. Apparently some 20 year olds have been watered around 2am recently.
We needed a picture in front of this great establishment!
On our last full day, Laura went on one of her many long walks and took this picture in front of the bay where all the boats were before Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Stay: 5 Nights
Edison Ford Marina
Pros: Great Location, Restaurants nearby, new docks, clean bathrooms, Great boaters lounge, Nice Staff
Cons: Expensive, Tricky entrance
5 star
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