Recovery Time

If you know me well then you know that Marco Island is my happy place. Since the late 1980's Paul and I have been visiting the Gulf Coast southern Florida island. For the past ten or so years, we've rented a place in the Gulfview building that Mom and Dad owned a condo in. It's not the fanciest place, but it brings back many memories and checks all the boxes - pool, beach and functional living space.

It was a long winter in Iowa! Cold and snowy. Work has been busy and yes, a bit stressful. We've been updating our master bathroom - and I missed soaking in my tub since mid-February. I couldn't way to get to Marco on April 4th! Our partners in fun were again Cindy and Colby.

Don't we all look happy! 

First stop - as usual, Crazy Flamingo! Nothing like a pound of Peel and Eat shrimp to start the day. The group also ate what looked to be some of the best Oysters on the Half Shell - if one like slurping snot. We went to Winn Dixie for groceries after that - stocking up for the week of relaxation.

Paul and Colby had a couple fishing dates lined up. Colby does the honors of talking to the captains to set them - he loves fish talk as much as Paul enjoys talking to fellow hunters. For example, just this morning, we were sitting at the counter at the Waveland when I heard a turkey gobbler behind me! Paul's eyes lit up and he turned right around to talk to the guy who was listening to that on his phone. they exchanged turkey hunt stories joyously.

They caught some cool fish both days deep sea fishing and backwater. They had a blast - and the weather cooperated nicely. We took the fish to the Sand Bar for a feast - delish, cooked in a variety of ways: blackened, breaded, and Cajun.

Our fish feast - Colby/Paul

This year, the island was undergoing a beach reshaping project - pumping sand from the Gulf onto a large portion of the beach, adding 3 to 4 foot of height. The project will help reduce ponding with algae and improve sea turtle nesting.

When we arrived the crew was right next to the Gulfview at the Resident's Beach, piling up sand, to later push it out into a smooth surface. It reminded me a little of watching work at Iowa's landfills - with sand instead of trash. Large hauling trucks and Caterpillars pushing. I was amazed at how fast they moved - as they were down the beach in no time.

Cindy, Paul and I remember when Marco's beach first underwent a beach improvement project. The first time we visited, the beach looked nothing like it does today. There was even concrete walkway where the water lapped up near the condo properties. The massive project took place sometime in the late 1980's - adding 30 yards or so onto some stretches of beach out to the Gulf. Quite a change! We love the beach and are glad steps are being taken to manage it.

Walking on a beach is one of my favorite things to do. The Gulfview is situated near the middle of the beach. We alternative going north and south, depending on where we stop when we go north. It's about 9,000 steps each way - around 4 miles, some in loose sand, some uneven near the water. Some people walk barefoot - they are made of tougher stuff than I! I wear my tennies.

When Colby was in town (his vaca only lasted five days) and he and Paul weren't going on a guided fishing trip, he got up to fish off the shore up north by Tiger Tail. He never walks with the old folks. We always walk down the stairs - which isn't too impressive when we stay on the 4th floor. Paul goes with us - but always manages to go faster and Cindy and me. So she and I walk and chat - about everything. I love those talks with my sis. She just turned 65 y'all! I know - she's looking great for an old bat. haha

View from the south walk 

When the walk is done, we go back to the condo and hang out, eat lunch and get ready to go to the pool. It's important to score pool spots that have shade!

We went out for Cindo's bday to our fave restaurant the Little Bar in Goodland. Three orders of Grouper Almondine and Paul got Blackened Shrimp. The salad dressing and rolls are so delish. Plus Key Lime Pie for dessert - and best yet, Colby bought!

We always hate to see Colby leave, but he is a busy restaurant manager in Vail. Delivery day was Tuesday which started out rainy anyway! Once the precious baby boy was delivered (I'm sure Paul died a little - losing his fishing/guy pal) we decided to be tourists. We visited the Edison/Ford museum/winter home. It was very interesting. It was Cindo's actual 65th birthday. The tour guide was unfunny - which made us laugh.

Edison home

Bday girl - in her "the tour guide is a goof" pose

 The rest of the week was pretty uneventful - just how we like it! Usually, after 10 days, I'm ready to go home. Somehow this year, I felt like dragging my feet. Still - those plane tickets required us to show up. Iowa weather has improved - it's nice seeing the sun!

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter! We were able to get out in the kayaks yesterday and are heading to Webster City for a meal with some of the Goldsmith fam!