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January 22-24, 2013 Day 258

Laishley Park Municipal Marina, Punta Gorda, FL
Total miles to date: 4491.2

After a total of three days at anchor in Pelican Bay, we left around 8:30 for a warm sunny leisurely cruise to Punta Gorda. We arrived at Laishley Park Marina at 11:45 and docked next to two Loopers, Paddy Wagon and Done Dreamin.  The marina lies on the shore of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, the second largest harbor in Florida.  Punta Gorda was severely damaged by Hurricane Charlie in 2004. This marina was rebuilt in 2007.  The whole area around it is beautifully restored.

We were happy to see Linda and Tom, when they arrived after lunch!  We first met them on the Loop when we anchored in the Sassafras River in Maryland and then traveled with them for a while in Canada. They left their boat, Raydiance, in Michigan for the winter and will resume their boating next summer.  We also caught up with them at their homeport at Kenlake Marina in Kentucky this fall!  In the meantime, we are happy they drove to Florida and could join us for during their trip for a few days.

We spent the afternoon visiting and also going to Publix to provision the boat since we had their car available!  After docktails, we drove around Punta Gorda and finally settled on The Celtic Ray, an Irish Pub for dinner and enjoyed our Shepherds and Guinness Pies.

We came back to the boat and discussed our travel plans for the next few days. We decided to leave here tomorrow (Friday) and go to an anchorage off Useppa Island.  From there we will go to Sanibel and then Fort Myers. We are looking forward to enjoying Tom and Linda’s company and this marvelous weather – near 80 degrees!!