Sandy's 75th

(At first, didn't have the heart to tell her, but I did the math - she actually just turned 74). 

Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound & Useppa Island 

Arriving by boat.  Across the water, the natural world of Cayo Costa.

 

 

First morning both are sleeping in.

 

 

 

An early lunch at the Collier Inn provided a huge array of photos framed and hanging. I picked a few of the notables, who over the years have also visited and enjoyed themselves.

Erastus Foote (1928)

 

Mary Roberts Rhinehart - Novelist, mystery writer.  Note her large Tarpon caught, larger than her with a few shark bites to it's belly (1950's).  Charlotte Harbor has always been noted as an angler's mecca.

 

4:30 am. The night life down at Useppa's dock.  Myself, always up early.

 

At first light, flowers of the Night-blooming Cereus begin to close.

 

A Banyon tree lights up.

 

Path to a quiet beach.

 

Charlotte Harbor's, Boca Grande Pass.

 

 

Out on the grass flats near the old 'fish houses' of Pine Island Sound.  Sandy there dreaming of a retirement place.

 

Next day, a chance for Knuckle's to swim amongst the dolphin and the sharks. At first he suddenly appeared as would a manatee, but then just bobbed along wearing his new life jacket.

 

On her birthday, having lunch at the Collier, ordering the infamous 'Erastus Foote' sandwich - dreamin' of all things to come, even after breaking it to her sadly that she was only just 74.  A special place, a special time.