"Cheeseburger In Paradise"

One of the things we love when we visit with friends and family in areas of the country we have not been before is the  "local knowledge" they provide.  A great example was our first night here (Saturday) when Gail and Jimmy suggested we go over to "Bike Night" in Cape Coral.  Today was another.......we took the Tropic Star over to Cabbage Key for lunch.  Cabbage Key is the home of Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant.  Legend has it that Jimmy Buffet got his inspiration for the song "Cheeseburger in Paradise" at this restaurant while eating one of their cheeseburgers.  

These are events, and places we might have stumbled upon eventually, but usually too late to attend, or to go see, but Elaine's relatives, in this case, had an agenda ready for us when we arrived and all we had to do was say "Yes! Let's do that!".

For us being ready to leave at 8 am to catch the morning boat over to Cabbage Key was an early start for us.....well, maybe more so for TLE.....I'm usually up by 6:30 most mornings....:D   At any rate, we needed to leave at 8 am to drive 45 minutes to Pine Island to catch the Tropic Star which sails out of Jug Creek Marina and departs each morning at 9:30 am for the 1.5 hour trip to Cabbage Key.  There is usually a long queue where you wait in line 20-30 minutes to pay for your ticket, so we needed to arrive 45 minutes early to get on the boat on time.  If we were able to "sail" in  a straight line, as the crow flies, it would be a 45 minute trip at the most, but in order to avoid sand bars, and just plain shallow water it is a rather round about trip.  The boat cruises along at about 10 knots/hour so the trip is about 15-16 miles at 1 nautical mile equaling 1.151 miles.  Captain Bruce entertained us with a short rendition of the Gilligan's Island song......:D  Nothing like starting out a trip on an unfamiliar boat with a little tinge of doubt in your mind.

Boarding the boat

Coming into Cabbage Key

At the restaurant awaiting my Cheeseburger

Consummating the deal....with an Amber Bock to chase it

The cheeseburger was excellent, but not sure it was worth almost $10.....like Jimmy says....you get a $6.00 burger for $10.00.....everything costs more on an island.  I would give it a 4 on a 1-5 scale....throw in the ambiance, and good friends, and suddenly you're at a 5!

Climbing the Cabbage Key water tower

The boat ride, lunch and conversation provided for a lovely day.....just the kind of day we love.  Gail is the daughter of Elaine's father's brother Nestor.  Gail and Elaine were good friends as kids even though they are about 9 years apart in age.  They have been separated by a continent for 35 years........although she did see her briefly at a wedding in Bullard, TX a few years ago, this is the first time she and Gail have spent this much time together in 35 years.  I am so glad we were able to stop off for a few days.  

We had a wonderful fresh Salmon dinner with green beans, squash, and salad.....Gail and Jimmy are super people and we are so glad we are getting to spend time getting to know them better.

Thanks for stopping by!