Mike Rizzo had organized a post-rendezvous flotilla to Cayo Costa State Park for a one-night group anchor event, about a dozen boats participated. First, after anchoring, most of us dinghied to shore and the entrance of the park where we caught a buggy ride to the beach – we all seemed to be on a hunt for shark teeth. Later that evening everyone was invited to Heart Tug for happy hour. Now, this seemed to concern a few of us because, although Heart Tug is one of the bigger tugs, a 31, we were just wondering how everyone was going to fit on the boat at one time and not sink it. To our best recollection, there were 22 or 23 people at the happy hour. We had to be careful of how we moved around and certainly we couldn’t all go to one side of the boat to get a better look at something in the water. I am happy to report we pulled it off and consequently think Heart Tug now holds the all-time record for how many people are on a Ranger tug at the same time.

We lined up to get on the shuttle to the beach at Cayo Costa State Park.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together. . .
 That was us today as we all “flocked together” at the Cayo Costa anchorage enjoying happy hour on Heart Tug. Those who had dinghies shuttled those who did not over to the party. It was a bit hard to maneuver around the tug, but we managed to do it very carefully. It was also mentioned that we should not all go to one side of the boat, at the same time, to look at something, that would have been a disaster.

The post Cayo Costa State Park – Birds of a Feather Flock Together appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

We always enjoy stopping in Sarasota for a few nights.

Sarasota is vibrant and provides a nice break for two salty tugnuts. For our first two nights, we choose the mooring ball option, just outside the harbor, instead of docking at Marina Jacks like we usually do. It was calm enough and just a short dinghy ride to the marina offers us access to town and the ability to get our daily exercise while visiting the Farmer’s Market or stocking up at the grocery store. Sarasota is a very walkable city, there is always something interesting going on, and we never tire of making this stop.

On the third night, however, Jim had heard of a Hyatt Hotel nearby that also had a little marina, we decided to check it out and were glad we did, it seemed like a little vacation from our winter cruising activities with its resort atmosphere, large pool, laundry facilities (right next to the pool, so I could do laundry and swim at the same time).

Farmer’s Markets have the best pickles for sale, homegrown and homemade. We sampled a bunch and made our selection.

Our bounty from the Farmer’s Market. The pickles were “Hot!”

As you can see, we did not suffer from moving to this marina at the Hyatt. In fact, we enjoyed the amenities immensely, especially the laundry room which is located right next to the pool. It made the day’s main chore a pleasure as I could attend to laundry in-between pool activities. The pool was a relaxing retreat with a waterfall at one end. The hotel also had a nature trail adjacent to the hotel, a nice perk for walkers like us.

Fog rolled into the harbor the next morning. A beautiful sight. We could have stayed here longer, but as is usually the case, all good things come to an end.

The post Two Options for Our Stay – Sarasota, Florida appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

It’s being called the largest, sunshine state (Florida), Ranger Tug Rendezvous in the world!

With 11 Ranger Tugs in attendance at Moss Marina, on Fort Myers Beach, we feel the First Annual Ranger Tug, 2012 Southern Rendezvous is a great start for Ranger Tug owners to meet each other in the tropics. The festivities began with a dinner at Nervous Nellie’s, just under the bridge by the marina, and a great potluck Tuesday night in the marina’s boaters lounge.

In attendance (at one time or another over the last few days) were:
Charlotte Ann, Gepetto, Illusions, Kismet, Little Toot, Moor Than, Roam, See Life II, Tangent, Tuggin Aweigh, and Namaste. Several of us will be here through the weekend continuing the fun and sharing.

The first night we all congregated in the marina’s boaters lounge where introductions were made before we walked over to the restaurant for dinner. Approximately 25 people were in attendance.

The post Florida Ranger Tugs 2012 Rendezvous appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.