Beaches & Adventure Insider

“Look!” said Scott, pointing as the backs of three dolphins arched out of the Gulf, mere yards from us.

“That’s so cool,” said Linda, “Don’t you think?” I nodded and settled deeper into the seat of the sleek boat, enjoying the breeze, scented with salt water and sunscreen.

Seven of my buddies and I had headed out to Paradise Hang Gliding in Bonita Springs for an eco-tour boat cruise of the Fort Myers Beach area when a day at the Rob Kells Memorial Hang Gliding competition at The Florida Ridge near La Belle was cancelled due to wind. I have to admit, our disappointment at missing flying was aptly soothed after a few hours.

Besides sighting sleek sea mammals, we:

•    Spent much time being silly and enjoying each other’s company.
•    Parked the boat on a remote beach.
•    Swam and drifted in the tide.
•    Watched tarpon leaping.
•    Saw lots of horseshoe crabs. I picked one up but she protested by thrashing around so I gently returned her to the waves.
•    Awed at the luscious homes that lined the shores.
•    Admired ospreys. Several of these fish-eating hawks had nests atop signs in the water.
•    Capped off the night with a sunset celebration and seafood feast on Bonita Beach.

This is how my friend Mark described it. “When I was on the boat, it was so beautiful and everyone was laughing so much, I felt like I didn’t have a worry in the world.”

I understand exactly what he meant.

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