A very long time ago, Fred and Le Ann decided to visit the warm weather and tropical island's around Cape Coral, Florida, and to visit with Le Ann's parents. While visiting, they reviewed a map of the waterways, and decided that Sanibal and Captiva islands were only a short boat ride away from the Gulf of Mexico. Or if they preferred, they could visit the north side of the islands by taking the inter coastal waterway, going around the back side of the islands which assured you of a smoother, less hazards ride and allowing you to enjoy the view of these tropical paradise-like islands.

Joan, Brian, Fred and LeAnn, Elise, Tara, Tucker

The next day Fred, Le Ann, and their children Brian, and Elise, accompanied by their sister Joan, with their two cousins, Tara and Tucker started out on dad's "hammer head" boat down the Calosahatche River with Fred as captain at the controls, and Tucker as the first mate. Their expected joyful one day excursion would turn out to be an adventure they would remember the rest of their lives! The boat was traveling north and as most residents of the area know a storm can come from the south and you would never be aware of it. Just ask Mama and Tucker, as they were with me at different times when it happened to me!

Part two of this epic follows...

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