Ever since we planned to be down here in Southwest Florida for the month of March, my wife has been dreaming about spending the day out on the water. With all due respect to the country band Old Dominion, our charter experience probably wasn’t that crazy, but it was still a #blogwothy experience.
The visions of cool breezes and warm sun while trolling through the gulf waters were so appealing, especially as we waited for our departure date, all winter long in Ohio.
After arriving in Cape Coral, Florida for a few weeks away from cooler weather, we booked a charter boat tour of the SW Florida waterways and beaches with Captain Randy. We originally tried to book Cap’n Paul off a solid recommendation from a long-time friend back home but he was booked all week and gladly referred me to Captain Randy. (Referrals on top of referrals – for the win!!!!)
Our 4-hour cruise was a blast and there were so many cool parallels with the real estate business, I thought I’d share them for today’s Monday Morning Match.
Show Up On Time – When clients are excited to get started, be sure to show up on time. Actually, a few minutes early light be event better. Captain Randy had texted us our rendezvous point and said we wouldn’t need to be there for our 12:00 departure time until 11:55 am. Thinking it might take us longer to grab ice and some “supplies’ for the cruise, we left our house a little before 11:30 am and arrived in the parking lot at 11:50. Excited about our awaiting adventure, I texted Randy that we were in the parking lot but were unsure where we were supposed to go.
“Look to your right,” Randy texted.
As I turned my head to the water, I saw the 30′ vessel cruising up to the docking area for an “on-time departure.”
Start Slow – As we departed the dock, we had to make our way through a “slow speed” zone due to local restrictions due to manatees that are known to inhabit the warm coastal waters of Southwest Florida. The easy start to the trip only served to build excitement and gave Randy a few moments to get to know all of his passengers as well as share a few facts about the waterways we were getting ready to traverse. (Did you know that the area around Cape Coral/Ft. Myers has over 450 miles of coastline?)
Stay in Your Lane – Obviously, when you’re out in the water (the Caloosahatchee River to start, and then the Gulf of Mexico) there are no designated lanes. On the open water, there are powerboats, sailboats, larger yachts, and single-manned jet skis everywhere. Being aware of your surroundings and watching everyone around you, both for safety and for opportunities. Following the channel markers is a good start but then being aware of local channels and “secret paths” is a great way to leverage your connections and inside knowledge.
Accelerate When the Opportunity Arises – As soon as the “no-wake zones” were cleared, Captain Randy let out the throttle. The boat leaned up in the bow and we held on to our hats. It was time to cut through the open water and make up some time that the “slow zones” were compromising. Be ready for those moments when you need to move forward and make up some ground on the rest of the people in your market. In our case, it was the slow-moving riverboat filled with elderly tourists and some of the charters full of businessmen more worried about their cold beer than their bow-line.
Drop Anchor and Jump In – As we circled around the Eastern end of Sanibel Island, the historic old lighthouse off of our starboard side, the ocean water turned from a dark river-influenced dark blue to a relaxing, tropical greenish-gray. We banked west into the gulf waters and rode along the south side of Sanibel Island, where my wife used to vacation as a young schoolgirl, and we had brought the kids for a Spring Break about 10 years ago. Randy slowed the boat as we approached the iconic Sundial Resort and dropped the anchor some 40′ feet from the shore. The boat slowly rolled with the tide as we readied ourselves to make out way to the beach and resort for lunch and cocktails.
“It’s only about 4-feet deep here. It might get a little deeper as you near the shore,” said Randy, “but it’ll be a worthwhile walk…or swim. Be careful on the ladder as you leave the boat.”
It was a little chilly as we jumped from the boat but it was totally exhilarating as we journeyed through the ebbing sea to the shore for a bite to eat and a few cold drinks.
It Doesn’t Take Long to Create Great Memories – As we approach the pool and bar area of The Sundial, it was like a wave of deja vu. Ronda had memories of spending Spring Breaks with her family there for many of her elementary, middle, and high school years. Sanibel Island holds a special spot for us as the place we started dating. It’s cool to see how much hasn’t changed since those many years ago but also cool to see how many new guests were experiencing the Sundial for their very first time.
Same Location/Different Perspective – After a relaxing lunch by the poolside and a few drinks at the Tiki Hut bar, it was time to make our way back to the boat for our ride home. As we approached the beach and looked out over the water, it seemed to all of us that the boat was much further away than we remembered. Of course, it was obvious that the anchor had held the boat in place, bus clearly something was different.
The wind had picked up and the tide had changed during the 90 minutes we were ashore. Now the casual “mosey” through the cool gulf waters was going to be a cardio workout through swells a few feet higher than on the way in and heading into the tide was also going to be a challenge.
I’m pretty sure we all felt like members of a senior center water aerobics class, we battled the tides and winds and made it back to the boat. It was definitely more than we expected but sometimes seeing things from the other side gives you a great perspective to appreciate what you’ve got while you’ve got it.
Crossing the Waves or Following the Wake – As we headed back around Sanibel in the open water, it was choppier water than the way out, but with fewer vessels on the water, CaptainRandy was able to choose the smoothest waters. Once we entered the channel to head north under the Sanibel/Captiva Causeway, we were back amongst the traffic of other charters and private boats heading back to the dock…or other places amongst the cool waters to whilst away the last day before Spring’s official arrival.
As the traffic ahead of us dropped the hammer on the throttle once we passed the “Miserable Mile” (low-speed zone with plenty of traffic), it was obvious that rules and etiquette from many of the people piloting their boats were unknown or optional. As the boats ahead chose their routes, Randy needed to make quick decisions on crossing waves or following in the wakes left by boats ahead. Crossing waves could mean leaving the planned route but also could bring choppy water and bumps into play. Following the wake of boats ahead might mean smoother waters ahead but sometimes it might make sense to break out of the pattern and cut your own path.
Beware the bumps, don’t ignore those showing you the way, but at some point, it probably makes sense to choose your own route and drop the accelerator. Trust your previous travels down the same road…or channel, and go with the flow.
What would you rather have for your travels in the future?
Appreciate the Adventure – At the end of the trip, it was fun to slowly throttle back into the dock but also a little bittersweet that the trip was over. For the Captain, it’s “another day, another trip” but for the passengers, it might be the first..or only adventure. Be sure to enjoy every minute of the journey, acknowledge the crew who helped provide the experience, and as soon as your feet hit solid land, start thinking ahead to your next voyage.
Thanks, Captain Randy. Really enjoyed the ride.
Thanks also, to Ronda, Riley, and Ryan for being on board for the trip.
Sometimes it’s the Captain and sometimes it’s the castaways you’re traveling with, but either way, if you’re building relationships, solving problems, and having fun, it’s gonna be a good ride.
If you’re ever in Southwest Florida and want to book a fun adventure on the water, click here to book Captain Randy for a ride