Dateline: July 4, 2009 Sebastian, Florida.
We time traveled back to the future of what I like to call "New Old Florida" today when we pulled into Capt Hiram's Resort & Marina at about 5 O'clock somewhere on a beautiful Fourth of July "Roadtrip from the Edge of the Atlantic."
Walkin' onto the Sand Bar at Capt Hiram's Resort on the western shores of the Indian River Lagoon in Sebastian, Florida with Margaritashack.com Margaritas in hand, we had the good fortune of finding a nice hightop table on the deck next to the water's edge at the entrance to the Marina docks and within earshot of the acoustic duo Tree Frogs, playing inside the restaurant.
"Hello there," came the call from the attractive couple sitting next to us before we even sat down. "I'm Capt. Jim from the Dewar's & Lures and this is my lovely First Mate Tamara," the skipper declared.
Capt. Jim was sporting a Panama Jack and drinking a Grey Hound and Tamara was wearing a red & blue patriotic number and drinking the same.
"We'll how do you do," I replied in my finest Texas drawl. Come to find out Capt. Jim is living aboard the Dewar's & Lures, a 44' Ocean Yachts Sportfisher, at the end of the "T" Dock at Capt Hiram's Marina. He told us he loves it there, after relocating from Blowing Rocks Marina a few years ago, in Tequesta, Florida.
Then Capt Jim proceeded to tell me why he moved up to Capt Hiram's Marina, and I almost flopped on the deck like a Kingfish in the cooler after being separated from the gaffe when I heard his reasoning. "I like it much better at this marina. I can find half-way intelligent people around here to talk to that have teeth." Ouch! Sad to say, but I know what he means about Blowing Rocks.
After that comment, I knew we would become good friends, since I like a nice smile and a sense of humor as much as the next guy.
Cindy and I proceeded to order a drink and some appetizers, after the introductions were over. She had a Rum Runner on the rocks with a floater and I had a "Top Shelf" Margarita with Patron Tequila and Grand Mariner. Our waiter, Punxsutawney Phil, suggested the Lobster Bites and the Sesame Tuna, so we said, "What are you waiting for, ground hog day?"
The Lobster Bites were lightly fried and sweetly succulent with a cream sauce on the side and the Sesame Tuna was fresh, thinly sliced and served with a generous portion of wasabi, ginger and soy sauce, just like we like it, sans the chop sticks though. I like to use the chop sticks whenever I can, just to show off a little, I guess.
After we finished off our appetizers, I ordered a Bahama Mama and Cindy got a Bud Light when all of the sudden Tamara asks if we would like to join them and a few friends out on the Dewar's & Lures to watch the upcoming fireworks show.
"Why hellyea, of course we would, wouldn't we honey," I replied. "We thought you'd never ask!"
Next thing we know we are paying the tab and off to the Lexus to fetch the rest of the Margaritashack.com Margaritas and on our way down to the end of docks. Upon our arrival Capt Jim gave us permission to come aboard so we hopped off the dock and joined the festive crew.
It was on the fighting deck of the Dewar's and Lures that we met Virgil and Suzy, as well as Tina and her girl friend, who's name escapes me at the moment.
The triple crown embroidered fighting chair was covered with an elegant white table cloth and all sorts of carefully prepared finger foods including boiled spiced shrimp, Swedish meatballs with pineapple, assorted block cheeses, mango and pepper salsas and white chocolate dipped pretzels as well as some premium bottles of fine red wine and Vodka. Great provisions for a Fourth of July Cruise!
My favorite was the white chocolate dipped pretzels of course. Like I always say, "hand over the chocolate and nobody gets hurt!"
In any event, after we cleared the dock lines, the twin engine diesel sportfisher had us out on the Indian River in no time and we anchored in a strategic position with a few other party boats from the marina and proceeded to share appetizers, drinks, jokes, laughs and gaffes (not necessarily in that order).
The nimblest among us jumped from boat to boat in order to sample the "aphrodisiac oysters" and the "backyard burgers" that our floating flotilla buddies had carefully prepared.
As the sun slowly faded into the horizon along with our inhibitions, we were ordered by the Captain to the bow of the ship so that we could watch the fireworks. As we all took our respective positions, the fireworks began to fly from all directions as well as the UUUUUUU's and AWWWWWW's from the front row. You would have thought that one of our slightly intoxicated crew members was about to have an orgasm or maybe two?
In reality, the bursting fireworks, the new friendships, the perfect weather and the patriotic atmosphere was certainly something to get excited about and I for one was grateful that we had been invited to the show onboard the Dewars and Lures. Capt. Jim could not have been a saltier dog and Tamara was certainly a most gracious and lovely hostess.
I was however, a little melancholy as we pulled up anchor and headed back to port so soon after the fireworks had descended. I could have stayed on the moonlit bay for a few more drinks and a little more chocolate, but I promised Capt. Jim that I would return with a bottle of Dewars 12 next time and he said that we were always welcome aboard his vessel.
So until then, it will have been a lovely cruise! Thanks again, Capt. Jim!
Cheers,
Margarita Steve
I can still out drink you any day.
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