Matlacha, that lovely little strip of a town where I stayed for two weeks in August, has been hit hard by Hurricane Ian. I cannot stop thinking about the people and business owners I met over my short stay on their magical island.
After flying all night from California to Florida, with no
sleep, and nothing more than a protein bar and a cup of yogurt, I needed
nourishment. Where to go in Matlacha? I decided to simply walk up a block or
two from Matlacha Ave, turn right on Pine Island Drive and hope some sort of
food venue would be close by.
The first place I spotted was the The Blue Dog Bar & Grill. I
approached a group of people just leaving and asked about the food. “The best
food in Matlacha,” came the answer.
As we continued to talk about Matlacha, the woman told me
she lived on Pine Island but was originally from California. And then it turned
out we’d grown up a few miles apart and we briefly reminisced about the
good-old-crazy-old days.
I walked into the cool air of the Blue Dog and was seated in
a cozy booth. Being off-season, only a few people were inside. I took in the
fun décor and cool vibe of the place. Definitely a joint I would have worked in
in my younger years.
The staff were all top-notch. My server, Chip, filled me in
on various menu items. At that point, I needed red meat and an energy kick, so
got a burger. Delicious. And of course, I needed a to-go order of Key Lime pie. I
left not only sated, but happy. What a first day of vacation experience!
A few days later I realized I had neglected to get a few
items at the Cape Coral Publix. (And Publix is the absolute best grocery chain
in the known world.) I knew Matlacha was only a bitty stretch of land, but
certainly there had to be a mini mart on the island. I set out to explore.
Many places were still closed for the summer. But as I
walked by the Olde Fish House I thought I heard voices. I walked around the
back and found a couple seated outside on the covered deck. The gentleman was
busy painting a blue door that led inside. After I asked about if there were
any markets in town, I stayed a while and chatted.
His daughter owned the place, but I got the impression that
he had either once owned it or worked there. The couple had definitely both
been in the restaurant business. They filled me in on a bit of history of the surrounding
area. They then suggested I head down the road and over the bridge to another place
that might have supplies. (I did manage to get back and had my final Matlacha meal
sitting out on that beautiful deck, overlooking the water.)
I am all for walking wherever I go, but it really was hot
and humid, and I’d left that walking stick in California. However, I figured my
bum knee could manage a short-ish stroll unaided.
Once over the bridge, I ran into a man leaf-blowing the area
in front of the The Bridgewater Inn. We got to talking and he told me how he and
his wife ran the Inn, about all the work they had put into it, and their plans
for the future. He explained that the guests could fish right off of their
balconies and clean the fish and cook them without leaving the inn. What a place!
I also met lots of neighbors during my stay. One woman
joined me on my evening walk and pointed out other places to walk. I met the
neighbor who, like me, did not like air conditioning inside the house. He had
all his windows open and fans going. I believe I only saw one other house with
windows open.
There were other people in my little Airbnb that I hung out
with on the patio overlooking the canal on Second Street. One couple from Cape
Coral had driven their little boat over and spent the days exploring the mangroves.
Another couple drove down for the weekend. One woman was there with her mother
who lived in Cape Coral. I honestly can’t remember a time when I’ve met such
fun, interesting folks.
Another day I ran into a woman who was readying a house to
rent out. As with most everyone else I met, I asked about where might be a good
place to settle down in the area. She suggested St James City and recommended I
take a hop down to the the Ragged Ass Saloon. It was Sunday and they had live
music.
It was a bit of an Uber ride, but the Ragged Ass was fun. My
server there was a lovely young lady who had grown up in St James City. She
loved living there and encouraged me to look around. When I said I didn’t have
a car, she offered to lend me hers. I didn’t take her up on her offer but was
quite touched.
I spent a bit of cash in Frills Galleria Clothing store. I probably
could have bought a whole lot more except that I knew once I got back to the
cold, grey, San Fransico Bay Area, the items would sit in my closet along with
all my other tropical dresses.
Being a bit of a sugar addict, I of course stopped by CW Fudge Factory a few times. I chatted with the owner and heard all about the history of
his shop.
I enjoyed the wonderful art and gardens at both Leoma Lovegrove's and the The Gallery of Matlacha. I loved the contents of Island Visions Gallery. The owners and staff of each shop were charming and helpful.
Although I did not stay at Angler's Inn Motel, (I’m not an
angler), I did pass it every day on my way out. From what I hear, people love
the place.
And now many of the establishments I visited have either
been completely swept away by the hurricane, or severely damaged. Many of those
people I talked to just a few short weeks ago have lost so much, if not everything.
What I can offer is free eBooks. Maybe a bit of escapism can
help. My stories are light and fun. I even have two in my Tropical Seaside
Villages series that remind me of Matlacha. They are also quite uplifting.
Should anyone in Matlacha, Pine Island, or actually anywhere,
need a book or two, please use the contact box on this page. Simply let me know
what book or books you would like, and I’ll get them off to you. (If you want
all 8, I’m happy to do that.)
My thoughts are with all of you in that part of Florida
where I hope to live someday soon.
