St James City Canal Ride - Post Hurricane Ian

We took the pontoon on a trip to Saint James city on Pine Island in SW Florida near Fort Myers. It’s early December, 2 months after Hurricane Ian ravaged the area but rebuilding is well underway with several waterfront restaurants already open. Ragged Ass Saloon took heavy damage and is closed but Low Key Tiki and Phuzzys Boat Shack is open by land and water if you take your boat. Plenty of dock space available.
There are still lots of sunk boats and debris in the canals so be careful. We were happy to bring our business to Phuzzy’s for some dock and dine lunch. It was our first time there but it will be a regular stop for us going forward. #floridastrong

[@EdEdelenbos]

Mother Nature isn't joking around!

[@ronschultz1977]

Thank you very much for the video; I really enjoyed it. As a 2nd homeowner in Cape Coral and visiting following Ian; seeing the damage first hand. This video just reinforces some things I never completely related to before. And that's the impact of storm surge. You always hear of it, but it is really very devastating. The winds certainly caused plenty of damage for me, but it doesn't put boats in people's yards or in the streets. On a different note, how was navigation over to Pine Island? Any issues with changes in the channel or unexpected shallows? Thanks again!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

The Pine a island trip was in the pontoon. I didn’t have a depth finder st the time but boats are in and out of there all the time with no issues. Watch for debris as they clean out the area and staying in channels are your best bet.

[@VisualArtsByCaptJ]

I left the Edison Ford marina in Fort Myers about the same time that you guys completed part of your loop. Thank you for the video however it still saddens me how many folks lost their boats and how much devastation happened due to Ian. I feel that I myself am very fortunate that I made my way to a safe harbor. Many of my fellow Yachties Lost everything! I’m glad you guys are safe thank you for sharing your stories with the rest of us! Motoryacht Wanderlure

[@ronschultz1977]

I would love to see the navigation video over to this area if youhave it. Any comments along the way about depth vs charts would be helpful.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Which area you mean? Cape Coral canals or just to the area in general?

[@ronschultz1977]

The trip to Pine Island, St.James City.

[@johnm5714]

I like the short video format-5 minutes is enough to see how bad that storm was

[@doncritzer2798]

Enjoying daily rides on the new pontoon boat how cool

[@Diversitrack]

If for any reason, i thank you for posting this as i now know of a couple of restaurants to visit that i didn't know about previously!

[@dandersonjr]

I live right across the street from the house in your thumbnail where the boat is parked in his pool. They stayed through the hurricane and they aren't returning. Luckily my neighbor beside me ran a rope across the flooded road from his house to theirs and saved him. his wife and two dogs. Shame because him and his wife are super nice people.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

That’s so sad but happening with many people. Our neighbors across the canal are also heading inland. This storm scared many off. Good neighbors you have. Communities like that stick together.

[@justinnykamp]

Crazy the amount of damage. Such a beautiful place still. Hopefully building standards improve so houses and businesses can withstand these horrible storms. We hope to move down to Florida from Michigan soon. Love your videos! Thanks

[@benwintfeld2983]

Tom tell me the pros and cons after Hurricane Ian?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Pros- we survived and didn’t lose everything. Boat damage was minimal. Community pulled together and met some great neighbors. Cons - repairing the house. But its still our paradise.

[@benwintfeld2983]

O dear

[@craigc.7033]

Wow, and I've been planning to move there in about 2 years?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Should be all rebuilt by then.

[@michaelhensley4102]

Sad, very sad.

[@zoltannagy2009]

Sad to see the devastation! Nice video though, that's why i liked it!

[@leanneadams2549]

In 2021 I couldn’t figure out WHY nothing worked out for me to buy a house in fort Myers !! Now I know why. Was spared from that horrible Ian hurricane !!! Now it’s time to support the community and get down there. I bet house prices are crazy so I could just live on happy ours ! Just kidding ! Thanks for the vid !!

[@billnicholson1220]

Hey, Bill here. Love your videos. I live in Cape Coral also. I have a New Year’s gift that you could use on your pontoon boat. PM me so I can drop this off to you.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

not sure how to pm in yt. email me at [e-mail]

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Bill, Thanks so much for the chart! we love it and will refer to it often as we explore this beautiful area! See you on the water!

[@daveaver]

The primary/vacation homes are a site, especially with the lawn art.

[@jeffpiper7147]

Hey now that you are in Cape Coral check out Fresco Channel on KZbin I’ve been a fan for years

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Been following him for quite a while myself. Frescos search for a Cape Coral houses mirrored our own.

[@chuckfowler8875]

Was this a recent boat ride or was this shortly after the storm? Well, it would have to be recent cause it looks like yall are in your Pontoon boat...Cause the amount of boats that are still on houses and on shore is crazy.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

This was in early December. Shortly after we got the pontoon.