Saturday, January 14 - Things We Appreciate at Palmetto Dunes Marina

Since there is no cruise news to post, I thought I would show some things that we appreciate in a marina.  All pictures were taken here.

1.  Scenery.  Beautiful, as it is here, or picturesque, or entertaining.  And the view from the boat is critical. 

(More scenery pictures at the end of this post.)

2.  Laundry Facilities.  At least two washers and two dryers, well lighted room, with a chair for you to sit in while you wait.

3.  Take One, Leave One Library.  The one here is fantastic!  I scored the West Wing DVD set, a $44.95 Waterway Guide Cruise book and several charts of the Keys.  And an Anna Quindlen novel.

4.  Bath Facilities.  Clean, of course, with a shelf for your soap and shampoo.  And LOTS of hot water!  (probably weird to take a pic in the bathroom)

5.  Free Ice.  This is the only place that has had ice, and we love it!  Even if we do have to walk 475 steps to the machine and 475 steps back to our boat.

6.  Trash cans.  Close to the boat and emptied frequently.  We have one just across the dock from us, and the cute marina guys ride their bikes out pulling a cart to empty them every day. 

7.  Pump Out.  Here the pump out boat drives to your boat once a week. 

8.  Docks.  Floating (as opposed to fixed) and wide, with finger piers on both sides.  The ones here are wide enough for even me to ride a bike on them.  And finger piers mean I can get off and on the boat easily.

9.  Landscaping.  Beautiful here, varies widely.  (Crystal River Marina was so ugly I didn't even take a picture.)

10.  Coffee for Boat owners.  Not a deal breaker, but very nice.  And the setting for this one is amazing.

11.  Grilling Area.  Clean grills, tables and chairs.  There is a live music stage backing up to the grills.

12.  Swimming Pool.  This is only the second pool we have encountered, the first one was in Demopolis, AL.  It is a floating pool, actually two pools, adult and family, and heated.

More of the beautiful scenery: