Apr 4, 2013 - Herons on Judd Creek

Once again, we opted for a kayak trip close to home. It had rained early in the morning and then again late afternoon, so we had a perfect opening. We went to the mangrove tree where we saw a couple of yellow-crowned night herons sleeping in a mangrove tree island on Feb 28 and today there were many of them flying in and out of that tree. We saw only one nest, but I bet there are more. I saw a couple of males doing their courting calls and show, but I couldn't get the ruffled feathers on camera. I did get the end of it though where the hair...

Mar 25, 2013 - North Fort Myers #3

Saturday, we decided to drive the Tamiami Trail down to Marco Island. The trip is about forty or so miles but took around three hours because of the traffic and a few side trips to check out the beaches and downtown Naples. We had dinner on the Island at a restaurant Bob recommended which was very scenic. Sitting outside by the water, with music coming from the next restaurant was relaxing and romantic. Since it was not that late we drove down to Everglades City. On the way we saw a wildlife preserve, so naturally we had to stop. There was...

Mar 21, 2013 - North Fort Myers #2

Thursday - Today we visited my sister and brother in law. They took us to a Muscle Car Museum in Punta Gorda which brought back some wonderful memories for us. One of our highlights was to see a 1962 Chevy like the one our best man George let us use for our wedding. Of course, they had many 1957 Chevy's similar to the car Ralph had while we were dating. After the car museum, Bob took us for a drive and Bonnie and I checked out a clothing store. Then we went back to their home and the four of us jumped in their two golf carts and took a tour...

Mar 19, 2013 - North Fort Myers #1

Wauchula was a quick stop on our way to North Fort Myers. Pat’s sister, Bonnie and her husband, Bob bought a home in North Fort Myers and are here for a couple of weeks. So we are now at Pioneer Village RV Resort to spend a little time with them and to check out the area as we have not been here since the 1960’s. Tuesday, has us going to the Edison/Ford Winter Estates. Thomas Edison originally purchased the riverfront property in 1885 to build a winter vacation home. The home, dubbed “Seminole Lodge”, was completed in 1887 and served as...

Mar 4, 2013 - Hey I thought of that first

The riverfront and old town Fort Meyers is a very clean, cobble-stoned area with some interesting shopping, old buildings and funky restaurants. One of the most interesting stores was an old building which was filled with creations of independent craftspeople. There were clothes, art, swimwear, soaps, furniture and garden ideas as well as jewellery, custom cowboy boots and many, many other locally made products all tastefully displayed. The products had the creator’s business cards nearby if you wanted more info and the manager told Donna...

Mar 3, 2013 - Are we there yet???

Our travels today took us over to Anna Maria Island, west of Sarasota and down along it's beachway. The town, Holmes Beach, is developed but with small houses and quaint little motels & cottages rather than the multi-storied condos in part of the St. Pete's area. We have agreed that, to date, it is the place that looks and feels the most like a return visit would be a good idea. Trip Advisor just happened to send us an e-mail about 10 days ago that had a list of the 20 top beaches in the world. It just so happens that #16 is a beach on...

Mar 1, 2013 - No. Fort Myers - 4

It was with very mixed emotions that we left Seminole Campground in No. Fort Myers this morning. As much as we are looking forward to the rest of the trip and to seeing family and friends at home at the end of the month it was really hard to leave our new friends at Seminole. Several of us are hoping to get together in September near the Cape. It will be something to look forward to. We have managed to keep very busy the last week and a half. On the 20th we went up to Sarasota to visit Linda & Gerry a couple we met in Arizona three years...

Feb 19, 2013 - No. Fort Myers 3

We've actually had a cold spell these past several days. Sunday it didn't get above the low 60's - I know all of you up north have no sympathy for our "cold" temps. Nights have been down in the low 40's and Sunday night even hit the high 30's. We were planning on going to the Edison Electric Parade on Saturday evening but with the colder temps and the fact that they were closing down the streets two to three hours before parade start we decided we didn't want to sit out there that long. The parade itself was two hours long. I know one...

Feb 11, 2013 - No. Fort Myers - 2

Saturday was a really great day. We had a pet parade in the morning. We have a lot of pets in the park although only the dogs took part in the festivities. We could not believe how many dogs are in the park for a relatively small park. There are 129 sites here. Some of the dogs were "dressed" up. They were all amazingly well behaved. Our neighbors had their two dogs in a stroller. The park is very quiet for the number of animals in it. We have one couple that ride their bikes around the park with a bright red Mackaw sitting on the...

Feb 8, 2013 - No. Fort Myers - 1

We drove over to No. Fort Myers on Friday. The park we are in is a campground and not a "resort". Everyone here is in a motorhome, trailer or 5th wheel. All of the people around us are either on their 2nd season here or it's their first. Within a couple of hours of coming in Brad had met two couples. We went to the pancake breakfast that was held here on Saturday and got to meet three other couples. Everyone is so friendly. On Sunday the couple next to us decided to invite several couples over for hamburgs. There were 17 of us there for a...

Jan 31, 2013 - I think we are finally slowing down......Really!

Thought I'd check in with another update on our life and without thinking, typed that headline. As I read it though, it looked somehow familiar. So I went back and reread the last entry and lo and behold – there seems to be a theme here. The update will be more of the same. We really enjoyed our time here at Seminole Campground & RV Park in North Fort Myers. The park is not to big, only about 130 sites, very well treed with a small creek running through it, a small well kept pool which Jo just loves more than me – only kidding, but it's...

Jan 5, 2013 - First Annual Flamingo Races at Carefree Downs

Yesterday, an auction was held for 10 dressed flamingos with catchy names and racing histories. They each sold for an average of $100 each! The new owners could keep the names and outfits or come up with their own. They needed to find jockeys for they would be seated in the owners' box for the races. The group from Indiana got together and bought 2 flamingos in the name of Midwest Mafia Mommas! That prompted others to declare a name like Southern Sweeties! I was surprised at how much people were willing to pay for the privilege of owning a...