Southwest Florida, our first time in exploration mode

Having only zipped through southwest Florida in the past, it was time to stop,  kick the tires (at Edison's and Ford's winter estates), smell the flowers (at the Naples Botanical Garden),and do a little fishing (eating that is).  And while exploring, our friends Ronnie and Stu joined us for much of this time.

Stopped first at the Edison and Ford winter estates in Ft. Myers, where when we arrived with our RV, we were escorted to the RV/bus parking area, and then shuttled to the entrance.  What service!  Then we checked out the museum which houses many of Edison's inventions, showcases Ford and his development of Ford Motor Company, and finally Edison's search for a rubber substitute that he could grow in the United States.  Then off to see the two winter residences.

Our next stop was at Koreshan State Historical Park, where we checked out the early 20th Century Koreshan Unity Settlement.  Dr. Teed purchased the land in 1894 and brought to Florida his believers.  They built a commune which was self sufficient with gardens, a bakery, a sawmill, and housing for the settlers.  They built the Planetary Court, a large residence which housed the seven female managers of the commune.  All of this they called the Home Grounds; the beginnings of the planned New Jerusalem which they hoped to build.  This Unity Settlement was based on Teed's belief that the Earth was a hollow convex sphere with the sun, planets, and stars at its core.  At the largest, there were 300 believers, but as years continued, the settlement declined, with the final member donating the land and buildings to the state of Florida.


We camped at the adjacent state park campground and walked the 1/2 mile trail to the commune's grounds.  In addition to touring the buildings, there were also some bridges and gardens to view.

Next we motored down to Collier-Seminole State Park, which became our base for the next week.  Thanks to Ronnie & Stu, we traveled to many parts of southwest Florida.  We drove to downtown Naples and checked out the classy houses.  We did the same at Marco Island. 





Spent a day at the Botanical Gardens with the incredible orchids, and a special exhibit of Origami inspired sculptures.  Also had a great lunch at the garden café.  Pictures tell a thousand words!

Our last day with our friends, we first drove to the Big Cypress Swamp boardwalk.  It was a good thing we all paid the $3 admittance fee, as the 6 foot alligator was checking tickets at the beginning of the boardwalk.

 
Next onto Everglades City and a boat ride through the 10,000 Islands.  The culmination was our dinner at Triad, which specializes in Stone Crab claws.  Right off of their boats and to our table.  We even met the owner, Orlo, who told us he was the first supplier to Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach.  "Joe paid me in cash on delivery!"

After all of this exploring, and our friends departing, it was time to relax....or so we thought.  So we packed lunch and biked to Marco Island Beach from the campground.  Twelve miles each way isn't so bad....but it was 86 degrees .  And the road....no shoulder.  So tomorrow we really RELAX !!

Sarasota & Oscar Scherer State Park

When we were here two years ago, we said we had to come back.  What a great campground, along the South Creek in the town of Osprey.  Great campsites, lots of activities, and the best part is the Legacy Bike Trail which is accessed at the back of the park.  The Legacy is an 11 mile rail to trail ride that took us up to the Walmart for shopping, but better....south down to Venice.

But first we rented a car for a few days to check out downtown Sarasota and the barrier island in the Gulf.  First stop the Saturday Farmers Market; plus a bonus of a nice art show to wander.  Morey loved the food from the Empanada stand for a breakfast supplement!  And then of course we bought some veggies, and lunch at a deli.

Then off to Longboat key, checking out the beaches, then dinner at the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill where we enjoyed fresh Grouper and Stone Crabs.  Oh, and down here in Florida instead of remote controlled Seagulls, they have remote controlled Pelicans.  Push the correct button, and they land on the dock piling.....WOW.   

Biking on the Legacy Trail become a daily activity for us.  Especially when our friends, the Zamostnys joined us.  Trips included a ride down to the town of Venice, and of course, a stop in town for a raspberry soda! Then there were a number of bike rides down to different beaches, and exploration of the barrier islands.

Two rides to Casey Key Fish House, and Morey had to order a Tom Collins for old times sake.  And we passed the Venice Train Station many times, and stopped for a tour -  Built 80 years ago, recently restored, and for 30 years the winter home of the Barnum & Bailey Circus....Unloaded the rail cars right at the station; even the elephants!

Can't forget an unforgettable stop at Walts Fish Market, a fun and great eating fish place.  All in all, a great couple of weeks here.

Cinnamon Bay 2017 !!!

We first hit this beach in 1977, and now 40 years later we're back for the sixteenth time (we think).  For many years, not much changed....except everything got older (like us).  But now with a new concessionaire, changes are happening. 

We slept the first night in the cottages, so that we could wake up in the bright morning sun, stake out our campsite claim, and get settled for this three week trip.  This year with the ECO tents going up at all of our favorite bare sites, we had to wait until Mary could find us a place to hammer in our tent stakes.  Actually, no hammering this year, as we were given a pre-setup tent in the Group Site area where we camped on our very first trip.  Among neighbors who have been coming every January for years, it was like "back-to-home" for us.

Settled in, we checked out the new ECO tents, the expanded pavilion with the huge bar..


...but then we snorkeled at Cinnamon, Maho, and some new places including Brown Bay and the south side of Haul Over Bay.....nice and less destroyed coral. 




We took a 7 mile guided kayak paddle leaving from Cruz Bay, followed the north shore to Caneel Bay, then across to some islands.  Snorkeled at some much less disturbed areas; nice!

Another day we did some volunteer work for Friends of St. John at a former sugar plantation home.  With loppers and gloves we cleared jungle growth and learned all about Catch-N-Keep; the nasty little vines that grab hold of your skin, and don't let go.

Other highlights:  Many visits to the Joe's Rum Hut for happy hour, brunch at Miss Lucy's, Salt Pond and our first (finally) hike to Rams Head.  But mostly, we snorkeled, seeing some great fish, coral, turtles, and rays....and enjoyed this wonderful St. John island.

TRADITION !