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 !!