Went Fishing

Happy Easter.  We went fishing this morning in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast Naples.  We caught a bunch of fish, but the only ones of a size legal to keep were "Sheepshead" fish. The captain of the boat was nice enough to clean and filet the fish for us and then pack them on ice. We brought the filets back to the campground and plan on cooking them for supper tonight.

Naples, FL

Spent the day at the beach in Naples. Also visited a tourist trap of shops called "Tin City". I had a wonderful tasting fish taco for lunch. RoxAnne had a grouper sandwich.  We also signed up to take a fishing excursion on a boat from Naples on Sunday morning. We are hoping to catch at least one piece of good fish.  Most of the restaurants around the area will cook them for you at a minimal charge.

Nice Day at the Beach

The racoons are checking the mangroves very closely for alligators before they enter the water. We went to a beach on Marco Island today. The air was hot, but the water was still a little chilly. Many however still were in the water swimming. RoxAnne baked lasagna for dinner tonight.  It was really good. So far we have driven 3155 miles on this adventure.  Thinking about visiting a beach in Naples tomorrow.  Three more days in this area, then we are off to Orlando.

Tamiami Canal

The Tamiami Road extends from where we are camping to Maimi. Along the road is a canal that is filled with alligators. We took a little drive this afternoon and spotted well over 50 gators. 

Air Boat Excursion

Went to Everglades City this morning and took a ride through the Everglades on an air boat.  Captain Gary was driving the boat and did a great job of keeping us safe.  During our trip we spotted another air boat that was stuck in the sand.  We were told that those passangers had to switch to a rescue boat by wading through some water. I guess Carnival isn't the only one with boating issues. Also ate lunch at an outdoor cafe in Everglades City. Good food and great atmosphere.

Biking through the Everglades

 

Biked a trail in the Everglades this morning.  Warning outside the trail said to beware of panthers.  I didn't see a panther, but did see a nice size alligator.

It's For the Birds

Went last evening to a marsh trail located in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  Around sunset 100's of birds come in to the area.  We saw woodstorks, herons, pelicans, swallow-tailed kites, etc.  We also saw a few alligators waiting for their dinner. 

Collier-Seminole State Park

Arrrived at Collier-Seminole State Park on Saturday.  Significantly warmer.  Mid 80's both Sat and Sun.  Running the air conditioner in the camper. Went to a beach on Marco Island on Saturday.  On Sunday we went to a huge flea market in Fort Myers, the visited the winter estates on Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.  They were very good friends and they lived next to each other.  Very intersting visit. We are planning to canoe in the Everglades.  The park rents canoes for $5.00 per hour. Also there is a guided moonlight tour on March 25th & 26th. Also wanting to take a air boat ride through the Everglades and maybe do some deep sea fishing. The birds in the Everglades are amazing.  Saw some pink flamingos. They are best seen in the evening in the marsh area.  Will be going out one of these evenings to take pictures of the birds.

Last Day at Manatee Springs

It is our last day at Manatee Springs State Park. We were going to go swimming today in the springs, but a snake swimming in the same area scared us away.  We have had a very enjoyable stay in this area. Today we visited Blue Spring Park (see picture). We have also visted Suwanne, Horseshoe Beach, Trenton. Olde Town, etc.  Saw an armidillo crossing the road today. Today was also the first time I ate boiled peanuts (the cajun ones were pretty good).  I've put 2500 miles on the truck so far and it running well. Tomorrow we are off for a 10 day stay near the Everglades at Collier-Seminole State Park.

Meeting Many Nice People

Meeting many nice people during our trip. Talked to a couple from Morgantown, WV and another from Charleston, WV. Yesterday met a couple from Bethal Park, PA.  We exchanged contact info and might meet again near Pittsburgh. The couple beside us live in Florida and have taken their camper all the way to Alaska.  That would be an adventure :)  As you can see in the picture we quite often also talk to many "Jane" Does.  They come right up to you. Nice weather here. Yesterday it was 81 degrees as a high and 60 as a low.

The Weekend

Had a great weekend.  Spent Saturday at Cedar Key, a small island off the coast.  Had the best clam chowder at Tony's. They have been the world champion three times.  Lots of little shops. Very friendly people.  Went to a flea market Sunday morning. Just looked.  Didn't buy anything.  The wife and I also bought bikes this weekend.  We have been riding them around the campground and trails. Pedaled around the "Sink Hole" trail today.  Saw a multitude of sink holes.  In fact the whole area has many sink holes.  Hopefully they are not going to get any worse.  The spring currently has high water so it is closed to swimming.  Hopefully it goes down by Friday (the day we leave), so that we can swim in the spring with the manatees. 

Back to Nature

 

Arrived at Manatee Springs State Park yesterday afternoon. It is filled with nature. We were met at our campsite by deer. This morning I went to the spring and it was filled with Manatees. Took a stroll and saw an otter, turtles, fish and tons of birds. No wi-fi and very limited cell service. I'm sitting at McDonalds right now so that I can update everyone. The park also has a 100 ft hole in the ground in which you can scuba dive. It is connected to over 5 miles of underwater caves. It is green with moss on top, but it looks crystal clear under the moss.  If the chance arose, I think I would try and dive at the site.



Another Day at the Beach

Spent yesterday at Blackwater River State Park. It was an amazing park.  The river bottom and banks were pure white sand.  Spent today at the beach again.  Starting to see more kids starting their Spring break.  I've put 1700 miles on my truck so far.  Tomorrow we are leaving Milton, FL and taking the camper to Mantee Springs State Park.  We'll be spending a week at this state park.

One Week into Retirement

Well we are one week into our retired life.  The past few days have been relaxed.  Went to a flea market today.  Spent a lot of time checking out the countryside.  Lots of big farms; many of them grow peanuts.  The area around Milton has lots of rivers and is known for its rivers.  The Blackwater River is really nice.  It is supposed to rain tomorrow. We hope to take a canoe trip within the next few days.

At the Beach

Had a wonderful day at Navarre Beach today. The sand is so white and the sun so warm. A few went swimming, but I didn't go out beyond my knees.  RoxAnne packed a lunch and we spent the entire day there.  Supposed to be another nice day tomorrow.



Made it to Florida

We made it to Florida yesterday afternoon. Staying in a campground in Milton, FL. It was sunny and in the upper 60's. Pulling the camper has not been a problem, but happy to park it for a week. Going to the beach this afternoon.  Supposed to be a high of 69.  

Weather improving

After 600 miles, we made it to Murphy, NC. Weather much improved. High 50's this afternoon.  The flowers are starting to bloom and the trees starting to bud. Truck is getting 10 miles per gallon.  Hoping that will improve a little once we get out of the mountains.

Day 1 of Florida Trip

Weather has been playing havoc on starting our trip to Florida.  We gambled and left for Florida on Sunday even though there was a lot of snow on the road.  The truck needed the 4-wheel drive and spun a lot as I pulled it up the hill, but we finally made it.  Spending the night at a KOA in Wytheville.  We are supposed to drop to 19 degrees tonight.  Really looking forward to warmer weather.