Our last days at Fort Myers.

On Monday the 10th Sandy and I went back to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island because the last time we were there it was closed. As we got ready to enter the toll booth to cross the bridge this large birdcage pulled up next to us. Now that is a serious birdcage. And if you look to the right side of the picture you can just barely see an osprey nest built on the green street sign. It seems the osprey build nests everywhere.

  

We rode on the tram tour that was an hour and a half long with a very good narrator. Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of the tram so we were not able to get many pictures. An Egret walked along the road and posed for the tourists.

 

On Thursday the 11th it looked like the rain might miss us so I hopped on the bike and took a 260 mile drive. As it turned out I had rain for about half of the ride and of that about 30 miles was real heavy. But when I got back home I was all dried out, so in my opinion it was a good day for a ride. We ended up with 6 inches at the park for Thursday and Friday.

This Red-Shouldered Hawk hung around our lot one day just over our neighbors fish pond.

Today ,Sunday, we went with a group of friends to an event called October Fest in March held at the Shell Factory. We got there in time for the 11:00am Polka Worship.

 

After the service we all went and checked out the vender booths. It appears that Jane and Brenda have found something interesting to check out.

Now here was a cute dog stroller. They were even leashed in so they couldn’t get out.

 

Different bands played all afternoon and the dance floor got very crowed as the day wore on.

All the accordion and button box players got together for a few songs.

Later we walked around the car show. Here is a Rat Rod that was actually driven in by the owner.

 

This is a very nice La Salle.

I have always liked the older Buicks and this is a 1953 with a straight 8.

 

John L, what year is this Corvette? I know it’s a 72 or older.

  After supper on Monday we drove to the Lee County Convention Center to see if we could meet up with our friends, Joe and Jan, who were attending a Tiffin Rally. When we got there we saw that people were exiting the supper hall so we pulled up to see if they came out. When they did not appear we went inside to see if they were still inside and to our surprise they were sitting and visiting with another couple we know, Steve and Sharon. We sat and visited with them until they closed up the room. We will get to see Joe and Jan again when they pass through the Twin Cities on their way out west this summer.

Sandy had talked with some people who had been at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and said it was a must visit so on Monday we spent about 4 hours walking the 2.25 mile trail.

  This is one of the few breeding grounds left in the USA for the Wood Stork.

If it weren’t for the Audubon Society and the preservation groups who purchased the land in 1954, this stand of old growth cypress and wildlife habitat would have met the same fate as much of Florida. Some of the trees are over 600 years old.

 

We saw several Red-Shouldered Hawks.

We watched as this Great Egret stalked and caught a small fish.

It must be getting time to leave Florida as the snakes are starting to come out. There was an Audubon volunteer standing watch by this Water Moccasin. He said that it has been showing up the last three days.

It looks like they will let anyone in the park as long as they pay the $10 entrance fee.

 

This Barred Owl would not turn around and look at us so this was the best picture we could get.

An Air Plant in bloom.

 

It was just a perfect day to spend at the Sanctuary.

Well, it’s Saturday the 19th and we are getting ready to pack up, leave here and start working our way north. Our first stop will be in Savannah, GA. As I was dumping the tanks I noticed that the orange tree was starting to bloom. Things are way behind schedule because of the cold winter we had. The weather is finally in the 70’s now during the day which is just perfect..

Our last night out for pizza with Cypress Woods friends Bob, Brenda, Georgana, Steve, Bob, Lou, Sandy and I. We’ve had a wonderful 3 months in this park and will miss all the social activities we’ve enjoyed. This park truly has a lot of fun, friendly and creative people.

 

Until next time,

Dave and Sandy