Our last day on Captiva Island

We had a great day on the Gulf and the water was wonderful. I did some lure surf fishing- chest high in the water and caught 3 more fish.....it was really fun

we ran into a group of manatees at the dock

we're ready to sail.....

we took an evening cruise on a catamaran

the sun sets on our Captiva stay.........it's been great!!

beautiful Gulf sunsets

Today we traveled to and visited the 1000 Trails Preserve called Peace River.....we both below to that camping group.
Then after dinner tonight we walked and enjoyed the wonderful sunsets of the Gulf.

life around the condo.........

this morning Gary and I played 18 holes of golf right here at the resort.......it is beautiful and I finally got the ball UP in the air!!??
here's Gary....
Beautiful no matter where you look!!!

For lunch we had some great Mexican food at Cantina Captiva

Then some early evening fishing........ I caught a sheephead adding to my 2 crevelle jacks and small grouper- all catch and release.

Here's Gary casting a lure....

and then, of course, pinochle in the evening

Edison and Ford's winter homes....Fort Myers

Today we toured Edison and Ford's Florida winter retreats. We are in front of the giant banyan tree used for experiments of making rubber.

off to the Everglades.

these pelicans wanted a free ride on our airboat.....
our airboat followed old native Caloosa canoe trails in the mangroves....

we saw plenty of alligators

we saw some little swamp critters along the way....

we took a swamp airboat through the mangrove trails

on the way back we walked a raised boardwalk over the swamp-

reflections in the swamp-

walking the boards.......

action off the boardwalk....

a good lunch at the Camellia St. Grill...

South Seas Island Resort (the entire north end of Captiva Island!!)

this unsuspecting pair were guilty of shopping at Jerry's.................Market
and screwing around with diamonds................

the next island over..............the pass is great for fishing..........I caught 3 today!!

a golf course runs through............we look over the first green

a view across one of the pools to the bay.....

around the end of the island/ resort.

South Seas Island Resort

We thought Longboat Key was great.....this is definitely "the Ritz".
check it out at- www.southseas.com - pics to come...

Myakka Nature Preserve

we took a great air boat ride around Myakka Lake.
is he talking to me.........??

We took a canopy bridge walk, Mel is waving to Gary.............

Carol and Mel viewing from the top..... about 75 feet up
views in all directions

egrets and herons everywhere......

maybe a bit too CLOSE!!!!

sunset over the Gulf

Gary and Mel soaking it up......
what dolphin??

in front of Longboat Key Club....

great sunsets.............

golfing at Peridia CC

our "groupy" golf gallery.............

Gary clearing the water........

Mel driving in the breeze......

Robinson Preserve on Anna Maria Island- AMI

Today Gary and I went kayaking on Anna Maria Island.
We paddled through some hairy Mangrove waterways.........

There were thousands of small Fiddler Crabs watching us...............

It was a beautiful day with a light breeze.......perfect for paddling

It was quite a birding area...........

Fort DeSoto, Florida- a revisit

North Beach- 2005 Best National Beach
the fort.......

shelling....

Gary, Mel and Carol