Chokoloskee Island - Outdoor Resort - Everglades

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Chokoloskee Island was man made by shell deposits by Calusa Indians over centuries of time. They created "high ground" for protection in the event of storms. The island was only accessible by boat until 1956 when the causeway was constructed. From the air it looks like a stingray with the causeway as the tail. Chokoloskee, isn't even in the AAA travel book! There is one restaurant, the Havana Cafe, with wonderful Cuban food, and a funky gallery of local art and local authors' books that does double duty as a kayak outfitter business. There is a wonderful little museum "Smallwoods Store," once a trading post and post office. We're adjacent to a marina and a very modest motel here at the ultra luxe Chokoloskee Outdoor Resort (RV Park) which takes up about 1/4 of the island's land mass. The resort is full of fishermen. They all have high end RV / 5th wheel rigs, and very well equipped fishing boats. There are three pools, a good schedule of activities, and friendly people here. We've extended our stay and booked a charter with Captain Rapps, a very cool fisherman with a line of spices and rubs who happens to be a neighbor. The fishing excursion was wonderful. Pete Rapps respects and knows about local lore, flora and fauna, and where the fish are. We caught quite a few fish including two keepers. We got soaked in a tropical rain storm and were dry by the time be got to the dock. There is a drawback or two being here on Chokoloskee. First, internet connectivity it spotty. I suppose we are spoiled to always be able to work from the rig on our laptops; here we often have to pack up and go to the "rec hall." Even then, e-mail service isn't the best. However I seem to have no trouble with Face Book and seem to think this post will go ok. The other drawback is that one has to go all the way back to Marco Island for a pedicure and a nail technician. I lost a fingernail while fishing today; I can just hear all the sympathy!

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Photos

Fishing Out of Chokoloskee
Captain Pete Rapps is a great guide. We had a great day fishing in the Everglades.

JT's Gallery & Kayak Outfitters
Says Cafe; becuase of it's history; but no food here! Local art, local books, nice story teller-owner, and one place where you can book your eco trip!

The Inner Lake
People get their boats into the inner lake via a life lock type device. Nice to have a "boataminium" RV pad!

Mr. Watson - Story of Local Villian
This was a local villian who killed his sugar cane workers and fed them to the aligators on "pay day." The Smallwoods and others gave him the ultimate "come uppance" community style!

Coke Was an Early Treat
We had one of these for our beer and soda at our camp at Saratoga Lake. The Rinaldi's delivered our ice to it and the Butlers delivered milk here.

Welcome to Smallwood Museum
Suggested donation $3. Photos allowed. Fascinating peek at early Everglade life. This was the Post Office, trading center and general store for Chokoloskee Island when it was only accessible by boat.

Seminole Artifacts
Smallwoods Store is a museum with artifacts about the early days where it was a trading post for Seminole people.

Chokoloskee Town Homes
These are across the street from our park - magnificent sunsets here!

Chokoloskee Resort at Sunset
I tease Wes who hates me to call these places trailer parks!

Comments

[anonymous]

Have fun with the LJ's!
Another delightful story of travels with Cuda and Co! Have fun with LJ and Joe, known in our house when the kids were little as "the LJ's." Jayne and Dave