Naples, Florida

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In mid November Kim, Jim, Karen and myself vacationed at Kim's timeshare in Naples Florida. The weather wasn't real hot but it was warm and clear with days that were much better than what we'd left behind in Massachusetts. I spent a good part of the week just sitting in the hot tub overlooking Naples harbor reading my book. A-a-a-a-a-a-ah so warm and relaxing what a great way to watch the day go by. Naples is an affluent community on Florida's south west coast. There's miles of great beaches and lots of restaurants. This makes it a wonderful place to relax but the town closes at 9pm each night. Don't try to find a package store open after dark. We did a couple of driving trips, one to Pine and Sanibel Islands, stopping for lunch at Bert's Bar and Grill in Matlacha. We sat on the sun drenched deck eating good bar food and drinking cold beer a genuine Florida experience. Pine Island is a great throw back to the Florida of 40 years ago. After lunch we drove to J N (Ding) Darling National Wildlife Preserve on Sanibel and watched the cranes and roseate spoonbills feeding in the marsh. Later in the week we drove out to Everglades City for a jet boat ride with "Speedy Johnson". This had to the most environmentally unfriendly thing I've ever done. It's riding in a flat bottom boat on a high open seat, speeding through the mangroves and chasing the wild life with the engine roaring. What great fun. One more check on my Bucket list. We went onto Chokoloskee Island for a great lunch at the Havana Cafe. The food was well prepared and the owner and waitress were real friendly. November is a opportune time to visit Florida, few tourists and the weather in still nice. Hope to come back again.

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Photos

Hot Tub
The view of Naples Harbor from the hot tub.

"Speedy Johnson's"
Air Boat

"Speedy Johnson's"
Manatte as we ran it over

"Speedy Johnson's"
Alligator

"Speedy Johnson's"
Marsh canal at 55 MPH

Comments

[Charles Wright]

an ECO alternative
If you ever make it back, we will show the Everglades as it should be shown ... quietly and with a Floida Master Naturalist ... www.EvergladesAreaTours.com

[Tami Crader]

Helpful tips
So....we're looking ahead to possibly a week in Naples in April. Any suggestions for what part of Naples to stay in? Also, we'll be flying in to Ft. Meyers and of course, renting a car to get to Naples. Will we need a car while there? Thanks!