Jan
24
Last week we went to a business meeting in Florida that hubby attends; it’s always in different spots but this year it was held in Marco Island, Florida. It’s south of Naples and they told us it was the largest of the ten thousand islands, I didn’t know about all these islands! We spent Sunday traveling and when we drove from the airport to the hotel it was extremely foggy. I went shopping most of the next day with a group of ladies and didn’t really buy anything but lunch & ice cream for a snack. My sister in law and I tried to sit out by the pool to read the next day…………
It was really pretty and not sure you can tell, but there’s hardly any people out. It was very breezy and cool, we had on jeans and shirts and covered up with beach towels!
We walked on the beach several times and picked up loads of shells……I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many on any other beach I’ve ever visited. I probably should have done a close up but there were lots of spots where the shells were 3-4 inches deep.
On our last afternoon Don and I went on a bus over to Everglades Park, along with his brother and family. I really enjoyed seeing all of it and we had such fun on the airboat ride!
As soon as we got on the boat though, these pelicans would come and land on the edge at the front and start making their way toward the back. I did not like that at all! The captain of the boat would eventually throw fish out to them but I think he likes to mess with the customers and wait as long as he can, hoping to get a rise out of everyone. He did say they would peck at you and I think one had bitten him. I was glad when we took off that they didn’t stay on the boat too long. They’ve got a good thing waiting by the dock for that fish!
He drove us through some of the swampy looking areas and down these long waterways with mangrove trees growing on each side; very neat looking and the boys loved it when he drove fast.
When we were done they had alligators for us to hold and take pictures with! It wasn’t on my list to do, I took all the pics and then got roped into doing it too……it was icky I thought! Those were my nieces looking on. I think I can say I’ve done this and don’t ever have a desire to do it again!
The bus driver drove us by a river or waterway on the way back, a place where they usually spot lots of gators and just what I wanted to see again. And oh my gosh, these were way too big to suit me. After we took pictures, a big guy slid off the bank across from us and started sliding through the water toward us! I said something like maybe we all needed to get back on the bus, the driver said he wouldn’t come over to us….I didn’t want to find out but sure enough he turned and went the other way.
Don and me at dinner one night…..we had some good seafood but I think Don ate steak or fillet every night! We ate more meat there than we usually eat in 2 months!
For some reason I had not looked forward to going on the trip but I ended up having a really good time! I’m glad we got to get away and enjoy the sun, even though the weather was a bit cool. It does beat the 20’s and 30’s we’ve had since I’ve been home!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
You’re a brave one – holding an alligator. Even though it’s small, it still has teeth! Those big ones look really scary.
Glad you had a nice time!
January 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
What a great trip! I am going to Boca Raton with my hubby in a couple of months. I won’t get to see him much, but I will enjoy sitting by the pool/beach and reading! With the temps like they are now, I wish I was going tomorrow!
Great pictures!
January 24th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Wouldn’t you know we’ve been back up in the upper 70s since then? Except that we will be in the low 60s just for tomorrow & this past Sunday was a bit chilly. This weather cannot make up its mind.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Great pictures! I’m glad you guys had fun. I bet the Everglades trip was the best, but me being a chicken, I wouldn’t have been happy about those gators. And NO WAY would I be holding a baby one 🙂
January 24th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Oh it looks like paradise there! (except the alligators)
What a fun trip!
January 24th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Loved the pictures. Looks like a good time. I think I would pass on the alligator.
January 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
What fun! That holding of the alligator is a traditional MUST DO when in the Sunshine State. Glad you have a picture to prove it.
Looks like a good time was had by all. So glad you could get away for a change of scenery.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Sounds like a fun trip. There is nothing like a nice beachy getaway during the winter! And good job holding the alligator…not everyone is up for that experience!
January 24th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
My in laws own a home outside of Tampa….that is where they are right now. My mom is in Sebring, Fl right now….close to Orlando. We have talked about taking the kids on a tour of Florida next year…since Scott’s parents own a home down there..we could stay there and travel to different places.
It sounds like you all had a great time….I’m glad you went. Florida is always nice to visit in the winter. alligators…….yuck! And Yikes!
January 24th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Brave one, I would not have wanted to hold that little evil creature. Nice pool shot and beach!!
January 25th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Hey! It’s been awhile…sorry for not checking in sooner! We just got back from Marco Island on the 5th of this month!!! Small world! It was beautiful, huh??? I couldn’t get over the shells…I have some great pics I’ll have to share (if I ever start back to blogging)! Anyway, glad you had a good time…Take care!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Oh, I’m soooo jealous! Looks like so much fun, and what wonderful pictures!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
What fun! I would love an airboat ride! Holding an alligator though? Your much braver than me.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
How fun!!!!!! I wanna go!!! Looks like a blast!
January 26th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
This sounds like so much fun! The boat trip is especially interesting! As for the gators, my hubby would have loved it. I would do it but I would have been scared to pieces!
January 26th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Wow, Gail, that looks like it was so much fun! What great pictures!
I have never, ever been to Florida, so seeing all these photos is so intriguing…I really hope to visit one day!
You sure had a brave happy smile holding that alligator! 😀