Rockets and Sunrises

Kennedy Space Centre really lets you know exactly where you are all the time.
Right in the heart of NASA country and all that it has accomplished in it's space program. The United States of America is very, very proud of what it's done, and they should be.
We decided to visit a true American iconic touristy place while we were here.
Kennedy Space Centre is it!
Really a "Rah, Rah, Americah" type place with SO much to see you need several hours here. I can see why the ticket you get allows you to come back again with in a time period. We had nearly 6 hours here and covered just about everything because it wasn't busy at all. There were hardly any people so all the trips, tours and movies went very smoothly.

The Space Centre (here on called KSC) is very, very well organized and it was a joy to move from exhibit to exhibit. The information lady gave us a really good way to make our day the best.
We saw the IMAX movie on the International Space Centre that was so neat! I was blown away by how huge that thing is floating above us. Then we headed to the tour buses to take us to the launch areas and see the Shuttle prep buildings (from the outside) then to the Apollo and Saturn rocket display area which has an ENTIRE Saturn rocket displayed inside. It was mind blowing to see how huge this thing was. And to think that 3 guys perched their butts on top of it and were hurtled into space. YIKES.

The Man standing under the aft part of the second stage of the rocket.

The Shuttle program is over and the launch areas are being converted to rocket launchers but they look pretty much the same as when they sent people up into space.

This is Launch Pad 39 where the Space Shuttle Program launched. The round dome to the right would have had liquid oxygen in it as fuel. The shuttle would have sat on the right hand side of the launch platform you see, there is space underneath it to allow the rocket booster flames to go through. In the bottom part of the picture is the ramp where the shuttle would have been moved the few miles from the shuttle prep area (at a whopping 1 mile and hour). The picture does not do justice to the sheer enormity of the unit.

Of course there are pieces and bits of the different missions all around and there are places to take pictures with mock ups or the real thing. But of course there are some fun things too.

How cute is that!?
With my pictures of Snoopy and pals from Santa Rosa California I will have a whole album just of Peanuts characters from all over the country! I loved this picture, it was quite comical amidst all the technology and rocketry to see Snoopy. If you look behind him in the picture you'll see front pages from 30 different newspapers around the world announcing that man had landed on the moon. It was a very interesting display (despite the fact that I couldn't understand any of them except the english ones and the french a bit).

The above picture is the Apollo 11 capsule as it was recovered. You can see the burn marks on the bottom as it came through the earth's atmosphere and the paint is all gone from the outside of the whole unit (burned off during re-entry). The parachutes packed in on the top of it are a post re-entry add on as they had been deployed and used. The parachutes are actually the size of a football field when folded out and are compacted using a vacuum system to make them incredibly small. Wow!

This showed to me how powerful re-entry is and what it can do to anything that tries to come back to earth. The scorching on this vessel was unbelievable. The fact that it even survived is something in itself.

 This is Neil Armstrong's suit that he wore on the moon. You can see the dark dust all over the legs and arms of it. That's moon dust and is said to be very, very abrasive and difficult to brush off as it stuck to just about everything. I thought this was neat. To see the suit that he wore on the MOON!

The white part at the top of the picture is actually the same size as the Apollo 11 capsule pictured above. This is the Saturn V rocket at the top (front?) end. I tried to get the picture to show how huge this thing is and how small the capsule is on top. The whole rocket assembly was a long as a football field!

KSC has so much to see that you do need a lot of time to see it and you also get a real feel of the pride that this place has with everyone that works here and the work that continues to go on in the space program. There is "triumphant space" music going on all the time. You know the kind, you hear it during space movies. It's piped in everywhere (yup, even the bathrooms!) and makes you feel proud for some reason, I can't explain it but it does.

After our tour (on airconditioned coach buses which took us from site to site) we headed into the rocket garden and just like the name says it's a garden of rockets.

The ones on the left have been stripped down and are awaiting the repainting process. Some of these have been here for 40 years! All are previous models of the rockets of today. Geminis, Mercurys and the like. It's kind of a neat way to display them. It's a quiet place with a fountain off to one side, lots of places to sit and even a kids area in one section. I think this is a "decompress" area. It was lovely. And yes, the triumphant space music was playing there too but it really made the scene complete.

I can honestly tell you that I am in no way going to be an astronaut. Though I had my picture taken with one in full suit!

You can see The Man reflected in the facemask of the astronaut. Yes, there was a real person in the suit. Didn't say anything, just was there for pictures! Fun job that!

So, there is one attraction there. The Shuttle Launch Experience. It has been deemed by Shuttle astronauts to be the closest thing to a realistic launch experience. Okay, I thought I can handle the noise of it and the bumping of the seats and stuff but when they told me they were going to tip me upside down to start with. Nope, nadda, no way, I'm outta there.
So, The Man did it.
The picture below is from a monitor I watched from outside (which was really fun to do, let me tell you!)

I can't tell if he's biting his lower lip. I'll let you decide.

Anyway, I know I chickened out but hey, if you don't feel comfortable doing something then better safe than sorry. We got some cool pictures out of it.

We decided that a day at KSC would leave us a little tired to drive the tour home (toll plaza after toll plaza drove us nuts on the way there) so we stayed at the Hilton Cocoa Beach.

Wow! What a place. First of all the food was awesome, top notch stuff. The view was spectacular and the beach seemed to go on for miles. What a place. With dark coming early this time of year we scooted off to the beach as soon as we got there just to look around, put our hand in the water to say we touched the Atlantic, then head in for dinner.
I was determined to get up for sunrise and take some pictures. So, alarm set I was good to go for that. Was it worth it!

If you look on the horizon there is a shrimp boat and I think these birds are a type of Tern but I'm not sure. There are so many different birds down here. I loved the waves coming in and the clouds around.
Yeah, I know, I know, it looks like a sun set and one I could get in Southampton but I know it's sun rise and there's no other land out there for thousands of miles.

Actually there was a rainbow that appeared behind me but I wasn't able to catch it all in a picture without being 20 feet out into the ocean. That was an extra bonus!
I loved walking the shore and spent about an hour doing so. I did pick up just 3 shells. I have to watch what I get or I'll need a trailer to come back to Canada.

Even the jelly fish were different than what I was used to.

Ewwwww, pretty though, with a pink stripe on it's top.

Again, the hotel was not busy at all and the area quite quiet. The staff at the hotel were so helpful and wonderful, I guess just to have anyone to look after is a nice thing.
We didn't really do anything in Cocoa Beach as the day was cloudy and actually rainy! I picked a route home that would take us all the way down the piece of land that Cocoa Beach is on then head to I95 then to Route 70 West which took us to the top of Lake Okeechobee. This area is very, very flat, with lots of citrus groves (man, did it smell good!) and some ranch land. It was a lazy drive home and I'm glad I took that route as it wasn't as chaotic as the Interstates up near Orlando.

Now it was time to rest and decompress from seeing soooo much!

Here, now, is my Snowbird reasearch report for this post.

Florida is such a diverse state. There are the touristy, over the top places; the nearly abandonded farm land, which stretches for miles with crops; and the quiet retirement communities with their golf courses and malls. Drive a little bit and you'll find it all. Really there is something for everyone in Florida.
There are restaurants for every palate. Mexican, Chinese, fish, steak, fast food, slow food you name it.
All places are equipped to accommodate the less mobile. The coaches at KSC were all adaptable, the malls are all ramped for entry and the golf courses all provide "bag service" right from the trunk of the car (ie. you don't have to lift a finger). Even the Sports bar we went to for wings the other night (did I say how AWESOME they were?) had a ramp to the patio.
Everything here is flexible and can accommodate any need. I like that. It's welcoming!

So, we've finished our first month here and have found it a great place and time to be in Florida. Okay, the record temperatures (86 F last week) don't hurt and the sunshine is so welcome.

Until next time.

The Cost of Living...here....Incredible

Everyone says it's cheaper in Florida.
 Maybe it's cheaper in some of the other States too, which I've found. That's due in part to the tax rate. In Florida it's 7%. I'm still trying to figure it what it applies to but really, it's quite a difference from good old Ontari-ari-ario.

Here's an example.

Yesterday I treated myself to a pedicure. (Gotta have pretty toes wearing sandals all the time!) Found a place that did all the right cleaning things and seemed busy when I walked in. Made an appointment. Did I want it right away? I didn't need to come back.
Said I'd see them the next day as I had errands to run.
Everywhere is like that. Drop in, get what ever you need, no waiting!
Price for an awesome pedicure, with all the bells and whistles and a French polish. $40. Wow! That's about $25 less than up north.

Then I headed to Great Clips for a hair trim.
Again, they don't take appointments. Come on in, maybe wait a bit, go for a coffee two doors down then you're good to go.
Awesome hair cut, fun girl doing the cut with lots of ideas of where to go and restaurants to try.
$14.00
Get OUT!

I think it looks great. No muss, no fuss, had a blast there and the price can't be beat.
AND if you're a senior it only costs $8! What???

Laura, the hair dresser, asked if we liked wings. Hoh boy. Yup! She suggested Chubby'z. Yeah, with a "zed".
Wing night on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 30 cent wings.
Sounds like a plan for dinner!

Found a little hole in the wall beside a Midas garage.
This is Chubby'z.

Tons of cars, some motorcycles (The Man was commenting in the biker bar we were going to) outside patio, inside area with lots of TV screens, outback Tiki Bar.
8 flavours of wings. Naked or breaded. (The Man liked the naked term.)
6 beers on tap.
In the door 4 minutes, beer in hand in 5. Wings in hand in 6.
Fastest service ever. Wings were so hot we couldn't touch them for a minute or so.
Best, biggest, juiciest wings ever in the most succulent bourbon BBQ sauce I've EVER had.
2 draft beers, 25 wings.
Total: $13.07
WHAT????
I commented that I was a cheap date but REALLY...

Tipping comes easy to most Canadians I think. We're trained pretty well to do that. I don't know that some folks are so well trained. In one restaurant near Key Largo there was a card with the bill explaining what amounts are "appropriate" to tip. We stick with our 15% usually but it's hard not to tip more. I mean on a $13 dinner tab to give $1.50 seems soooo chincy. Maybe that's why they love Canadians as much as they do because we do tip well. I tip the usual amount but if the staff has gone above and beyond or been funny or something along that line I go higher. Here it's easy to go higher, the meals are so inexpensive.

We also noted that just after 7 pm the place pretty much cleared out. There were a few tables left with diners but that was about it. Snowbirds seem to go home to bed early. It was a beautiful night too. First one in a while where we went swimming after dinner. It has been getting very damp once the sun goes down. The past few days though it's been very humid and hot in the afternoon. Had to work off the wings! We still couldn't get over the cost of our awesome meal.

In the heat and sun there are these little geckos that come out and climb on the screening of the lanai. Okay the picture isn't the best because a) they move like lightening and b) I'm on the inside and he/she is on the outside.But you get the idea. They are great bug eaters.

The other thing that we've noticed is the lack of bookstores. (See previous post) But we did finally find one that appears to be like an Indigo. Books-a-Million it's called. We will add this to our "visit" list. See what it's all about. The Man is reading so much that we need to add to his library. I'll have to figure out what to do with the books when I leave but I think I have a couple of places I can donate them to. Don't feel like hauling them all home. We'll see.

So life continues on.
The sun comes up and shines pretty much all day, though we noted 3 minutes of a light sprinkle of rain last night. Not even enough to wet the roof of the Tiki Bar! Then stars.
Light breeze every day but hot and humid these past few days.
Just right for pool lounging.
Yes, the palm tree in the back does light up! They're all over here.

Cheers all from Port Charlotte, Florida

But What Does a Snowbird DO???

The question in the title line is something that has be uttered the last few days around the pool at Paradise in Port Charlotte.

Really, what do they do? Do they have lives? Do they do something every day? Do they worry about things? Is sitting around the pool reading books all there is to a Snowbirds' life? (I'm enjoying that part I must admit.) Below are some observations.

Do they go to bingo? Well, there are 2 bingo halls that seem to have cars around them at any hour of the day. So I'd say yes.

Do they go bowling? Well, yes, seems those places are busy too, even at 10 in the morning.

Do they go bicycling? Oh yeah, and you should see some of the 3 wheeled contraptions we've seen on the sidewalks. Of course there has to be a requisit basket on the front or back for groceries, pet, oxygen tank or the ABC liquor store.

Do they go sightseeing? Hmmm, I'm not sure on that one but there seem to be a lot of cars on the roads but few in the malls.

Do they go shopping? (see above answer in part). Yes, grocery stores are huge here but the Target store was nearly empty today.

Do they read? Well, going by the number of book stores around, nope, they don't. We've found one but no Indigo or Chapters to be found.

Do they golf? Oh yeah, bring that one on. 16 courses within a 20 minute drive of the house and there's even one that is lit for night time play. Though it's gets dark down here around 7 now (we're lighter longer here, we're farther south!) I'm sure some Snowbirds are safely tucked in bed.

Do they spend time at salons or barbershops? Oh yeah I think they do. By the number of these establishments around I think that's a major source of entertainment for both genders. Way more places than in Toronto. But only one Dunkin Donuts. Going to the donut shop is not a biggy for social interaction.

Do they go to movies? Yes, early ones. The late show (9:30 pm on) will not have Snowbirds in attendance. Movies start about 1 pm everyday. The theatre not far from the house has 16 screens and there is every new movie there. The Man is very happy about this.

Do they plan home renovations? Nope, that's someone elses job though there are very large Home Depots and Lowe's building centres around. I think contractors go there more.

Do they work in their gardens? Must. Everyone's place looks so pretty down here.

Do they go for walks? Must. There is a new huge sidewalk being built down the side of one of the busier streets here. It might even meet up with our street, who knows.

Are they baseball fans? Oh you bet they are. The local maps all show where the spring training sites are (Orioles, Red Sox, Rays ) are all within 30 minutes of the house. The news even announces when single game tickets go on sale. Big Baseball stuff here in March.

Do they talk/worry/plan about their grandkids? Ya think??? Let me tell you, every converstation we've overheard in stores or line ups has had this component. Very big here.

Do they talk/worry/plan about the upcoming primary? Ie Newt vs. Ron? No, doesn't seem to be a big thing, though you see signs around promoting the candidates it's kind of a non issue here. I think because there are so many Snowbirds, Canadian or US that don't get too concerned about this stuff.

Do they like clean cars? My oh my, yes they do. Judging by the number of car wash places in the area this is a big thing! We were at one today that had a "Tornado Air Gun" dryer. 350 miles per hour of hot wind comes out of this gun looking thingy and you dry the car off. Had to try it. No comments please....

Can you tell a rookie Snowbird? Sure, by the colour of their skin. New recruits still look pastey. After a few days here they'll get that Florida glow going. Rookies complain of the heat. Old timer Snowbirds are just glad they're here.

What's more popular, Lunch or Dinner? Lunch by far. Way more people at the chinese restaurant today for lunch than we've seen around the early dinner hour. Need time to digest before nighty night time.

And finally, from the lips of The Man....
Is this all there is to life as a Snowbird?
Well, if you consider eating lovely fresh fruit, veggies and fish; golfing at some of the most beautiful courses; hanging out by a lovely warm pool bathed in sun with a nice breeze wafting through the palm trees a good way to spend part of your life then I think that there isn't much more to worry about as a Snowbird!
(It should be noted that The Man likes to worry about things and when he doesn't have anything to worry about it drives him squirrelly.)

I hope you have enjoyed some of the observations from a now seasoned Snowbird (over 3 weeks down here, I'm good as a "seasoned" Snowbird, got the skin colour to prove it).

Gotta go, my Pina Colada is at the perfect temperature to drink now...Hope the ice crusher doesn't break down. That would be a travesty.
:-)

All Edges Covered!

I post this picture first because it is where I want to start. At the end!
This is Mile 0 of US Route 1. In the summer I was at the end of Route 1 in Maine! I don't remember what the mile number was in Maine but I was at the "other end".
This whole thing got me thinking.

In the past several months the trusty Equinox has gotten me to the eastern, western, northern and now, southern tip of the United States of America. It has done the same for Canada (except for the northern part, so far...)
Wow!
Double Wow!
How cool is that!

The above picture is taken in Key West Florida at the corner of Fleming and Whitehead streets. I just had to have a picture here. Not only is Key West "the end" of the States (90 miles to Cuba, don'tcha know) it's the farthest south I've ever driven. Neat! Key West is a blast. We had a hoot!

The Man decided that we needed to spend a couple of nights in the Keys because it's too far to drive for a day trip. (6 hours from Port Charlotte to Key West). So we stayed at the Hilton in Key Largo. Good plan. It was a lovely drive and I was glad to have the rest inbetween. 
Oh yeah, baby. This is nice.

This is the view from our room. We're on the third floor. This is Florida Bay and facing north. Below is the "hammock beach" and there are chair to move where ever you want. The pier to the right is the Hilton's and you can walk out there and check out the fish and marine life floating around there. This place was just the best. Very quiet (not their busy season we were told) and everyone was soooo nice.
We arrived and needed lunch, well, we made it to the Tiki Bar (which are very popular down here) and the rest is history, we did have lunch but.... the frozen beverages were LOVELY.

View from the Tiki Bar at Key Largo Hilton.

The Man enjoying a strawberry Daquiri. YUM!

I am a water and nature freak and when there's a lovely sand beach waiting for me I have to explore. The sand is brilliant white (mashed up coral makes it this way) and the little shells and sea life are easy to pick out. As I was out wading in the rather cool water I found a little tiny star fish. It was so cute!

Our destination for the following day was Key West and just to sight see there. There were a few places I wanted to go while there. Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe was one. Kind of the only one. The Key Lime pie freak in me couldn't wait to try this out. A funky shoppe with all things Key Lime in it. Even saw it articled on the Food Network. Couldn't go wrong there.

Other than that it was just to poke around and check out what Key West is all about. Reminded me a lot of Bar Harbor, Maine. There was a cruise ship in port when we were there but really there wasn't a crush of people, just a good number to make it fun.
The streets are pretty easy to navigate and once we found a parking spot (take lots of quarters!) we headed out to find what goes on.
First what we found was roosters, lots and lots of roosters. Wandering around, at will, no destination. All free.

Of course this begs the question, "why did the chicken cross the road?".
To get to the parking meter of course. Ha!

I have yet to do the research on why rooster "rule" Key West but it was so much fun to see them. All the traffic allows them to cross and they wander in and out of people's yards. Fun!
We went to Jimmy Buffet's original Margueritaville store and played tourist and bought sweatshirts (yeah, like it's 80 F out and I want to try on a sweatshirt) and yes, we found Kermit's!

So, if you like Key Lime Pie and ice cream bars, and chocolate covered ice cream on a stick this is for YOU.

Really, it was a slice of pie, dipped in dark chocolate and frozen on a stick. I cannot tell you how decadent is was. Yes, it tasted like another but I held back. It was a sugar high waiting for a place to happen. SOOOO Goood.
At Kermit's there was a little backyard patio with a pond and the biggest Koi fish I have ever seen. It was a beautiful little oasis to enjoy our treat.

And yes, there really is a Kermit. And yes, he looks like his picture (see lable above). He was standing outside his store, with his pie (which he throws at someone each day I'm told) and I couldn't resist, I'm such a tourist!!

The yellow bag in my left hand has some more treats (BBQ sauce and key lime jelly beans!)
What a blast that was. Too fun!
Oh yes, I'm wearing my tie dye shirt in honour that Key West is a very Proud town!

Another place in Key West to check is the Ron Jon surf shop. This is a cool person's store. Not being a surfer or particularly cool I decided to be a tourist and check it out. We did get some stuff! Natch!

We had fun wandering around some more, checking out the "old town" part and could realize what it would be like during spring break here. Tons of people and open air bars, old architecture and of course, roosters.

This old theatre is now a Walgreens! Love it when a town keeps the old and makes it new. As you can see by the cloudless sky it was only a little roasty down there but we had a great time. I know there is so much that can go on there and I would go back for a couple of days just to go to some establishments but we had a fine visit.

The route to Key West takes you over some magnificent bridges and through some very small Keys. I can see why this is such a popular place to come but once you're there, that's all that you see. Water, beaches and boats out fishing. Not bad really!

Our time in Key Largo was over on Thursday and we headed out to find the African Queen. This boat was used in the movie with Humphrey Bogart and it was supposed to be just up the road from the Hilton. We searched, turned around, turned back again and still didn't find it. We have it a college try but didn't have much luck. Weird. The Man figured it was out for repair. He has that kind of luck. Actually the waterfall at the pool at the Hilton was also off. This is a theme with him. We go somewhere with a waterfall advertised (for ambiance really) and we get there and it's shut off. Happened in Walter's Falls a few years ago. Now in Key Largo. Go figure.

All this time in Florida and I still hadn't seen a gator. Didn't want to see one in my back yard, just wanted to see one close up and check it out. On our way home we did!
A stop at the Oasis Visitor Centre in the Everglades there was a canal with all sorts of them.
Boy are they ever prehistoricl looking.

He didn't smile for his close up, though I did ask nicely.

This guy would raise his head every few minutes to take a breath. Weird.

Aren't they neat?? Wow, so huge too. They were basking in the sun. What a neat place to stop.

Through the area before the Glades is farm land. Miles and miles of farm land. Strawberries are just coming in and we had fresh corn last night with dinner. No frozen tundra here.
Lots of irrigation though.

Now that's a sprinkler!

Today, Saturday, we went to the Farmer's Market in Punta Gorda (a 10 minute drive) to check it out. Very busy but fun to see what goes on. The average age was 60 I think and everyone walked really slowly to see all the booths. Not a problem really, there was something for everyone but the booth selling knitted hats and scarves were not doing as well, I observed. Funny that, it was only 90 F in the sun!
The vegetables looked good but I was as little leery as they had been in the hot sun for a while. We were heading to the new Winn Dixie to shop anyway. This market was quite the spot though!

There was even a rescued Possum to pet! I think he was blind! He really liked me though and kept licking my hand (no, that's not my hand in the picture, someone else's.)

So that just about rounds out the last few days. I hope you've enjoyed the pictures. I've had fun putting it all together.
It's been quite the tour so far.
The tan is coming along nicely and The Man has finished reading his 3rd book which is a feat in itself as books aren't his thing.

Cheers all!

Shells, surf, dolphins and the Fountain of Youth

When you're in Florida visiting everyone gives you ideas of where to go to see stuff. Any stuff. Beach stuff, shopping stuff, attraction stuff; you know, stuff.
Sometimes you find the neatest stuff just touring around and not thinking you'll run into anything.

Yesterday (Saturday) being cloudy and cooler we decided it was a road trip with no real destination time. Driving up the Tamiami Trail (Route 41) The Man spotted a sign that said "Mineral Springs".
 No fan fare, no flashing lights, no hoopla; just a sign. So I pulled off and drove where the sign directed me. The road wasn't in the best neighbourhood possible but it was fine as we were only passing through.
A lovely welcome area greeted us and we were at one of the U.S's heritage sites. The Fountain of Youth, reportedly the one sought and located by Ponce De Leon. This natural spring, 240 feet deep, provides 9 million gallons of water each day to the nearby creek eventually getting to the Gulf. The water is a constant 87 F.
Wild life is in and around the pool and this oasis is simply stunning!

 Wild life enjoying the spring. These ramps are how you enter the spring.

Centre of Spring marked off. This is the deepest part, and warmest. You can see a couple of people's heads bobbing in the water off to the left. Cool day and windy so very few people enjoying it. See the rows of chairs around the spring. Neat!

We enjoyed a lovely lunch in the cafe there and totally enjoyed the view. I know I am coming back here for sure! There are spa treatments as well and a day pass is only $20! So neat! So hidden away. Wow!

One of the places to visit while here is Boca Grande. This is a spit of land that ends in a lighthouse and is the entrance to most of the inland canals that are around this area. The Gulf power meets the quiet canal water and the wild life (dolphins!!!) and shells are great.
The wind had been coming from the northwest for a couple of days and the waves were awesome. Warnings of rip tides abounded but we decided we could let the wave crash over our legs at least. Around the point of land where the two waters meet there were 5 dolphins feeding on the fish there. No good pictures of course but we saw them diving back and forth through the waves. Wow, what a sight! I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day!

Just getting our feet wet at Boca Grande

A few friends who stuck around us during our visit.

This is what the beach is...just shells!

Note the wet t-shirt of The Man as he enjoys a little more of the surf!

Us and the waves at Boca Grande!

Boca Grande is an old establishment. There are very old homes, very old trees and that's where I'll end it on the old part. The major form of transportation is the golf cart. Tripped out, painted every colour of the rainbow, multi-seated golf carts. The buzz around like little bees and you have to be careful when driving, especially the beloved beast of Equinox around them. They may get squished! Fun though!

One street, aptly named Banyan Street, is really a sight to behold.
This tree lined street was actually dark because the trees were so tall and so big.

Really, this was something. We had fun checking all the trees and vines out. Very neat.

When driving around Florida you're apt to see just about anything. The laws on speeding are strict, the school zone speeds are policed just about every day but motorcyclists don't need helmets and we saw this (below) and a sheriff drove right past it! (Note left brake light is the only one barely working.)

We dubbed it the dock truck because the flat bed looks like a dock, note there is no back of the cab and what you can't see is the front visor being held up by clothes pegs. Really something!

Another place we were told would be nice to visit is Siesta Key, near Sarasota. With nothing more on our agenda (always a floating document) we headed there. Not only is Sarasota very large in space and population it also has the Van Wezel Performing Arts Centre where it seems just about everyone goes to play there. Kenny Rogers, Whoopie Goldberg, Tim Conway, operas, ballets, circus', you name it they're either booked to come there or have been. I think that's on our agenda for sure.
Siesta Key is a blip of land out on the Gulf that has squeaky sand. Really, it squeaks when you walk on it!
This picture looks like it's snow on the ground. Nope. It's pure white, fine sand. And it squeaks!

Snow white beaches of Siesta Key.

We saw a younger age demographic at Siesta Key and there were lots of oyster bars and crab shacks there. Not a long strip of places but enough to be busy on a cool day. We may come back here but it's lower on the list of places. The beach didn't have many shells and but the swimming must be awesome. Reminded me a lot of Sauble Beach. Long beach, a long walk to get there and long walk in the water.

So, I think that's all my brain remembers right now. The sun is out, it's noon on Sunday, and it's time to settle into my book for a bit.

Ahhh yes, Florida in January...nice.

Cheers all!

Going where the "other people live"

Monday was a reconnaissance mission to Fort Myers.
The airport is there.
There is a famous pier there and there are lots and lots of fancy homes there.
Off we went in the intrepid Equinox.

The airport is one terminal. That's it, that's all. Very well organized and, at this time, not busy. They had a curious thing. A "cell phone lot" for parking. No explanation given but we could only figure out that if you are picking someone up you sit there and wait, with your cell phone, then your party calls you and you go to the arrivals area and pick them up. Quite ingenious really.
I still like going into the terminal and seeing people arrive, there's lots of parking for that and pretty cheap too. The airport is 1 hour door to door from the house. Perfect.

Next we ventured into the city of Fort Myers with only a map to guide us and the promise of roads that would lead to the pier. Well, we found lots of roads leading to lots of water and some fancy homes. The roads are narrow and filled with cyclists, pedestrians and other cars. Not to mention the odd golf cart!  Very busy but neat!

 Fort Myers Beach road. Note large condos on Gulf side (left) and if you look closely, a for sale sign, of which there were quite a few. We even saw new buildings being constructed, which is a rarity.

 Looking west to the Gulf from one of the causeways connecting the islands. No, I didn't take the picture! I'm driving! I could only imagine what a hurricane could do to this area it's so low.

Some sail boats in the inter-island waterway. These boats are so far from shore because the water is only deep in the channels. They look water locked, I have no idea how they get out but we did eventually go over a drawbridge but it was miles away. Curious.

The road took us through Fort Myers Beach and the traffic became really, really heavy. It was after 3 pm but I think it was just touristy people like us taking a look around. We found Fort Myers pier and it was similar to the others we've seen but now we know to come in the "other way" to avoid the amount of traffic. A destination for another day trip. It was getting late and I didn't really know where I was going.
Oh yes, while driving in Fort Myers beach or any beach area in this part of the country, one must be conscious of the wild life. In Ontario we have squirrels that take off across the road. Here they have egrets. The little dude pictured below stopped traffic as it decided it was time to cross the road. Luckily we weren't travelling too quickly and with his (her?) long legs took off to the other side of the road. The Man got a picture of it after it successfully navigated the roadway.

It should be noted also that great blue herons (of which there are thousands down here) take off very slowly and use your car draft for lift. This has happened twice on the highways around here. Scares the life out of you as you see this terradactyle looking thing flying right at the car then it takes flight higher up. Yikes!

So, my continued research for you.
Snowbirds purchase "road registered golf carts" for motoring around Ft. Myers beach area. These suckers can do about 30 miles an hour (so a sign said) and have knobby tires on them. Yeee haaaaw!
Snowbirds also bike around a lot. The sidewalk was filled with bikers with their metal baskets on the front, off to where ever they go. In our time there we saw a total of 3 people under the age of 30 (2 were in very small bikinis walking barefoot on the sidewalk, hey, if you got it flaunt it I guess).
The folks here all seemed to be tanned and smiling and had their carry chairs to go to the beach with and seemed quite content. You'd have to be living in some of the condos and waterfront mansions we saw. We didn't see much in the way of bars or entertainment so I figure it's not for the younger crowd but perfectly suited for the demographic there.

Until next time...