Myakka River State Park February 3, 2009

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The weather has been holding steady with temps in the high 60’s to 70. Today we took a trip to Myakka River State Park. Unfortunately most of the state parks don’t allow dogs on the trails because of the alligators so Jewel hasn’t had as many hikes as we had planned for her.

The Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, hammocks, prairies and pinelands. There is a 7-mile scenic drive that winds through the park. The area is very pretty and serene.

Within the park is the Myakka Canopy Walkway that provides access to observe life in the treetops – if only there was life to be seen. Nope, there was no visible life. The walkway is suspended 25 feet above ground and the tower is 75 feet up. The views were pretty but no life in the treetops except us. Back at the campground we settled in watched some TV and prepared for tomorrow’s activities.

Check out the Baby pigs.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Monday, February 2, 2009

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It rained last night – of course- Ron washed both vehicles. The skies are gray this morning but it is expected to clear.

Our neighbors from RI gave us tickets to get into the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. They went and were given free return passes. They don’t plan on using them so were kind enough to offer them to us. Ron tried to pay them for the tickets but they refused.

In 1885 Thomas Edison purchased property in Fort Myers and had a home built for a winter retreat called Seminole Lodge. In 1886 he returned to his newly built estate with his second wife Mina. The Edison family enjoyed leisurely stays at the property until 1947 when Mina deeded the property to the City of Fort Myers for $1.00. The original furniture is on permanent loan from the Edison family. Interestingly Mr. Edison had six children from both marriages but only one daughter had children bearing her spouses’ last name. The Edison name was not carried on.
In 1916 Henry Ford purchased his home called the Mangoes next door to the Edisons’ providing him and his family the opportunity to vacation with his good friend Thomas Edison. Both families spent many summers together enjoying Fort Myers.The grounds are beautiful with incredible views, flowers, plants and Banyon trees. It was a great educational day.

This car was parked at the Estate the plate makes me proud to be from Massachusetts.

Woodsmoke RV Resort Sunday, February 1, 2009

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We arrived at Woodsmoke RV Resort around 1 PM. Very nice place with concrete drives and pads for the RV. The place is packed and the motor homes are very high end. There sure are a lot of wealthy people around with expendable income despite the country being in a financial tailspin.

Ron decided to wash the car and RV today. This is the first resort we’ve been that allows washing of vehicles at your site so Ron decided to take advantage of the opportunity. I spent the day cleaning the inside of the RV (left –handed) and doing the laundry. We had dinner and called it an early night.

We met some people from RI who are spending three months down here. The weather has been fairly warm (70’s) but the temps are expected to plummet over the next three days.

We have had several opportunities to use the new TomTom navigation system Kelly, Patrick & Megan gave us for Christmas. It works great, fits perfectly in the Jeep and the screen is easy to read. What helps is she talks you through turns before you get to them, alarms when Ron goes over the speed limit and keeps me safe from being a navigational idiot on a daily basis.

More Big Cypress National Preserve Friday, January 30,31 2009

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Friday, January 30

Click on this FOTO to see the Alligator.

Sleeping well was not an option last ni ght – the pain in my arm and wrist kept waking me. Did some research and found a n urgent care center in Naples about 40 , 2009 miles from here called Anchor Health Center. I was taken in immediately and was seen by a very attentive staff. I had a thorough exam, several x-rays taken and was told that I have small radial head fracture that will take 8-12 weeks to heal. GREAT!!!! I did not get casted but was advised to rest my arm/wrist, maintain an ace or soft brace and if no improvement in either my pain or function to seek out an orthopedic surgeon for further intervention. I won’t be mentioning my wrist again- will just wait it out and hope for best. After 3 hours, great care and a bill for $248.00 we headed back to the campground.

On a brighter note, we were hungry and found a Mexican restaurant nearby. The food was excellent. We then toured Marco Island and got back to the campsite around 6 PM. Jewel was very excited to see us.

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Saturday, January 31, 2009

The weather changed dramatically from 84 degrees to 41 in less then 24 hours. Still sunny and bright so we’re happy. We decided to stay here one more day and enjoy the solitude.

Tomorrow we will be heading into Fort Myers. Ron secured a site at Woodsmoke Campground for two nights. It was a challenge getting a site because all of the campgrounds in that area are full to capacity during the winter months.

Cypress National Preserve Thursday January 29, 2009

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Headed across the state to Monument Lake Campground at the Big Cypress National Preserve first stopping at Shark Valley Visitor’s Center. We took a tra m tour through the everglades on a 7- mile road leading to a fifty - foot tall viewing center overlooking the everglades. One could see f or 20 mil es in a 360 degre e radius. The everglades were teaming with multiple speClick on this FOTO to see the Baby Birds.

cies of bir ds –some nesting their young and alligators with their babies that were no more then 10-12 inches long. It was very enjoyable and educational.

Then it was on to Monument Lake to settle in for the next two days. Great views and weather has made for a wonderful day. In the lake that we are camped by are two alligators. Will monitoring Jewel carefully.

Unfortunately my wrist and arm are hurting more then ever and for the first time I am concerned I may have broken something after all. I was debating on being seen but did not make up my mind until after I spoke with Dr. Chuang. I will be checking it out at a walk-in clinic tomorrow if the pain does not improve.

Wal-Mart in Homestead Tuesday, January 27, 2009

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Surprisingly, I managed to sleep last night despite the pain. I cannot do anything with my right hand so am definitely handicapped. Ron has had to help me with everything including dressing. I cannot put any pressure on any part of my hand, wrist or forearm. Hopefully this will get better very quickly. I don’t like being dependent on anyone – no even Ronnie.

We debated on staying here for another night but at $100.00 per night we opted to head down the road to a spot we could stop for the day and enjoy the weather and water free of charge.

We found a great spot along the roadside and enjoyed the day.

We headed out around 5 PM and decide d to head into Walmart in Homestead to stat for the night. I

picked up a soft hand/wrist brace that seemed to work well. I’m still in pain but it has been manageable.

Miami Everglades Campground Wednesday, January 28, 2008

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Headed out to the Miami Everglades Campground just 10 miles down the road. Ron wanted Internet access and I needed a full hook-up site to do laundry. Spent the day getting our chores done albeit difficult wit h one arm.