Enjoying Gulf of Mexico water

Sunshine Key Marina Guards

The 2 Pelicans were "Guarding" the fish at the marina.

Sunshine Key Marina

Sunset at Sunshine Key

Enjoying our first sunset at Sunshine Key

Wading in the Gulf of Mexico

While on our walk we found one of the beaches and checked out the water.  White white sand and comfortable temperature water.

We made it!

Once we got settled into our site at Sunshine Key Jan & I went for a walk around the park and found some beach front.

On The Rocks sign

On our way to Sunshine Key we took a "Stretch-our-legs break" and this sign was across the roadway.

2 week old gator

One of the rangers showed us a baby alligator up close and personal.

Lots of Gators!!!

Gator Park has a number of  wildlife animals on display

Filbert & Gator friends

Filbert found some gator buddies on the backporch at Gator Park.

Filbert on an airboat

Filbert decided to see what it'd be like as an airboat driver.

Everglades Critter enjoying the sun!

While gliding through the Everglades we  came upon an alligator sunning on the bank.

How deep is the Everglades?

Our Ranger/Guide showed us that the Everglades water depth is really only about 18 inches to 2 feet.

And so the airboat ride begins......

We were to look for birds, alligators and turtles.

Airboat Ride Video !

Please overlook the first part of the video with my finger over the lens!!:(  I took this video while on the ride! Hope this helps you get a sense of what it feels like !!

Getting ready for an Airboat ride.

After getting settled in.....we decided to go for an airboat ride into the Everglades.

View of the swamp from our motorhomes

Togetherness at Gator Park RV Campground

We stopped at Gator Park for the night. Duane & Jan were our neighbors.   We were so close that Duane & Jan could not put their kitchen area slide out! 

Trees in the Everglades

Yes there are Lots of trees in the Everglades.  I used to think that the Everglades only had marsh and reeds. When I had lived in Florida previously, I quickly found out it was NOT SO! 

Everglades

View of the Everglades thru the front window.  Even with a dirty windowshield, you can see how massive this area is.

Interesting sign

This sign is warning that you want to shuffle your feet in the sand from May thru September due to the fact 5hat Stingrays might be under the sand.  OUCH !!

Ft Myers Beach

I had heard alot about Ft Myers Beach....so we went there.   It's a very pretty beach and reminds me of Siesta Beach in Sarasota, just not so crowded.  Then again, it was very overcast.

Caravan to the Florida Keys. ..

We left Ft Myers this morning after fueling up Harvey with diesel ($4.09 per gallon yikes!!) Met up with Duane & Jan just down the road.   We're following them. Stopped at a rest stop (Picnic tables only) for driver break. 

Across from The Love Boat ice cream place was.......

Marti's Family Restaurant ! Didn't realize our daughter- in-law had a restaurant down in Florida!

Love Boat Ice Cream !!! :)

Look what we found next to the RV park!

John & Mabel Ringling Home

Toured John & Mabel Ringling home with Duane & Jan ...lots of beautiful landscaping and very ornate and lavish home interior

Went to Captain Curt's for Clam chowder the other night Mmmmmm good! They were voted Best New England Clam Chowder

Guess who we had lunch with?

On our way South to Ft Myers Beach, FL we stopped at Cracker Barrel and had lunch with Stephany Bell and her mom, Rachel.   Nice visit, good food and great chance to catch up! :) 

Florida weather!!

It's 74 degrees and rainy with a chance of tornadoes!!!

Light show on the lake

STILL WAITING for the fireworks!!!! We saw info at the resort that fireworks started at 9.... NOW we found out that it probably starts after the electrical lights make the rounds to all the resorts on the lake. .

Filbert & Martie at the Polynesian Resort at Disney

After church and Craft Fair at Thousand Trails...we took Duane and Jan to Downtown Disney. ...then rode the monorail and "Resort Hopped" checking out the different resort lodges.  Had dinner at the Polynesian. ..now we're waiting on the beach for the fireworks to begin!! :)

Polynesian Resort at Disney

Duane, Jan & friend posing at the resort. 

Phil singing at TT Orlando Church service

In honor of his sister Jan visiting us at Thousand Trails .... Filbert sang with the Lacey family who provide the music & message.   They sang one of Filbert & Jan's father's favorite songs.

Eating pounds of shrimp at The Freezer...a local eatery at Homosassa Fl

Filbert Jan & Duane at Thousand Trails Orlando

Sunny & breezy

Filbert shoving off for his "Maiden Cruise"

Filbert trying out our new toy

Martie traded massage for a used kayak with paddles & life jacket. ...here is Filbert trying the kayak on the lake at Thousand Trails....GO Filbert GO!!! 

Friendly Feathered Neighbors

Opened my front door this morning and was greeted by mama, papa & baby Sandhill Cranes.  The baby is about 2 weeks old.  By 3 months or so, it will be almost as big as mom & dad.

Visit from Gene& Sally

Friends (Gene & Sally, with Jacob & Isaac) from East side of Florida came over to Thousand Trails in Clermont area for a visit. Took them on a tour of the park...dinner & then- too soon-it was time for them to head back home.  Good friends. Good visit! :)