ABJ Road Trip - Day 2 - Ft. Myers

It's time for the beach but it is actually pouring outside. I mean the wake you up in the middle of the night, trees swaying, flash flood warning kind of rain. We took it slow this morning and then just vowed that it would be a wet day and said, "so what!" And off we went...

After reading up and seeing some of Lover's Key State Park we decided to make that the stop first thing. There is a great trail there but remember the rain I was talking about? Well, most of our trail looked like this...

This would be the point where she questions my vacation planning skills and I replied that she'd have really good stories to tell one day. Really, it was awfully mucky and buggy. We did the shorter option of the trail but it was pretty funny. 

The beach, however, is gorgeous! Just beautiful white sand and clear, calm water as far as you can see. There were quite a few sea turtle nests as well. We watched the next wave of storms come in as we sat there. 

What got my attention was a bunch of driftwood trees off to my right so I went off to get a better view. These trees were absolutely beautiful and really made my day. A few were overturned and the roots exposed showing the beauty of nature. One tree had shells placed all over it (yes, I placed one as well!) and there were a few locks place on it as well. How romantic to have a lock placed on this tree in Lover's Key State Park. Maybe one day I'll get to go back for that reason. A girl should be so lucky. 

Remember that storm moving in? Well, it was time for us to move out! Off to lunch. Another place we had on the list was Heavenly Biscuit. Yum!!! They really do have some wonderful biscuits and is worth a stop in to eat. Be aware... cash only!! There is an ATM on site for your convenience. 

All in all a pretty wet and wonderful day was had by both of us. The bonding time has been a plus as well, even with a little extra time in the room watching the weather pass. Ft. Myers, I will be back!

ABJ Road Trip - Day 1 - Peace River, Punta Gorda and Ft. Myers

We set out early this morning and drove through some towns in Florida and found our way to the Peace River in Zolfo Springs at Pioneer Park. We did a few Geocaches here as well and learned some history about the area. We really, really wanted to go and find some fossils in the Peace River but it is a little too high right now to dig around. I'm told that when the water is lower in the winter, that's the perfect time.

After that stop we continued on the journey to find the Peace River Wildlife Center and walked around the Ponce deLeon Historical Park as well. This park is right on the water in Punta Gorda and has wonderful views. The wildlife center is home to many rescued birds and other animals and is worth a visit. 

One of the stops I was determined to make was a visit to Peace River Seafood... and I'm glad I did. It was soooooo good!  Just look at those blue crabs. Delicious. 

Time to head to Ft. Myers. The weather has been a bit icky with lots of on and off rain all day so I'm a little sad that the beach sunset may not happen tonight. We did stop at a few parks on the way including Manatee Park, but no manatees today. Just lots of rain. However we did see manatees at Lover's Key State Park when we drove in and pulled off to the observation point. 

Bonita Beach was beautiful as well but the clouds were just not breaking away to let much sunshine in or the sunset either. This was pretty much the case and we beach hopped down the coast through Estero Island and Ft. Myers Beach. Still, it's wonderful to put your toes in the sand. 

So instead it was dinner time and my daughter lobbied for Ford's Garage due to her obsession with Ford trucks. Dinner was pretty yummy but the ambiance is the reason to go and check it out. 

So that was a long day, right? Who are you telling? I'm exhausted! Night, night!