Life in the Slow Lane

Between our trip out west and the time I have spent in Florida this year I have managed once again to miss most of old man winter and I could not be happier about that.  Records are being broken all over the Midwest this year for cold temperatures and heavy snowfall I am not looking forward to going home next week but I do miss my dogs and cats.

Last weekend I visited Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte both sweet spots on either side of the Peace River.  Fisherman's Village is a well known location on the south side of the river, mostly high end shopping and a couple of restaurants, I go for the people watching and photo ops.  I have recently come to realize what an art window dressing is and how I miss seeing these displays in my limited cultural zone known as Steuben county, Walmart has no windows.  I recall as a kid being fascinated by the clever displays in downtown Fort Wayne, IN of course the window was a huge part of getting you to come inside and spend your money.  Anyway this mermaid sure caught my attention.

My pal Betty and I went for a guided hike on a nature trail in Port Charlotte it was a great way to start a Saturday morning. Our Jersey native guide Joe did an excellent job of educating us on SWFL flora and fauna, guess I would not expect less from a former school teacher with a masters degree in biology.  We spied egrets, turtles, talapia, a gator and even a yellow rat snake hanging in a cabbage palm over the trail.

Since it is winter the water table in FL is low and of course the vegetation is not nearly as green and heavy as summer, the look rather lends itself well to black and white photography I think.

We ate lunch at a place called Portofino which I would recommend for the view and vino but not the meal.  The reason we choose that restaurant is because we could easily see the regatta sailing boats in Port Charlotte Harbor, looked like they had three or four classes and were making the best out of a mildly windy day.  Of course watching the race brought back fine memories of sailing in the Virgin Islands in the 80's with Captain Jim and mate Cass, what a time that was.

We ended the day on Punta Gorda's only rooftop bar where the wind finally started blowing and we got chased off the roof before even hearing the band, but it is great view and a swell way to wind down.

Help Yourself to Florida

Last weekend I enjoyed Artfest in Fort Myers FL, the juried annual event featured more  than 200 talented artists and other vendors.  Many of the artists prefer not to have their work photographed.  After a late stroll through the booths we landed at the roof top bar at Firestone's, what a view of the city, man oh man.  I have not been downtown Fort Myers in many years the newly renovated riverfront is something special.  Brick pavers and refurbished buildings smack of charm, I'll be back.



My old chum Sue lives in St. Petersburg where there are a multitude of things to do.  We started out Tuesday with a three miles kayak trip around Weedon Island we left just after low tide so we had to drag out boats a bit but the active birding made up for any troubles.  What a great spot, love the mangrove tunnels.



Wednesday was overcast a just right for spinning down around on part of City Trails, the St. Pete bike trail that runs in overhead caged tunnels offering exciting views over the city streets.  Even though this trail is along some rougher neighborhoods you would never know it, feels safe, looks good, well planted even seeing Rosette Spoonbills on occasion.



An afternoon trip to the new Dali Museum was big fun.  Sue has lived in the area for over 26 years so I had the privilege of visiting the old museum as well, the architecture of the new space is out of sight.  The spiral staircase, the modern exterior and the beautiful gardens will keep this spot in my heart.  Then there are the masterpieces of the artist himself that will blow your mind, make sure to take the free tour or use the free audio tour both are excellent.



Dinner at Woody's at the beach was fun and offered a great view along with knock your socks off chicken wings, hot but not melt your lips off, yum, yum.  An early fog kept the ocean at bay but the swirling mist kept offering sneak peaks.  We headed off to John's Pass and Maderia Beach for fudge and a last cocktail, seated at the railing we were entertained by a pod of dolphins and assorted shore birds.  A lovely time with good pals, thanks.