David and Margaret from Glasgow Scotland

Thursday 3/21 to Saturday 3/23 – David and Margaret Visit

We had a whirlwind visit from my cousin David and his girlfriend Margaret all the way from Glasgow, Scotland.

Margaret, Tina and Peter

They arrived late in the afternoon on Thursday and after some time visiting we went to dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant, Senor Tequillas on Pine Ridge and Livingston. Later that evening we played "Attack Uno" for several hours before heading for bed.

The next day we got up and went to breakfast at "First Watch" so we could give the dogs a walk before we headed out for the day. Locking up we headed for the freeway and the drive east to the exit at SR-29. Taking the exit we headed south towards Everglades City. At the intersection with US-41 we took a left and drove out to the Turner River to look for alligators. Found them!

Alligator in the Canal at Turner River

After spending time with the Ranger at the park we headed along the canal for about five miles, stopping at roadside clearings to look for gators and birds. Turning around we went back to US-41 for the drive to Everglade City and lunch at The Camellia Street Grill where we could eat on the deck.

He looks so harmless, but notice his mouth is clamped shut - heh, heh!

After lunch we drove to Captain Doug's for our Airboat Ride. While we waited, David got to hold a young Alligator and Margaret found out how soft and smooth their skin is. The it was our turn to head out. As soon as we pulled away from the dock three Pelicans descended and took up positions on the bow of our boat.

Two adults and a minor looking for a handout!

 We have been on this ride several times and each captain is different - the way they go through the mangrove tunnels, handle the boat and explain about the environment - we enjoy a unique experience each time!We stopped to see the Racoon Family, watch an alligator swim next to another boat and learn about the Mangrove Forest and the important role they play in the marine food chain.

Racoons in the Mangroves

Arriving back at the dock we thanked the captain then headed for the Fakahatchee Strand Boardwalk for a one and a half mile nature hike into the Everglades.

Alligator in Fakahatchee Strand

Right away we came across an alligator in the small canal at the beginning of the boardwalk. As we continued to the observation platform we saw a baby eagle in a nest, several egrets in flight, and another alligator in the pool at the end of the boardwalk. Since this is the dry season, the water levels are really low and so the wildlife wasn't as abundant as later in the year. But it was a good trip anyway.

Mike, Margaret and Peter at the Observation Platform

When we got home we took the dogs out for a walk then went downtown Naples for a walkabout. The stores are all open and the restaurants were filled. Eventually we found our way to Cafe Luna (Italian) for dinner. They have a great dinner special, two three course dinners and a bottle of wine for thirty bucks. All four of us took advantage of the deal and we ended up with two bottles of a pretty good Merlot. One bottle went well with dinner and the second went home for later.

Peter and Margaret at Sunset on the Naples Beach

After dinner we drove around some of the fancy homes then parked at the beach to watch the sunset. With a light breeze blowing and temperatures in the mid fifties we stayed long enough to watch the sun go down then hurried home for more Uno and a nightcap!

The following morning Tina made breakfast and after a leisurely meal we said our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch. We had a really good time with Peter and Margaret and look forward to a future get together!