Florida is Weird

 Let me start by saying Florida is one of my favorite places to visit in the winter. I say "winter" because I have never been here in the summer or fall, or spring for that matter. But it does have some oddities. 

For one, it is the flattest state in the country with the highest point being only 345' above sea level with the average elevation being only 100'. Back home our house sits over 4,900'. 

Did you know that Florida is the only state in the country with a wild monkey population? While none of them are native, there are 5 different breeds of wild monkeys in the state. Most likely escapees from homes, movie sets or maybe......some infectious disease lab. 

Florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Yup, nowhere else on earth do these two reptiles live in the same habitat. 

But my favorite Florida oddity is that there is rumored to be over 2 trillion dollars of lost treasure in the ocean off the coast of Florida. Think about that next time you are snorkeling!

We did see some oddities of our own this week while we were in Fort Myers. You ever been to Fort Myers Beach during spring break? While it was not officially spring break yet, there was enough activity for us to see some pretty interesting sights! If I were to be honest, both Barb and I snuck a few pictures and sent them to some friends back home, but they certainly would not be acceptable here on the blog. 

We visited my sister Judy and Mike for four days. One of the nice things about visiting her, is that we can stay right in their driveway!

The first night we got there we headed to the beach area for supper at Doc Ford's where we feasted on meals of a seafood variety. Both very good. 

The next day we started the day by going to Red Horse Distillery. We took a tour and tasted just about everything they carry. I have to tell you; this might have been my favorite distillery tour ever. Pretty much a one-man show. The owner was really interesting to talk to. His spirits were very good too. Between the 4 of us, we came home with 8 bottles. 

After that, we went to the beach proper and took in the sights. 

We met several of Judy and Mike's friends there. Let me tell you, the Rum Runners they serve on the beach are potent! The people watching was over the top. Barb and I went for a walk on the beach, and I took a couple of videos to give you a taste of what it was like. Yeah, I was that weird old guy videoing on the beach!

Monday was a very special day as it was Barbie's birthday! We celebrated by going to a local brewery and later in the day, ordering in Chinese. Of course, we had cake for dessert and sang her happy birthday. 

Our last day there we went to the 6-Mile Cypress Slough where we walked the 1 1/2-mile boardwalk. 

Lots of wildlife and cool scenery. While most everything I recognized, I did have to look up these first two pictures of the Mangrove Snapper and the Wood stork.

That night Mike and Judy made grilled grouper and tuna steak. While both were good, that grouper was to die for!

The 4 days went way too quick. Lots of laughs were had and several dollars exchanged hands during our evening dice games. We only get to see them once a year or two, so we had to make the most of it. 

We pulled out Wednesday morning exhausted but with smiles on our faces. So good to see them! Do you think we took a day or two to relax and recoup? If you know us, you know the answer is no. We drove straight to Punta Gorda where we met up with a former coworker of Barb's and her husband. Shirley and Al have been coming down here for years and know all the good spots to eat. This year they picked Laishley Crab House. We got there a little early, so we took the dogs for a walk along the docks where there was evidence of the most recent hurricane. 

Today was another special day as it was Shirley's birthday! We had a great supper, visited and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. If you look in the background of the picture below you can see that boat sideways on the dock. 

We spent that night in Port Charlotte and the next in Chiefland, which was our first day in quite a while where we did nothing but drive. Our next day brought us to Panama City Beach, not exactly on our way but worth the detour. We stopped and saw some of our Wisconsin friends who stay down there for the winter. Mike and Jan lived just down the lake from us when we lived in Wisconsin. Upon entering their place, I walked directly to the windows. I actually did not want to, my body just did it on its own. You would have the same reaction if you saw their view. 

Right on the beach and facing west, their views are incredible! I could have sat out there for days and just taken in the sights. They said it get pretty crazy there during spring break too, although their busy time is not for another week or two. 

We went to supper at Triple J's just down the road and I have to tell you, I think that was the single best meal I have ever had at a restaurant. Steak Orleans; a filet with a crab cake. It was their special that night and is not on the menu, but if you go there and they are serving it, you will not be disappointed!

Our plan from there was to drive up into Alabama to visit more friends but something came up that diverted us. Well, a couple of somethings. We found a couple of boats that we are going to look at; one in Missouri, one in Nebraska and one in Wisconsin. Two are on our way home, the one in Wisconsin, not so much but we will drive up there if need be. We are currently in Alabama where we spent the night at a Camping World which provided free sites to Good Sam members on a first come first serve basis. 

One last oddity, Barb and I were talking the other day about wills, medical directives and such the other day. When I told her that I wanted to be cremated, she made a note and said "okay". That is not the odd thing. The odd thing is that I overheard her on the phone talking to a crematorium setting up an appointment for next week!

That's it for this week, who knows, next week could have a picture with our truck pulling a new (to us) fishing boat!!!!! Or perhaps Barb with a picture of an urn?!?!