A weekend in Southwestern Florida

A quick weekend away visiting family brought us to the south western reaches of Florida; Marco Island, Naples and Port Everglades.  I continue to be amazed by the beauty of this state once you venture off the beaten paths.   Florida is not just all grey hairs heading off to early bird dinners! 

There is a restaurant on the Isles of Capri where our table was perfectly positioned on the beach to witness this amazing sunset.

 

An airboat ride through the mangroves of Everglades National Park was exhilarating.  Yes, alligators, racoons, pelicans riding on the boat and jumping mullet entertained us, but the peaceful nature of the surrounding beauty is what remains with me.

Although the beautiful powdery white sandy beaches of Naples require residence permits for parking, these American Oystercatchers and the single "determined to go against the grain" Caspian Tern defy authority. This is their territory.