Taking it Easy

So far the plans for the day are to just take it easy.  We had breakfast at the Bulls Eye Bar-b-que in town.  Then we drove out to the strawberry fields to get fresh berries for shortcake.  This particular farm is owned by Mennonites and they have come up with the neatest little contraption for picking their berries.
Take a look...isn't it clever?

Here is a strange tree in the village  - makes me think of a spider...

Becca is in the  mood for swimming - we will be heading up to the pool later, playing a few games of shuffleboard and I'm sure we will work in a few games of golf.  This is the life!

Red Barn, Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key

The day began with steaming hot coffee and breakfast.  First stop was the Big Red Barn to see if we could find some little treasure.  Grampa bought some yummy mini donuts and Dad bought some shoes for the beach.  We then traveled through Bradenton and Grampa told about the drive-in that he and Uncle David used to walk to when they were young boys.  He showed us other streets he lived on and little memories from his childhood.  Next stop - Anna Maria Island.  Dad and Becca braved the chilly waters and floated in the gulf for a while.  Grampa sat in the shade under his big umbrella while Gramma and I scoured the shoreline for pretty and interesting shells.

Pizza and wings from Little Caesars for Dinner.  2 games of golf  - the last one being one of the highest scoring - everyone kept getting 4 of a kind and setting everyone else. We even had a short little visit from Uncle David and Aunt Linda which was nice.

Myakka State Park - Alligators - Amish Restaurant - Swimming-Golf-Shuffleboard

The day started at the Myakka State Park. We went on the airboat tour  - it was a perfect day to see the wildlife.  The alligators were happy to pose as they sunned themselves on shore.

Manatees, Edison, Ford and Bass Pro!

We had another fun day in sunny Florida.    We went over and shopped a little while Gramma and Grampa went to their tournament.  Unfortunately they lost by 3 points!  We then headed off for another day of adventure.   We drove by a local ranch to see the Elk but they wouldn't come near the fence - they were too busy relaxing in the shade.  Next stop...Manatee Park in Ft. Myers.

Manatee Park

A little crab in the river

Pretty Flower in the Butterfly Garden

More Pretty Flowers

A Little Critter enjoying the beautiful weather

The River - only saw a few manatees coming up for air - their are usually more in the area on cooler days!

We then headed further into Ft. Myers - next stop  -
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates!

 

Thomas Edison under the Banyan Tree

Model T

will add a few more pics later

Bass Pro - Ft. Myers, FL

Gramma and Grampa

We all tasted fried dolphin- it was very good!

Gramma and Grampa

We are having a fun time at Gramma and Grampa's house.  We arrived just before bed time last night.  We woke up and had a yummy breakfast - pancakes, sausage and eggs with coffee to boot!
We sat for a while and visited then headed off on an adventure. There is a tourist attraction not too far away called Solomon's Castle. We went on the tour, had lunch, browsed their little shop then walked the trails. It was lots of fun and very interesting. Here are a few pictures....

Becca is ready to go...

So Many Trees -
Orange Orchards lined the way

 

Solomon's Castle

Our Tour Guide - Jerry

Here is some of the interesting artwork inside the castle.