Page Updated: September 20, 2023
Greater Fort Myers
This leg of the journey has been a pleasant surprise. Maybe it’s because it’s April and nature is starting to perk up. The weather is warming. The flowers are blooming. The birds are chirping. Even the fish are jumping – literally. But as Lee is quick to point out “it’s beautiful everywhere in the spring.” Noted. Even so, this little nook of Florida is quiet, quaint and peaceful; and it’s easy to understand why people choose to retire here.
On September 28, 2022, Category 4 Hurricane Ian made landfall near the island of Cayo Costa, FL. Damage to the island and the surrounding greater Fort Myers area was catastrophic. Many communities lost businesses and homes. The determined began the arduous process of rebuilding. Others have chosen to move on.
The rental this leg was phenomenal. It was well appointed, immaculate, and had immediate water access.
One of the biggest treats of the leg has been watching this mama Osprey nurture her young since we arrived the beginning of April. I call her Gladys. Her nest sits just above the rental, and she’s as loud as a freight train on a cold winter morning. Very cool watching her fish and feed the peeps. Won’t be long and these babies will be flying. Too bad we’re gonna miss it.
The tiny town of Bokeelia served as home base. Where the hell is Bokeelia? According to the t-shirts for sale at the local fish house down the road, it’s 7.5 miles due east of Ft. Meyers. Or you could say it’s “situated on the northern end of Pine Island between the Gasparilla and Pine Island sounds.” Either way, the location provides the laid-back vibe of old Florida and excellent access to boating and fishing.
THE LOCAL GRUB
Trigger Fish
After several questionable fish dishes at various restaurants during our month stay, The Lazy Flamingo in Bokeelia pulled through for me. Delicious mesquite flavored fish. Cold Beer. Great marina views.
The Yucatan Waterfront Bar & Grill looked appropriately tropical, so I gave it a whirl. These shark tacos were awesome. Fresh and light. Perfect lunch on the patio for watching the fish jump around in the pass.
Shark Tacos
Enjoyed this quaint little brewery on a blazing hot day in Fort Meyers. Service was great. Flights of 4, 5 or 6; and offering more than the typical IPA we found in most places. It was great to have a nice selection to pick from. Coastal Dayz Brewery was on point. Well done!
Flight of Locals
scenes from the leg!
THE FUN STUFF
04/06/2022
Pine Island is the largest island in the southwest Florida. The popular 16-mile point to point bike path, known as Stringfellow Trail, runs the length of the island from…
Biking Pine Island
04/09/2022
Located roughly 20 miles east of the heart of Sarasota Myakka River State Park is one of the State’s oldest parks. The winding road from the visitor center is…
Myakka River State Park
04/10/2022
Not all beaches are the same, and Sarasota County has over 35 miles of beach line to explore and find the perfect one…
Beach Hopping Sarasota County
04/10/2022
With amazing dining, live music, great shopping, a vibrant art scene , and a variety of white-sand beaches to chose from, Sarasota has shifted from…
Sarasota
04/12/2022
Located on the north end of Pine Island, the shallow waters of Jug Creek and Little Bokeelia Bay are perfect for kayaking Kreie Preserve…
Kreie Preserve
04/16/2022
On the Caloosahatchee River sits Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Spanning over 20 acres, the historic site includes the winter homes of both American icons…
Edison Ford Winter Estates
04/21/2022
Cabbage Key is a quaint hundred acre island, only accessible by boat or kayak, with old-Florida charm and winding nature trails…
Cabbage Key
04/21/2022
Located on the Gulf of Mexico and once a popular fishing ground for the Native American Calusa, the barrier island of Cayo Costa State Park is…
Cayo Costa State Park
04/22/2022
A cool little seaside fishing village with an artsy vibe, Matlacha is a tiny island in Matlacha Pass and is part of the greater Fort Myers area. Mat-la-shay means…
Matlacha
04/23/2022
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pineland Site, located on Pine Island, is an archeological area that extends more than 60 acres from the coastline…
Pineland Site
04/23/2021
Calusa Heritage Trail
Explored on a hot sunny day with Rebecca! Short peaceful trail on Pine Island near Fort Meyers. The trail paths around Pineland Site; an area once occupied…
04/27/2022
Pronounced “slew,” Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a combination of wetlands and uplands that flood mid-summer through early autumn.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
04/27/2022
Located on Palm Beach Blvd in Fort Myers, Manatee Park is a 17-acre regional park with a handful of picnic tables, playground, half mile walking loop…
Manatee Park
04/28/2022
Sanibel Island is famous for its beaches loaded with seashells, and the hype is no joke. Shells lay in large swathes for miles down the coastline…
Sanibel Island
04/28/2022
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
The only museum in the United States devoted completely to shells and mollusks, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island, FL works to…