Sunrise to Sunset

Although our stay at Myakka is winding down, we continue with fun, friends, food and adventures.

BEST BUDDIES

Brewster and Guinnesss have become best buddies.

Although respecting each other's territory, they look forward to their morning sunrise jaunt with treats as rewards for being well behaved puppies.

Brewster is known as the "mayor" of Myakka and keeps the other resort pooches in line, with his deep, but friendly bark.

S'MORES

On a warm and sunny evening this week, a group had a get together to indulge in some s'mores.

Chocolate, marshmallows, crackers and fresh strawberries, all contributed to a tasteful treat.

RIVER CITY GRILL & TIKKI BAR

Another eatery and drink adventure in Punta Gorda-one of my favourite towns located in close proximity to Myakka and Port Charlotte.

Always a challenge getting the boys to cooperate.

Finally managed to get them to behave and look.....

However, girls managed to pose with no problems.

Yes Viv, dogs are allowed on restaurant patios. Reminded me of being in Europe.

After another delicious meal, we ended the evening at the Tikki Bar located next to the Peace River.

Beautiful sunset viewing area,

 entertainment, drinks, 

fire pits, and as always fun with friends.

HO HUM ST. PATTY'S DAY

Although dressed to the nines????????, St. Patrick's Day celebration was a bust.

Meal was o.k., with shepherd's pie served-not my favourite and entertainment was inspirational!!!!!!!!
Inspirational for a long term care or retirement residence audience,  but not for a fun group, ready to kick up their heels with some lively Irish tunes. It was not to be!

No dancing, except for Fred Astaire-aka Bernie who did not let the music impede him from some fancy steps????

No, that is not me dancing with either partner.

Needless to say, I was back at the coach by 8- that is p.m. and not a.m.
Not my favourite St. Patty's Day celebration for sure!!!


RETURN VISIT TO PEACE RIVER SANCTUARY

Since Bernie had been under the weather, the last time I visited the sanctuary, we decided to head to Punta Gorda to take in the wildlife.

Bella was still there showing off.

This eagle had hurt his wing and could no longer fly.

This small screech owl was my favourite playing peek-a-boo with the spectators.

Wonderful care given to these birds by over 100 volunteers and 7 paid staff, all maintained by visitor and group donations.

As we left the sanctuary, we spotted a path leading through the mangroves and discovered a pond containing...

VISITORS

Never knowing what to expect when sitting on the porch, this week we were entertained by some visitors.

First off, a beautiful blue heron kept us entertained as he walked around the lake looking for his dinner.

Yesterday as I came out of the coach, I was met by this alligator basking in the sunshine at the end of our lawn.
Taking no notice of the spectators, he continued his sunbathing, paying no heed to the clicking of the cameras.

Up close and personal...

 Ignoring a potential dinner, this bird kept his distance and just walked on by.

 


LET'S GO BLUE JAYS

Our Toronto Blue Jays came to entertain us at the Port Charlotte Sports Park, taking on the Tampa Bay Rays in a spring training game.

Always inspirational, hearing all the people singing our national anthem.

Great game, with score already at 9-1 by the middle of the 5th inning.

Despite being in the shade, temps were hot, hot, hot and no breeze. We decided to pack it in at the end of the 6th inning.

Final score- 11-5 for our jays.

Wish the Leafs would win a game once in a while!
*******************************************************************************************************************

Stay tuned for my segway adventure-coming soon!

Catching Up Part 3

Hopefully, after I submit the following post, I will be caught up our events and activities.

Can't believe that 2 weeks this Monday coming, we will be departing Myakka and starting our route north.

Time flies when you are having fun!!

Another Kayak Trip to Don Pedro State Park
I could not resist another kayak trip to Don Pedro.

Beautiful day, paddling on the open waters.

No we were not replicating smash-up-derby, but were listening to the guides telling us about creatures they had found in the waters.

I am the one in the orange hat, just chillin'

While at the beach for lunch, I spotted a cactus in full bloom.

On our return trip to the dock, this dolphin was putting on a show.

This was probably the closest I had been to this gorgeous sea mammal while kayaking.

A fun way to celebrate the beautiful sunshine, warm temperatures and fun group.

Lunch at McDonalds

Not Ronald McDonald, but a visit and lunch with Bonnie and Jim McDonald-friends Bernie has known from their younger days in Alexandria.

Myakka Pool and Cigar Party

On our return to Myakka, we just had time enough to get ourselves ready for the first ever Myakka barbecue, pool and cigar party.

Bernie catching up with Myakka buddies.

As the evening wore on, food was eaten, a bit of alcohol was consumed, cigars were smoked and only one person ended up in the pool.

And NO it was not Bernie!

Wayne, is a mutual friend of Darlene, a svelte friend of mine from  Mississauga.

Coincidentally, it just so happens that Wayne and his wife Tina, who call Kirkland Lake their home, landed here at Myakka.

A fun guy who shared some scotch with Bernie earlier in the week, without knowing that we had a mutual fired.


Small world!

The Kerrs Visit

Bernie's 2 cousins, Alan and Clifford  and their better halves came for a visit from Naples.

We do not seem to be able to get together when in Ontario, but travel about 1600 km to Florida and we manage to make the time.

Makes us wonder??

After a nice chat, we continued our visit by going out for lunch at Palm Island.

Since none of us wanted to swim, we decided it best to take the 10 minute water taxi ride to arrive at Rum Bay Restaurant on Palm Island.

En route, we spotted an osprey sitting in her nest awaiting the arrival of her little ones.
The osprey, sometimes known as the fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, or fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm in length and 180 cm across the wings.

After arriving at

some of us sampled the feature drinks and all ate lunch, after which we explored the beach for a short time.

Even discovered a turtle who happen to come by to say hello.

On our return trip back to the mainland, we spotted a boat that was stranded on a sand bar. Perhaps it was Gilligan?

It was quite the scene with all the boat passengers (no not us) trying to release the boat from the sand.

A gorgeous Florida day, with weather cooperating and enjoying time with family.

Exploring Bokeelia

This week Bob, Jan, Bernie and I ventured out to Pine Island, an island near Ft. Myers.

Arriving at the island, we explored, discovered Bookelia and of course, another new restaurant to try.

An "old Florida" type restaurant and actually, the only one we could find.

After lunch

we explored the fishing pier.

No need to purchase this t-shirt as we did find Bokeelia.

After finally catching up on all of our adventures so far in the blog, I know how this parrot feels!!

Stay tuned as a St. Patrick's Day party, a Blue Jay Spring Training game, a sunset cruise and a segway adventure in Venice are lined up for the upcoming few days.