Back to Bonita Springs

As Susan and I always say and believe …things happen for a reason. We have cancelled our trip to the north of Florida and Alabama to return to Bonita Springs for two reasons. First and foremost we sold our double wide park model in Bonita and have to close on or about 
1 April. It did not make sense to travel all the way to Alabama only to turn around and travel all the way back to southwest Florida to close the deal, empty the park model then turnaround again to start heading home. Even I’m not that crazy adventurous. The second reason has more to do with Susan hating the cold weather when she knows its 80 degrees in Bonita Springs and could be sitting by the pool drinking strawberry daiquiris.

So we arrived back in Bonita Springs on 22 Feb and surprised lots of people, namely Dave & Marilyn who were in the park model. However, it did not take long before our boat friends Murray & Laurel asked if we wanted to go out on the pontoon. Yes sirrey we sure did. It was a glorious day not too hot, a few clouds, and a slight sea breeze.

Dave, Marilyn, Holly(the wonderful Golden
retriever),Laurel, and Captain Murray

Before we left the dock one of the workers yelled over saying there was a manatee in the harbour. Sure enough there he/she was just lazing around like the gentle giants they are. Sometimes called sea cows because of their massive bulk they are graceful swimmers. A resting manatee can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes but when swimming they must surface every 3 to 4 minutes. Manatees are born underwater. The mother must help the calf to the surface to take that almighty first breath. While the calf drinks the mother’s milk, the adult manatee is a voracious eater. They can eat a tenth of their own weight every 24 hours. Their diet consists of grasses, weeds, and algae.  Protected by law, manatees are on the endangered list and face several challenges. These gentle giants are often killed or injured by motorboats going way too fast in the crowded waters. They can become entangled in fishing nets consequently causing them to drown. Manatees are air breathing mammals.

A gentle giant

As we were cruising along the river you can’t help but notice some of the beautiful homes and some of the strangest looking water vessels.

Looks like an old snowmobile on pontoons

Lots of beautiful houses

We arrived at our destination which happens to be across the channel from Lover’s Key State Park. If you remember this is where Susan dumped her kayak and had to swim to shore. She still blames it on the dolphins.

Beautiful beach

Stopping to enjoy the area and to have a cold beverage

We hung around on the beach for a good hour but then all great things must come to an end. All in all it was a wonderful day spent out on the water with friends.