Joanel

We recently returned (Jan 15th) from 10 days in florida. Had 80 degree weather most of the trip, except last 2 days, when it rained one day and then dropped to the 70's.

started in the everglades, then naples, then sanibel island. Our interests are birds and nature. so this report will reflect that.

we landed in ft lauderdale on the 5th and drove to florida city/homestead area and stayed in the best western - so- so. reports on all motels on tripadvisor.com

Next day drove leisurely into the everglades and spent the night at their lodge. on way stopped at Anhinga trail which we loved. great birding, alligators. etc. Attended ranger talk and walk while we were there. This place is only 4 miles into the park and a great stop.. stopped at some other trails on way down to Flamingo. spent time at echo lake for more birding. very few mosquitoes.

Food good at Flamingo. accomodations are adequate. next day took whole day to get back to best western due to more birding, etc. will probably stay here 2 nights next time so can rent a canoe, and take some scheduled boat trips they have.

In homestead ate at mutineer restaurant.

On day 4 took off across rt 41 and stopped at shark valley. another site with fantastic birds, you can get very close to them. also alligators. took 2 hour tram ride into everglades. informative.

left mid afternoon for naples. stopped at clyde butcher's photo gallery. a must stop, great black and white photographer.

Arrved at holiday inn on rt 41 in naples late afternoon. a good reasonable place to stay. ate at perkins restaurant on the way. ok, the usually food for that type place.

The next day we explored naples have been there before. went to art museum. quite impressive. next day went to corkscrew swamp sanctuary. great place to visit. some good birds, etc here as well. but nothing had the variety and abitlity to get close as the anghina trail, and shark valley. Ate dinner at kelly's one night. had difficulty finding some places recommended on this site. Italian places on 5th avenue - there are many - are mostly on the expensive side. weren't in the mood to spend that much.

Joanel

More trip report.

after 2 days, 3 nights in naples, left to spend the next 4 nights, 5 days on Sanibel.

went through ft. myers beach. stopped at holiday inn. usually good birds on their humongous beach - skimmers, but not there this year. maybe affect of hurricane.

sanibel still shows some hurricane damage. there are less flowers. but the place is up and running, stores, restaurants, etc. we loved it as usual.

spent some time relaxing on the beach.

stayed 2 nights at west wind inn- had trouble with new very soft mattress, so moved to holiday inn. both good places. ate at matlazuma, and jerry's salad bar and the fish factory. went to school house theater show on frank sinatra one night and audubon talk on thurs night - talk on corkscrew swamp.

birding at ding darling good. maybe not quite as great as last year, but it does depend on the tides and the particular week.

good birding on the beach.

on the last day on the way to the airport - stopped at 6 mile cypress slough ( not sure if that is exact name) in Ft Myers on way to airport. nice walk and birding there as well.

overall a great trip, hated to leave.

Hope to go back next year.

will post some pictures at pbase.com after I have time to scan them in. not digital yet - just slr. (will put a link here when they are there).

birder

Thanks for the great trip report. Another great spot for birding in the Everglades is Snake Bite Trail. Rent bikes and bike down the trail, at the end are expansive mud flats. Make sure you time it so that it's low tide when you get out there. The volume and variety of birds is stunning.

We moved to Tampa in August and we are CHOMPING at the bit to get down to the Everglades!

Joanel

links to some pictures - mostly birds - are at http://www.pbase.com/joanel/everglades_anginga_trail

http://www.pbase.com/joanel/naples_c...wamp_sanctuary

http://www.pbase.com/joanel/sanibel

bamakelly

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing. Love the birds and the sand pattern is cool too. Makes me miss living down there! (*)

SharonNRayMc

Thank you for sharing your fabulous photos.

- Sharon

Birdie

Did you add any new ones to the Life List?

Joanel

well we really don't keep a life list. probably should and have started it several times. the bittern may have been a first. also saw a gallinule at shark valley - but no good pictures. that was first for us and also a godwit at ding darling.

glad you enjoy the pictures I enjoy taking them and being there!!

Birdie

My life list is my old, beat up Golden field guide that I have put dates and locations next to the descriptions of new birds. A piece of paper would have been lost long ago.