Distance fromEverglades National Park to Fort Myers, FL: 327 km (203.2 miles)
Total distance driven (includes in-city driving): 4,751.9 (2,952.7 miles)
Average gas consumption: 19.7L per 100 KM
After our exciting wildlife adventures in the Everglades we finally reach Florida’s west coast famed for miles of beautiful beaches. Our first stop was Naples which has endless sandy beaches lined with cottages and homes…very quiet. It gets more traffic around sunset when people congregate on the beach to watch the sun set.
Downtown Naples there are many art galleries and well appointed buildings.
Palm tree lined Boulevards
Posh cottages and more palm trees. This place is manicured to perfection!
The public beach by the Pier is the place to be for sunset.
On the way up the coast we dropped by Doug (Jason’s dad) & Isabelle’s posh Motorcoach RV resort in Fort Myers. It’s more like a condominium than a campground. Lots are purchased and come with a cabana (usually containing a shower and toilet), and a large cement pad for the Motorcoach as well as for a large deck. The grounds are beautifully manicured, and the amenities include such things as club house, large pool, whirl pool, tennis courts, and of course shuffle board. Snow Birds arrive in November and leave in early April. From the time they arrive there are activities, parties, classes, parties, variety shows, parties, themed dinners, parties…and everyone has a golf cart. You can tell there is a party going on by the accumulation of carts by someone’s “pad”. Basically these Snow Birds are on a 6 month “spring break” and return to their families, and grandchildren, pretending to be quiet, reserved senior citizens.
The first couple of nights in Fort Myers we stayed at Koreshan State Park. It was approx. $25 a night. Overall fairly private for a city park and lots of tropical plants.
Had to move from Koreshan since it was booked up for the weekend. Moved to Upriver RV Resort for $40 a night.
Jason having a beer with Mr Robinson Sr.
Isabelle teaches Marianna how to be a true golf cart maniac.
Of course Jason got suckered into playing shuffleboard...and ending up owing money at the end of it!? He quickly learned what's going on...shuffleboard hustling!!! That's how these Snow Birds fund their parties!
Marianna arrives with much needed supplies.
This one of the wild Snow Bird parties we experienced...don't even ask...it's better that you don't know.
After living the Snow Bird life for 4 days we are back on the road. Before we head north up Florida's West Coast, Wendy gets a bath.
Next up….the northern trek along Florida’s West Coast.