Day 119, Ft Myers Beach Edison Estates

Banyan Tree at Edison Estates





Banyan Tree at Edison Estates






Tom & Tom (Edison) the electrical guys






Corkscrew Sanctuary Swamp


We looked out our door this morning to see two dolphins swimming right behind our boat. Now that is a way to start the day! I can’t say the same for the temperature since it is raining and 45 degrees!

On Friday we rented a car from Enterprise since they offer to pick you up and have competitive rates. We headed to the Edison Ford Winter Estates, in Ft Myers, which I highly recommend if you are in the area. I had no idea Thomas Edison invented so many things besides the light bulb. Henry Ford bought a house next door and the two of them worked on many experiments together; one being to find a source of rubber that could be grown in the US. They tried several different plants and trees, one which was the Banyan Tree. Harvey Firestone gave this four foot tree to Edison in 1925 because banyan trees produce a white milky sap used in rubber. The tree now covers an acre in diameter and is the largest in the US.

We drove downtown Ft Myers to find the Legacy Marina where our friends on Adagio were staying. Unfortunately they were not on their boat but we discovered a first class busy harbor within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. You also have the use of the amenities of the Legacy Hotel located on the same property.

From here we drove 55 miles to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Blair Audubon Center in Naples. We did not see any of the habitants that live there; i.e. alligators, bobcats, bears, and the endangered Florida Panther, however, there were many species of birds and a very beautiful boardwalk path though the natural Florida swamp. Spring or summer during the rainy season would give you a better chance of seeing animals along with getting away from other people who are talking and making noises. This was an educational experience to learn the contribution the different vegetation plants offer the environment.

On the way back to the boat we spotted a PF Chang restaurant in Naples and couldn’t resist an evening at one our favorite dining establishments. Although not considered Floridian cuisine we were not disappointed.