postcard from naples – twilight at morningside

I’ve never thought of myself as a “Florida” person. In over 30 years, I’ve only been there twice…. but in the past 6 months we’ve taken 2 trips to the Florida Gulf Coast. At the tail end of last year’s hurricane season, we found ourselves on a few of the pristine Panhandle beaches, with their blindingly white stretches of sand. And it’s funny how a few run-ins with Old Man Winter can send you scrambling for 80 degree weather anywhere you can find it. D was invited to a work conference in Florida, so mid-month we ventured further south to Naples.

Our winter warm-up began in Fort Myers. Right after landing, we stopped in to see Rick & Carolyn (remember them from Antarctica armchair travel post?) for lunch and a tour of Pelican Preserve.

What’s better than sunset and that warm late day glow on the beach?
I also noticed the Gulf was much calmer (like glass) in the mornings. As for the weather: bravo Naples! It was absolutely perfect every day.

Most of these photos are from my early morning walks. While I got my bearings with my new camera, the shore birds were busy fishing. NB: There are a lot of bird photos. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. They are unpredictable creatures and a good challenge to photograph.

Touchdown at Outer Clam Bay.

Our hotel calls itself a beach resort, but in order to stick you toes in the sand there’s a a 1/2 mile trip along a raised boardwalk. There is a 6 person golf cart (tram), but I found it was easier to walk on my own schedule. Even if you aren’t a guest of the Naples Grande, there is public access via Clam Pass Beach Park.