May 21 - road to Alligator Alley

This morning on my walk with Lu, I could have imagined I was in Hawaii. There was a warm breeze, the smells of all the flowers was very strong in the air, the palm tree leaves were swaying in the breeze, the doves were coo-ing and all the little lizards were out sunning.

There are about 20 ponds scattered throughout the resort.

Took a drive south down old Highway 41...better know as Alligator Alley. 

I think she's unimpressed with me!

That changed quick enough.

We saw a  few gators in the roadside streams, and thankfully only one who didn't make it across the road 😮‍💨

Wasn't long before we found a good spot to see some. Decided Lu would ride in her pack instead if walking on a leash out here.

We first noticed the three heads in the water but the longer and further you looked ..you realized that there were many more. They were pretty lazy as it was 34 degrees out today.

These were almost as scary...hoppers about 2 1/2 inches long! Beautiful but I would not want to have one of those land on me.

Off to Marco Island, very ritzy area, much of the island homes have water access as they dredged waterways so everyone had access.

All the streets lined in thick green grass, all nicely manicured...along the streets by the homes, the stores...everywhere. But no street parking anywhere. 

Moved on to Naples Florida. This is one of our favorite places.

This little floating dream can be yours for one week starting at $220,000 plus expenses. Fully staffed, sleeps 12, and comes with all the water toys!

Strolled downtown for a bit...

Lu got nailed in the butt twice by this bird that kept dive-bombing her! Looks like there were a bunch of nests in the flower vines!

This modest apartment block had the most amazing landscaping

Flowers and greenery everywhere...no lack of landscaping jobs down here!

Dog friendly Pub!

Love the lifetime of vines making this building their home.

Made a quick beach stop....the stores and restaurants are very dog friendly but the beaches not, so we just made a very quick stop to get me my "beach fix"...a run through the sand and waves...ohhhhh💓

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