Ty chimes in….
Just some random thoughts on or first 31 days in Florida.
Miami, if you like beautiful beaches, palm trees etc. you will enjoy Miami. If you like orange construction barrels on most streets in the city you will like Miami, having said that I have to admit the roads and bike paths, at least the ones we have been on are in great shape especially compared to Michigan and Colorado. We all know Florida can mess with an election but they do a very nice job with roads. Hey, maybe the Florida Department of Transportation should run their election. English appears to be the second language here.
The rumors that Florida is populated by old people driving slow obstructing traffic is just a rumor. People drive extremely fast here. I like to go 5+ or so miles over the speed limit staying in the middle lane I get tailgated passed on both sides like I am standing still. Drivers on the same road go between 50 and 80. I told Jane I never thought I would say it but the drivers here go way too fast. Again, I really like to go fast.
With what is going on the Midwest I shouldn’t say anything about the weather but until the last couple of days the weather has not been as advertised. The beaches are empty and we’ve been wearing long sleeve and vests. 80 plus today and humid now it’s too hot… you just can’t please some people.
Speaking of Miami most of you following this blog know that my bike was stolen in South Beach. It took us forever to find a bike store that had more than a few bikes in their inventory. I finally bought a Specialized hybrid and I am really happy with it. I liked my old Cannondale but this one is faster, seems to accelerate quicker etc. Need to buy a much heavier chain.
Currently enjoying our stay with Jane’s brother and his wife Pam in Naples. Catching all the hot spots even did dinner and dancing at the local Moose Lodge. Hard to believe but the band was just outstanding. Had everybody out on the floor.
Next week on to my grade school buddy John and his wife Sandy in Ft. Myers.
Naples Florida January 29-February 6, 2019
After acquiring Ty’s Candy Apple Red bike and traveling across state with a bike ride in Shark Valley we arrived at my brother Willy and Pam place in Naples. They rent down here for most of the winter in a cute little 2 bedroom place that has a community pool right across the street. Will and Pam took us all around Naples and we hit all of the hot spots. Moose Lodge for dinner and dancing Pork Chop night was outstanding. The band that night was a singer and significant other who played her mix music and she sang for 3 hours straight. She was fun, energetic and got the place hopping. Naples have some wonderful pedestrian/bike paths (roads have no bike lanes) that we used almost every other day for 15+ rides. I will add to Ty’s comment about the drivers around here – WATCH OUT if you are walking or biking. You DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. My observation that the old farts and fartress’ will run you over in a heartbeat, yet the younger folk (there is only 2 kinds here: 55 and over, and 30 and under) will stop and actually let you cross the street. Their moms raised them right.
Naples has a small but wonderful zoo. If you are in the area, this is a must stop. Angela Haseltine Pozzi, who is an artist out of Oregon, has created sculptures out of waste found in the Pacific Ocean. She is on a mission to educate the world that pollution is everywhere and the ocean should not be a dumping ground. If you ever have a chance to see her art work, stop by and study them. They are made from flip flops, bic lighters, coolers, gas can, hair brushes, cell phones, the list of trash goes on and on. The rest of the zoo’s exhibits were not the usual animals and all the zoo talks were so informative.
We also went back to the Everglades for an airboat ride (fun) and a little hiking to view, what else?, more alligators.
Naples is for the rich and richer…we definitely don’t fit in but pretend well! Also hit the sunsets.
OOOPPSY BROKE THE BED
Ty and I have been married for 49 years yet when you break the bed, it is still embarrassing to tell your OLDER brother.
Jane “Hey Will, there is a slight problem with the bed”
Will “Yeah? What?”
Jane “Well, the leg broke off”
Will “What were you doing?”
Jane “Whadda think?”
Mooching On
We leave today for Ft. Myers to stay with John and Sandy Hill. Time for us to get down to business, pick up our mail and think about becoming Floridian residents using John’s address – don’t worry not buying property down yet. Although when we were in the Everglades, we spotted a For Sale Sign selling 16,000 acres swamp land. Kid you not!!