Fat Tip

Wednesday, March 14th: We left Myakka City heading for Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda is called "Fat Tip" because it protrudes out into the water where Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River meet. Although we didn't go into the town of Punta Gorda this visit, we did last year. It's a quiet town on the water.

We stayed at Paradise Park Campground. This, by far, was the most disappointing campground. It’s a year-round park for 55 and over. We know some of the people who stay there. The problem is the location. It’s in the middle of nowhere. The camp itself is not all that great either. Fortunately, activities kept us away most of the time.

Thursday, March 15th: In the morning we departed for Babcock Ranch in Punta Gorda which is a state-owned former cattle ranch. The state purchased part of this ranch. They have “Eco-tours” around the ranch recalling its past. We passed over a steam filled with alligators. Our tour guide walked down the open-windowed bus aisle with a baby alligator for us

to touch. Interestingly, the rest of the ranch was sold to a development company who is building a planned community, Babcock Ranch, that is run (for the most part) by solar energy. The first resident moved in this past January. They still depend on electricity at night because storing energy from solar panels is still too expensive. They have a small driverless van that travels throughout the community taking people wherever they want within the community. Neat concept.

Later in the evening we went on a Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Ft. Myers. It was a pleasant experience. We traveled around 40 miles round trip while being served soup, salad and entree. Tim has prime rib and Pat had salmon. This was followed by key lime pie, all on white-clothed tables. Between courses the actors came into the dining car acting out a who-done-it play. We were given paper to list clues and then ultimately who we thought was the murderer and their motive.

Friday, March 16th: We went to Venice for the day. We enjoy this town. It’s very walkable with nice restaurants and beaches.

Saturday, March 17th: Off to Ft. Myers to tour the Edison and Ford Estates. This was a pleasant experience. Peaceful grounds with beautiful views of the Caloosahatchee River. Lots of flowers and trees, including one of the largest banyan trees in the United States.

Edison was a prolific inventor with a 1,000+ patents. He purchased the land in 1885 and built a home and guest house. There is a back story about these homes but we won’t ruin your visit. Edison also built an office, swimming pool using cement from a cement company he started when he developed a stronger formulated cement and laboratory.

Edison sold some of the property to the McGregor family. In front of the estate runs McGregor Blvd. named after this family because they paid for lining the mile and a half road with palms. This tradition continues in Ft. Myers earning the name, “City of Palms.” In 1916 the McGregor’s sold their home to Henry Ford who considered Edison his mentor.

After our tour we headed to visit a neighbor from Bradfordwoods who was housesitting for his cousin in Ft. Myers. What a change from sleeping in our trailer to sleeping in a home on a large lake overlooking a golf course green while sitting on a lanai with a pool. We went out to dinner with Gary for some delicious Italian food. Had a great visit.

Sunday, March 18th: In the morning we went out to breakfast before saying goodbye and thanks for Gary’s hospitality. On the way back we stopped at Costco (yes, Pat was happy). Had lunch there and then Mass at Out Lady of Mt. Carmel in Osprey. We enjoyed this church. The pastor, who was a Carmelite, was welcoming with a good sense of humor. The windows were unusual. All of them had palm trees.