Long Day from Everglades to the Fort Myers area: We left the Everglades early and cruised until just before sunset to anchor behind Sanibel Island – near "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
History: Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling was a political cartoonist with an eye toward conservation. He was instrumental in blocking the sale of environmentally valuable land to developers on Sanibel Island -- the land that is now the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
I was mesmerized by the pattern of the salt spray (on the front hatch) exposed by the sunset glow.
Really short cruise to Fort Myers: We weighed anchor as the sun rose after a calm, quiet night. (OK, Ray weighed anchor. 😊)
As we entered the Okeechobee Waterway, we watched dolphins jumping and playing in the wake of a small boat. The kids were so excited, “oohing” and “ahhing” at the dolphin show.
We entered the marina just before noon. We had only been “on the hook” (anchored) for 5 nights, but we were both happy to be docking for a bit.
The Marina at Edison Ford is small, but well-equipped. The boaters lounge, bathrooms and laudry are still open for use during the shutdown, and just about everything we need is close by: Publix - 2 blocks, US post office - 1 mile, brewery -1.5 miles, and pharmacy - 3 miles away.
We were happy the restaurant onsite, Pinchers, was still serving (despite the growing number of states restricting restaurants to take-out due to Coronavirus Covid-19) when we arrived, so we enjoyed a burger and 2-for-1 drinks. Little did we know this would be our last "pub night" out -- for a while.
Just 2 days later, the restaurant closed. It re-opened for take-out only, and we obliged a couple of times before they were forced to close (this location) entirely. Since then, we have purchased frozen meat and seafood from them.
It looks like we will stay here until the way forward regarding the virus becomes more clear. There is little that any other shutdown location could provide that we don't already have access to here. Plans may change as hurricane season begins in earnest.
We're doing what we can to support the local businesses, but it is a little heartbreaking to think about the impact of the health crisis. 💔
As I write these blogs, I realize SCOUT has travelled a good portion of the Great Loop. Ray & I have actually travelled to the NC/VA border – on another boat, so I’m guessing we have completed about 20% to date.
Edison Ford Winter Estates: The winter home of Thomas Edison is right next-door to our marina. While the the estate was still open for visitors when we first arrived, it was closed for Covid-19 before we made plans to tour. 😞
One of our boat neighbors explained that Edison built his estate for vacationing (1886). Edison's good friend Henry Ford later bought the adjoining property (1916) to spend 2 weeks each year with Edison for his birthday. Isn't that sweet?
This area near Edison Ford Estates provides for scenic walks for exercise. Our walk down McGregor Boulevard (also known as the Avenue of Palms) is gorgeous, thanks to Thomas Edison.
In the late 1800's, cattle drives from Central Florida went right through the town of Fort Myers and down the river to the port at Punta Rassa, where cattle would be shipped to Cuba. The route they took is what became McGregor Boulevard. Edison paid laborers to dig up royal palms from the Big Cypress Swamp and plant them along the boulevard for beautification.
I'm disappointed we didn't get to tour the gardens. We pass a huge banyan tree on our way to the pharmacy. It is behind fences, so I have not been able to get a good photo.
I found this photo online.
Edison planted a 4-foot banyan tree in 1925. It is now the largest banyan tree in the continental United States, covering more than an acre and supported by more than 350 roots.
Video: Please watch this short 2-minute video which includes a shot of the sculpture of Edison standing in front of the banyan tree. https://www.mustdo.com/fl/fort-myers-beach-sanibel-captiva-islands/attractions/edison-ford-winter-estates/
I would have liked to hear from an arborist how they enforce boundaries for this tree.
Big or Interesting Trees: See the photos below.
If you trust my internet search, the red fruit is on a Christmas Palm.
The Star Wars-looking tree is just in someone's backyard -- no info plackard or anything! 😁
For a comparison image, Ref: https://www.starwars.com/databank/at-at-walker
City of Palms: I doubt anyone would dispute the claim that Fort Myers is the City of Palms; they are everywhere!
We passed the city ballpark on what started as a walk to the Farmers Market. Google could not find it, so we labeled the walk exercise.
The palm-tree-lined streets of downtown are like a ghost town due to social-distancing. It looks like an otherwise exciting and busy town during better times. I hope their economy can withstand the shut-down.
Fun Fact: Speaking of ghost towns, much of the 1985 movie "Day of the Dead" was filmed in Fort Myers. This website has some interesting Then & Now (or more appropriately, "make-believe" & "reality") photos: https://www.thennowmovielocations.com/2019/08/day-of-dead-1985.html?m=1
History - how the city got its name: The columned building above, currently the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, is a fine example of neoclassical revival architecture -- similar to the Temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis in Athens.
In 1841, the federal government built a fort (Myers) on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, and the officers’ quarters were located where the Art Center now stands. That original building was eventually condemned as unsafe, and in 1933, the current building was completed to house the U.S. Post Office.
There are conflicting reports about how Fort Myers got such a beautiful post office, but some believe Thomas Edison had a part. He invited President Hoover to Fort Myers in 1929 to help him celebrate his 82nd birthday, and soon after, Congress suddenly found the money needed to build the new post office.
Art - Iron Giants: Rust scuptures are also found all over town. The iron sculptures by Colombian sculptor Edgardo Carmona were brought to town in 2016 by the developers of a local condominium complex.
Melomano (Music Lover), below, reminds me of Daddy. He loves listening to his record player!
Projects: We have a nice outdoor "workshop" next to our slip in the marina. I made a few protective cushion covers so I can relax while enjoying the Malbec (red wine) I found in a Bota box at the local Publix.
I've sewn no-see-um quality bug screens that we can attach to our window covers when we anchor, as well as a number of sugical masks for family and to donate to local healthcare facilities.
Ray has also checked off a lot of projects on his list. I will really appreciate the diesel heater no matter where we end up this winter.
Sunsets:
Eating in: I've had plenty of time to practice my sourdough baking (recommended by my doctor as a gluten-free bread alternative). We like my garlic-parmesan loaf for sandwiches or bread dipping.
I tried pretzels (and pretzel buns) for the first time for Ray's birthday. They were surprisingly easy -- and tasted great.
My first GF crepes were also delicious -- and simple.
Work-life Balance: We've kayaked the Caloosahatchee River a few times. Ray tried his hand at the crab pot, but, so far, only caught a few babies he had to toss back in.
And Ray has found the perfect spot to relax during social distancing!
We hope to be able to get moving again soon and hope all of you and your loved ones stay safe. Please support those giving of themselves during this time of need.
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