South Florida, We Love You!

We love the resort in Bonita Springs, FL and lookthe red?) There was the time the boat got stuck too
forward to it all year long. We have two condos nowclose to an island in shallow water. But that was even
as our extended family has grown through the years. Itfun as we jumped in to push it to safety. Through the
can be quiet or exciting, but for all, it is a rejuvenatingyears, we've seen porpoise, manatee, dolphins and
time. The pool is surrounded by tropical plants and hasother birds and fish. The year we saw the manatee,
a great view of the bay. Believe it or not, we spendthere were about 20 of them. They came right up to
most of our time there even though the beach is athe boat expecting food. (Of course, we did not feed
short walk away. Our room has a screened porchthem and we do not encourage that!) But just seeing
overlooking the bay which is beautiful both night andthem up close like that was an exciting experience we
day.will never forget.
The kids are kept busy going from their GameboysBonita Springs has a trolley for errands or sightseeing.
and computer games to the pool. They frequently runMy mother has always loved that. It is a very
over to the beach, ride the bicycles and spendinexpensive mode of transportation with some local
countless hours playing in the pool. Last year, we tookflavor. The red remodeled version of an electric trolley
the teenaged boys on their first parasailing experience.even goes to nearby places like Ft. Myers. There they
They had a fun and almost-grown-up time as theyhave Thomas Edison and Henry Ford's neighboring
were allowed to go on the boat with the adults waitingsummer homes and a huge and inexpensive water
on the beach.park. There is always something fun and interesting in
Then the adults tear themselves away from theirFt. Myers from sand castle contests and swimming
computer games; wait, I meant to say, the adults getraces to speed boat races. Sanibel Island, one of the
up from a relaxing nap and then enjoy the pool,most beautiful places in the world, is also nearby.
reading or walking on the beach. There are manyThe children in our family have grown up going to this
great places for shopping and sightseeing. You canpart of Florida. We have a lot of great memories
fish off the pool deck or the dock. My sisterespecially since our father passed away in 2001. He
considered herself to be quite the fisherman butused to really enjoy pondering the vastness of the
always threw back everything she caught. Then it'socean and going deep sea fishing with our brother.
always nice to enjoy the hot tub during the day orThe year our sister in North Carolina and her children
night. It's a contemplative time alone or a calmingwere able to join us, it was precious to walk the beach
background for conversations with family or otherand spend time with her. We went to the beach at
guests although it is never crowded.sunset and that is always breathtaking and peaceful.
There are several pontoon boats for guests to enjoy.Our Florida vacation is a memorable time where we
We have many memorable experiences driving theseparate ourselves from stress and work to rest and
boat. (Is it stay to the left of the green or the left ofreplenish in the Florida sunshine.