Nov 9, 2012 Travel from Ft Myers, FL  to Tampa FL (Friday)

 After a breakfast at the hotel we headed for I-75 driving north toward Tampa with a stop planned at Venice Fl where Cathy’s godmother and godfather live . The day was sunny and although cool for this area with a slight breeze, the day was pleasant to be sure.

There were a few birds ( I think Ruth counted 12 or so,) while driving at 70 mph, including two Sandhill Cranes that flew right over the roof of the car and above I-75. That was a thrill.

We had made plans to stop at Cathy’s godparents and found the house easily on the outskirts of Venice. A very fine brick home, with an indoor pool that was taken care of  with meticulous overseeing as we toured the house with Chuck and his wife. Barb was a childhood friend of Cathy’s mother from Chicago where they were all born and raised. It was a pleasant visit and Chuck toured me to his “den” where I discovered not only an avid Chicago sports fan, but a tightly  connected fan of the Cooperstown Hall of Fame in NY . He has visited there three times since he was 13 years old and the walls were filled with mementos of both the “Hall” and also his exploits as a semi pro ball player for a baseball team in Chicago in the 1950’s to 1980’s  He played with a number of pro baseball players  like Sammy Esposito. He was evidently a great hitter (over .700 one year) and did pitch some.  THis man is agreat Chicago (everthing) fan.

His other pastime has been and still is, (as he has severe back fusion's) fishing for muskellunge. That is the ONLY fishing he does. He has been in the Fishing hall of Fame for more than 20 years running. Great fish trophies on the garage wall for that!

After the visit we headed north again to the Hotel in north Tampa, a Fairfield Hotel.  There was a lock problem with a third floor door, so the resident “locksmith” was called and he and his partner fixed it. This is the first time I had even met two biblical characters doing a job together. Would you believe that they were...ADAM and MOSES who were partners on the job. I imagine they could keep anything going or get it going when necessary!  Maybe they have a direct line for help? 

We got settled in, and had supper  of Cathy’s choice ... Pizza Hut, then Ruth allowed as she/we could have a treat for dessert and we opted for  a stop at a local DQ. Now this was the first (and probably only one ) stop we had made at a DQ. That took resistance, especially on my part.

So we are settled in for the night and anticipating a trip to Busch Gardens which is just two city clocks from where we are. 

Should have some wildlife pictures tomorrow. We will definitely take the Serengeti tour!

(I understand that it was not possible to access the Research Centers DVD on line. I’ll check that out.)

See ya!  (I’ll put in a few shots that we have not posted yet. These are all from Cathy's camera.)

Cathy when she arrived in Florida 

At the motel mural in Marathon

First close up of a crow. This guy would not leave us alone!

Of course it was lunch time and he knew it!

A view of the Everglades 

Everglades sawtooth grass and flower

First sunset (6:00PM) at Marathon

She was so excited she walked out to this statue at the 

Dolphin Research Center and waited for us to come out

and take her picture,

Her mentor and guide , Rebecca, talk things over before her swim.

Rebecca stayed by her side at all times.

Eagle stuffed in Vistor Center Everglades NP

We didn't get to see any Manatees so this will suffice.

Oh yes, we visited a huge shell store.There were

excellent shells here and coral. (Key Largo)

She shot this one from the ttruck. A Wood Stork