Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is another “must do” if you love hiking like I do! My adventure was back in 2007 and although I hiked down solo…I met a couple of guys to chat with along … Continue reading
Hiking the Grand Canyon
Category Archives: North America
Hiking Zion and Bryce National Parks
Hiking in Zion and Bryce National Parks in Utah is a must-do for any nature enthusiast! In 2007 I flew out to Las Vegas, rented a car and was able to spend three nights in Zion, two nights in Bryce, … Continue reading
Hiking Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is as grand as everyone says! I was fortunate to hike about 14 (long and rugged) miles of it one day back in 2006 while traveling solo for a week through California! That’s me…looking small beside the … Continue reading
Tarpon Springs, Florida
As I’m revamping my site…I came across this post I neglected to post while on my 6-week road trip adventure…so…a break in the regular telecasting…
Tarpon Springs is another quaint and historic town in Florida! Through the years I’ve visited most of the “fun in the sun” areas in Florida…Miami..Key West..Ft. Lauderdale..Orlando..St. Augustine..Ft. Myers..Coco Beach…Panhandle, so I was surprised to discover a few of the quaint towns in the Tampa Bay area. Staying with a local and receiving guidance from her made the difference! Thanks Zully!
Today, I ventured off on my own and explored the Tarpon Springs area. With a population of over 23,000, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the U.S. The main street (E. Tarpon Ave.) has some street art (which you know I love) and antique stores.
Browsing in the windows, one store caught my attention–Tarapani’s. It has been run by the same family for 101 years–I spoke with the son and Grandmother–who were the only people in the store. They had some very interesting items and paintings…
This beautiful park was located at the end of the main road…
If you turn right onto Alt. Rt. 19, it will bring you to Dodecanese Blvd.–turn left and you’ll find a street filled with Greek shops & restaurants and the Sponge Docks…
Lots of fishing boats were docked. Some with sponges…
This flower’s beauty stood out to me…
I walked to the end of the street where I found these fishermen. Notice the fish in mid-air. I asked permission to take a photo and they said sure and stood there. I said, “You can keep working” and the guy on the left said, “Oh, thanks!”.
Walking back to my car I took a final photo…
Driving through a residential area of Tarpon Springs, I spotted this lovely home…
I hope you enjoyed your tour of Tarpon Springs and will come back again soon!
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Sunset Magic
A couple of days ago my friends–April & Wayne–and I were at Fort Myers Beach to listen to one of Wayne’s favorite bands at the Holiday Inn, which is situated on the beach. Being a local, he knows where to go! Of course, we had to witness Earth’s daily wondrous display of beauty…the sunset!
When looking back at this photo…we don’t recall what we saw…but liked the photo…
April and I both like to do handstands, cartwheels, and generally just act like kids…so we rushed out in the sand and Wayne started snapping…
We both really liked this photo…it’s quite funny with all of the legs flailing around…
This one has a frenzied motion appeal…
Now we’re to the calmer…controlled stances…
We want this for everyone!
After all of that fun…we danced for a while!
It’s fun to engage the crowd! April pulled these gentlemen up to dance and they were quite surprised and good dancers!
I’m leaving Florida today to drive back to Cincinnati and will arrive tomorrow evening. Just in time to put up my Christmas tree, do a little shopping, baking, attend events and get used to the chill!
I had a great six-week road trip and loved meeting all of the new people, seeing new sights, and experiencing new activities! I’m very grateful and also grateful for all of you!! 🙂
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Beach Magic
Yesterday, April and I had a great day at the Fort Myers Beach! While I was taking a dip in the ocean, I looked up at April and she looked as big as the buildings. It reminded me of the movie that Darrel Hannah was in where she was a giant. It also got me to thinking of how that applies to life and people–how everyone’s perspective is unique to them–shaped by events and people in their lives.
While taking a walk along the beach (which is on my left), I thought this scene of houses and a bit of inlet water was quite pretty.
On our walk, there were plenty of shells to examine and decide which ones were keepers. Here’s April on the hunt…
She found this nice spiral…
I love how the water sparkles like diamonds when the sun hits it, so I asked April to make some magic….
There is magic all around us if we open our eyes!
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Maracas Mania
My friends — April and Wayne — were such fun when I asked them to dance and shake the maracas before we went out for dinner! April is in her early 40’s…don’t you think she’s “hot”? She’s very athletic…in fact she’s out jogging right now as I do this post. She rides a Harley, runs in charity events, bought a boat recently (so she skis)…practices yoga and is a certified holistic health coach (or something like that)!
Of course, Wayne, the guy — has to take it to the next level — juggling with them! And he does it quite well! Isn’t he cute! Wayne is also quite amazing! He’s won awards in his age group (which is still the Fabulous 50’s) for swimming. He swam 12 miles around Key West last year!! He turned me on to the Yoga place here in Fort Myers. He’s also almost single!
Hopefully, we’ve entertained you!
Stay tuned for the next installment of fun!
Best Yoga in Fort Myers
I think some of the best Yoga I’ve experienced is right here in Fort Myers at Fort Myers Fitness 24/7 and it’s only $5.00 (what a deal). I usually do “Hot” Yoga (where the room is 100 degrees) in Cincinnati. I’ve been a few times during the three weeks I’ve been visiting here from Cincinnati and LOVE the instructor. He has a calm presence and voice and explains every move in a fluid fashion and you know you’re working your body and becoming more aware of everything!
This is after class…just posin’ for all of you!
I asked the instructor if he would do a move or two for my blog…
If you haven’t given Yoga a try or its been a long time…I strongly urge you to go. It’s one of the best forms of exercise and will help keep you looking and feeling younger for the rest of your life! There was a lady in the class that was at least 100 lbs. over weight…so it doesn’t matter what shape you start out in! I’ve run a half-marathon, hike, and a multitude of other activities and feel that this gives the best return—both physically and mentally!
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J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Mucky Ducks!
After spending the day on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, I understand why people fall in love with them! Sherry and I stopped at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and hiked a mile around the perimeter loop.
We were on the look-out for alligators…which made it more exciting!
We didn’t see much wildlife because it was the middle of the day. A couple of birds and some turtles!
Sanibel Island is about 12 miles long…so after driving through Sanibel we arrived at Captiva Island. This house caught our eye.
When we arrived to the Allison Hagerup Beach on Captiva, we were prepared to pay the $2.00 per hour fee to park. Unfortunately, I didn’t take my time to read the screen thoroughly and inserted $20.00 and chose the two hour option, before reading the “No change provided” sign on the screen. The irony of this is that I had just chastised my husband a few days earlier for not picking the correct number of hours for our stay.
We took a couple of long walks and I was even able to convince Sherry to brave the chilly water and enter up to her waist.
We timed it just right and arrived to Mucky Ducks at 4:30pm to snag a table on the patio and add our name on the list to be seated for dinner by the windows for the sunset at 5:00pm.
We split the Seafood Platter and a slice of Key Lime Pie!!
We’re getting used to seeing palm trees and Christmas trees next to each other!
What can I say!!
Sherry leaves tomorrow and then my friend April arrives on Thursday. Let’s see how much longer I can find new, fun and interesting things to do here!!
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Food, Friends and Fun in Florida
Last night was so much fun! We spent the evening with a couple who are close family friends of Sherry’s—-Curt and Becky. This is the view from their beautiful home in Cape Coral.
We had yummy Cosmopolitan martinis on their sailboat (docked) before heading out to dinner at Rum Runners.
After the sun set…I took a quick photo before we went to dinner…
I usually order fish…but the filet sounded delicious and it was! Sorry…no photo…I was really hungry!
Kurt and Rebecca have been married for over 30 years and he still makes her laugh!!
This was the view from our table at the restaurant…
Who needs a bar when you can have so much fun dancing at home?
I’m keeping this short and sweet…still recuperating!!
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Fort Myers Beach with the Sherrys
My good friend–Sherry–came to visit for 5 days. Today, we started our day with a bicycle ride. In addition to riding along the avenues, I took her to the abandoned golf course next to the condos. It felt like we … Continue reading
There’s more to Fort Myers, Florida than Beaches
If you’re like me…when you think of certain places like Fort Myers, Florida…you think “Beaches”! After walking around Downtown Fort Myers and their “River District”, I discovered a new layer of personality! Within a few blocks, they’ve packed in Restaurants, Bars, cool architecture, and much more!
I dropped my husband off at the airport yesterday to fly back to Cincinnati. Tonight, I pick my girlfriend “Sherry” up from the airport and she’ll stay for 5 days. We want to go out dancing, so I researched some of the options and one of them was the Red Rock Saloon.
Being that it was a Thursday afternoon…there were only two people inside. They have some great happy hour specials and live music!
I love this wall inside the bar…
The Cigar Bar is well known in town…
Not only do I love reflection shots…barbershops have made the list!
I “heart” Architecture…
The River District is just off of the water…
I keep forgetting it’s almost December!
Cool shop/deli…
I LOVE the colors in Florida!
Even the Administration Building is interesting!!
If you ever visit Fort Myers, I recommend you visit the River District!!
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Edison & Ford Winter Estates and Museum
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates and Museum are well worth the $25 per person fee to have a guided tour! This Banyan tree, one of the largest in the U.S., was planted by Edison on the 20 acres where the Estates, Museum and gardens are located.
Thomas Edison purchased the property in 1885 because bamboo trees are plentiful and he used them in his light bulbs to extend their life. He built two homes on the property. Henry Ford was one of his good friends and bought the property next door. They’re located on the Caloosahatchee River. They both loved nature and planted a wide variety of flowers, trees and plants.
The views are gorgeous!
The entire place is camera friendly and although you’re prohibited from entering the homes, there are areas to view some of the rooms.
As you can see, they’ve decorated for the holidays.
The museum was impressive…not only with the knowledge it conveys, but also in its aesthetic nature.
An “electric pen” looks like fun!
There were lots of family photos and movies to watch. Edison was a workaholic, so it’s nice to see him enjoying time with his family.
My “artsy” shot…
Hope you enjoyed your “virtual” tour! Bye, bye!
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What to do on Sanibel Island
Located 10-15 minutes from Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island has lots of fun things to do! After paying a rather pricey toll charge of $6.00, we devoured a freshly caught grouper sandwich at Grandma Dots restaurant.
Located at a marina, it’s cute and casual!
Driving just a few minutes down the main drag, we arrived at the lighthouse beach and paid $4.00 for two hours of beach time! Today it was warmer…almost 80 degrees…so we took a dip in the ice cold ocean and went for a long walk on the beach!
These paddleboarders were fun to photograph!
I have to give credit to my husband for this photo…
Here’s the bridge we crossed to go back to Ft. Myers/Cape Coral…
Not all beaches are created equal…but I love them all!!
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Lee County Dog Park, Kayaking to Lovers Key State Park & Bicycling
If you live in Florida or travel with your dog…Lee County Dog Park next to Ft. Myers and Lovers Key State Park is a fun..fun place to take your dog! We arrived about 7:30am to meet a friend who took us kayaking and checked out the Dog Park while we waited for him to arrive.
One of the dog owners told us that the place becomes quite busy with dogs and their owners on the weekends. Depending on the tide…you may have to wade through a foot or two of water to get to the little island where the dogs are in the photo below. It was a bit chilly this morning to do that…50 degrees.
I spotted this bird while we were watching the dogs…
I’m becoming obsessed with reflection shots…
I have my down jacket on for the beginning of the kayaking experience. We paddled about three miles total and even ventured out into the Gulf from the coastal waterway. We stopped at Lovers Key State Park and walked around. I’ve only been kayaking once or twice before…so this was a lot of fun! Thanks Wayne!!
Yesterday, the lumberjack and I went and bought a couple of used beach cruisers to leave for the family members that let us use their condos…and for anyone else that visits. We purposely bought these type…you know…the old style where you push back on the pedals to stop and only one gear…forward!
We took a ride this afternoon. Of course, the lumberjack would have to ride by me and screech his brakes really loudly to scare me…which worked…but also made me angry! This was after the chain fell off…preventing me from being able to stop…which was scary! But…I had fun!
We’re headed to have a drink at the small beach nearby and a bite to eat…while we watch the sunset. Lovin’ Florida!!
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Sherry Lachelle Travels 