Saint Paul MN - Back home and back to winter

 

I got home to a great winter's day.  It all changed today.  Snowy, windy and quickly dropping temperatures.  Sounds like the cold is going to linger for the balance of the week. 

Cape Coral FL - Hanging with the cousins

 

Drove up to Cape Coral to spend the afternoon hanging with the cousins.  Besides Linda and Mary Jo we got Scot and Kelly and a couple others from Rochester that I haven't seen for ages and ages.  

Linda was in the midst of a great car mess as we arrived - to the wrong address she provided no less.  When we all got to the same spot there were lots of stories and laughs.   

And after many stories about the ground owls in the neighborhood, the one in their front yard popped out to say hello as we were getting ready to head out.

Naples FL - Boat ride through Port Royal and out to the Gulf

 

We got an invite on a beautiful day for a boat ride around the canals at Port Royal and out to the gulf in the late afternoon.  

Great company, great fun and a few waves of water to cool some of us down.  

Naples FL - Back to Naples...

 

Great drive across the vast expanse of everglades and cyprus trees.  And I guess panthers as well - at least a park with that name.  

Amazing how there a huge amounts of people on either coast and mushy watery space separating them for miles and miles. 

And got back to 84F and sunny - no wind.  Finished off at the pool before the sun set. 

Fort Lauderdale FL - And then there is the downtown canal area

 

One more walk before I was on my way.  

Wandered in to the downtown area and the river/canal that runs through there.  Was staying near by in an area that was brand new and around the corner old and run down.  Lots going on in the area on the development front. 

Was surprised to see some very old historical streets preserved as they were surrounded by large towers and other new buildings.  A very unique and interesting area to wander. 

 

Fort Lauderdale FL - West Palm, Boca and a bit of Fort Lauderdale too

 

Came back down the east side of Florida and dropped in here and there in the West Palm Beach Area and then on to Boca Raton.  And finally, landed for a bit in Fort Lauderdale with some others along the way.  

A Completely different feel from the west side of Florida for sure.   

Wandered to the beach.  The traffic was crazy but the beach was empty.  There were big riptide warnings and huge winds so no surprise at the beach - not sure where all the cars were headed.