This preserve is going on my list for the fall, when cooler and more bug-free weather prevails. I’ll be back!
Category Archives: Cape Coral
Please do not feed the critters!
Last week, an ecotour operator made the fatal mistake of enticing an alligator out of the water for the entertainment of the tourists. He lost his hand. The gator, quite unfairly, lost his life. There’s a reason for the law. These are not trained Disney critters. They are wild and real and you’re in their territory. Please keep your hands and feet – and FOOD – inside the vehicle at all times, and don’t mess with the critters. Thank you.
Mystery plant
I’ll need to hit the books when I get home to find out what this is. It was a tree growing by the path in the parking area. Not sure if those are buds or seed pods.
Nature trails
The Eco park includes nature tails but I decided not to brave them – I don’t like to hike an unfamiliar trail alone, plus I got bitten twice in the time it took to stand here and take his shot! I will come back when I’ve got a hiking partner and bug spray.
The Iwo Jima statue
I had to lie on my back at the base of the monument to get this shot. I am grateful that I can still get up from such a position under my own steam! I am not sure why cape coral chose to replicate the statue, and I wonder if it is to scale…
Cape Coral’s veterans memorial
Alongside the road that comes from the bridge, a veterans memorial stands. There’s a vast, shady pavilion, statuary, and you can make a donation to get a paving brick inscribe in memory of a soldier. The World Wars, the Korean conflict, and Vietnam are all represented, as well as more recent wars in the Middle East.
Reading the signs
The kayak rental/launch area is part of the Great Calusa Blueway, and is currently closed for the summer. There’s a nice little picnic area down that way, arranged inside a circular drive.
Wildlife crossing
Your first clue that you’re in a refuge – a sign that warns of slithering, scampering, and sauntering critters. Please do not run them down in your hasty zeal to be one with nature. Thank you!
Today’s adventure: Cape Coral’s Four Mile Cove Eco park
I was in Cape Coral this morning, working on a photo project with a fellow nature geek. On the way over the Midpoint Bridge from Fort Myers, I decided it was high time I’d visited an attraction I’ve passed a dozen times but never stopped. Let’s go!
Tropical Chairs at the Mango Festival
The style may look familiar – their chairs appear at the Island Cow restaurant on Sanibel Island. TropicalChairs@yahoo.com
Crustacean taxidermy! At Mango Mania
This is awesome – R.J. Oceans 352-465-6583 preserves ’em and turns ’em into works of art!
Mote Marine mobile aquarium
This is a really cool display at the Mango Festival – a mobile aquarium! Having fun watching the critters
We found the booze! At Mango Mania #swfl
We have been eating our way around with free samples and now we have found the bar – giant fan blowing, mango rum punch and great tunes. Life is good 🙂
Koreshan Botanical Society
Someone remind me to Google this book!
GIANT Keitt mango
The mango man tells me this is a local variety! Head over to themangofactory.com
Reclaimed teak furniture
This stuff is SO beautiful! If you want to see more ho to www.sumatransun.com
Mango Mania!
It’s a lot bigger on the inside than it looked from the road. There’s a fair amount of cars in the field already. let’s go in!
Heading to the Mango Festival #swfl
We are headed to the Mango Festival on Pine Island. I have friends visiting from up in Callahan and none of us have ever been to this festival – but we are all mango fans! Herwe we go….